Facts on Gold / Sterling Silver & Birthstone Chart.

How is the purity of gold measured?

The purity of gold is measured using the karat system of measurements. Very simply, gold is usually (mixed) with other metals, such as copper and nickel. This makes the gold more durable for jewelry use by harding the gold. In it's purest form, gold is 24KT. This is the highest purity measurment of gold. Most jewelry in the U.S. is sold in either 18KT, 14KT, or 10KT purity. This means that the gold is mixed with other metals, usually copper or nickel. As an example, 14Kt gold jewelry is about 58.5% pure, and the rest is alloy. All companies pay based on the karet purity weight of gold.

24K is 99.99% pure

18K is 75% pure

14K is 58.5% pure

10K is 41.6% pure

Gold is weighed by Troy ounce there are 31.1034768 gram in a troy ounce.

20 dwt (penny weight) in a Troy ounce.

1 gram= 0.6 penny weight

1 penny weight=0.05 grams



What is the differnce between sterling silver and pure silver?

The biggest difference is that sterling is usally alloyed (mixed) with another metals, such as nickel or zinc to harden the silver for everyday use. Most sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, while pure silver is 99.9% or 99.5% pure. A common hallmark you will find on sterling silver is '925'

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Birthstone Chart:

January: Garnet

February: Amethyst

March: Aquarine

April: Diamond

May: Emerald

June: Cultured pearl

July: Ruby

August: Peridot

September: Sapphire

October: Opal

November: Citrine

December: Blue Topaz