In modern society, it is increasingly possible to meet the concepts of "surgical steel" and "stainless steel". We are talking about high-quality alloys, where the presence of precious metals is 40-30%. Also, this material is called ligature. From pure precious metals alloys are distinguished by high strength and resistance to the effects of the external environment.
What it is?
The main component of expensive alloys are Silver, Gold or Platinum (GOST 30649-99). Additional elements are Zinc, copper, cadmium and palladium. As a rule, their percentage is small. Alloys with the addition of surgical steel, chromium and nickel are used for the manufacture of jewelry.
Less often meet alloys from Titan . The composition is used for the manufacture of jewelry, which is distinguished by a long service life and durability. However, their cost is quite high.
Where applies?
Hypoallergenic jewelry alloy is applied in the manufacture of original and stylish jewelry. We are talking about rings, earrings, coulters, cufflinks and diadems. Additional elements allow you to adjust the original parameters of precious metals: color, hardness, hardware and durability. For example, a combination of gold and nickel gives decorations a light, brilliant shade. This combination allows you to get white gold. As for non-precious alloys, it is worth mentioning two well-known options: Melchior and Neanilber. They are often confused with noble silver. In addition to the original jewelry, cuisine utensils, figurines, various figures and cups create from jewelry steel.
Sustal gold (subtle layers) often use masters for coating domes (church), frames for icons and native crosses.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of jewelry steel, which is used to create jewelry, are the following characteristics:
- hypoallergenic;
- features resistance to external factors;
- Democratic value;
- Universality - jewelry made of jewelry alloy, relevant for women and men of different ages.
However, there are still shortcomings . For example, some jewelry, falling into an aggressive environment, darken. Over time, products created from the hypoallergenic alloy are wear out and break. The destructive effect on the jewelry alloy provides food vinegar, aggressive detergents and drinks with alcohol content. It is not recommended to allow manganese products, as it is instantly "absorbed", and it is almost impossible to wash it. Also, if there is nickel, the risk of allergic reaction increases.
Note that in the past century, many jewelers were widely used by a jewelry alloy, which was attended by lead. Today, this element is under a strict ban. The reason is the negative effect of this metal on the human body.
Varieties
In modern jewelry, there are several combinations that have certain characteristics and properties. The most popular are the following alloys.
- Silver . Argentum in pure form is characterized by a tendency to oxidation and with time it darkens. In this regard, jewelers often for the manufacture of various products use combinations of silver with copper, aluminum and nickel. As for samples, the alloys data have the following stamps: 875, 960, 830 and 925. As a rule, most silver alloys have a tendency to form a taxation, so they are subjected to various types of processing.
- Gold . This option refers to the most expensive and luxurious. The composition of this material includes: gold, cadmium, nickel, zinc and platinum. Nickel and copper help the precious material to get high strength. Silver allows gold to acquire an amazing shine. In modern jewelry, alloys with gold, gallium and aluminum appeared. Alloys data have an original lilac or purple shade. Silver enclosures allows you to purchase a grayish tone. At high rates began to get blue gold. A reddish jewelry alloy gives a "synthesis" of silver with cadmium. The most popular are the following samples: 585, 986 and 750. Gold alloys are distinguished by a presentable appearance, beautiful glitter and durability.
Today, the alloys of white, red and yellow shades are very popular.
- Platinum . Luxurious option designed for connoisseurs of noble white shine. This composition is characterized by high plasticity and long service life. There are rhodium, copper and cobalt. It is these inclusions that allow platinum for a long time to maintain a presentable appearance and strength. Products have samples: 850, 950 and 900.
Caring for jewelry made of jewelry alloy can hardly be called complex. D. Residually regularly wipe products with flannel or cotton cloth. To reduce the risk of breakdown Remove in front of sports workouts and repair work (especially during painting). It is unwittingly allowed to contact jewelry with marine or chlorinated water.
You can not clean earrings and rings using aggressive detergents or liquid, in the composition of which acid substances are present. . The easiest way is the method of purification using the usual chalk . It is enough to rub the product made from the jewelry alloy, and the remnants are removed with a wet cloth.
The following video presents additional information about jewelry alloys.