| 1) We have all seen the ads touting "SOLID 14K | | | | knowingly involved in such nefarious proceedings. |
| GOLD." However, this is simply not true as there | | | | However, a shipment of alloy from their chemical |
| exists no such jewelry item containing solid 14k gold. | | | | company could inadvertently contain certain |
| Solid gold is as it exists when mined from the earth in | | | | contaminated metals that could cause your "green |
| an exceptionally pure form. It's entire make up is | | | | finger." This is uncommon, but does exist. |
| simply pure gold-or as defined in the modern world; | | | | 3) "I'm truly confused. We looked at a number of |
| 24 karat gold. | | | | 14k gold rings in well known fine jewelry stores with |
| To attain the level of 14k gold, the chemist must | | | | fine reputations and there seems to be no consistent |
| dilute the pure 24k (1,000%) gold with a 'specification | | | | shade of gold. How do I know which is the best 14k |
| alloy' of approximately 415%. According to all | | | | gold?" Excellent question and my answer to that will |
| worldwide acceptable standards- the pure gold has | | | | put your mind at ease. |
| now been reduced to 14k gold, or in many countries | | | | Most precious metals manufacturers purchase all their |
| .585 gold. | | | | metals from well established precious metal |
| Following this formula, 18k gold must contain 750% | | | | laboratories. Since the American market for precious |
| pure gold, 250% alloy. | | | | metal jewelry is the world's largest-there are fine |
| 2) "Why did my brand new, solid 14k gold ring turn | | | | jewelry items on display from a multitude of |
| my finger green? My other 14k gold rings wear fine | | | | countries with 1000s of manufacturers. |
| and are no problem." | | | | Pure 24k gold is a rather "yucky" color and these |
| There are two MAIN areas in which this problem can | | | | special precious metals chemists know exactly how |
| occur. Neither one is very nice. One, the ring may | | | | to blend various metals to obtain the 'shade of gold' |
| have a hallmark inside the shank indicating 14k, but | | | | to their liking. The exception is "specification gold." |
| could be anything but...The Jewelers Board of Trade, | | | | Large retailers can specify the shade they prefer, |
| and the U.S. Customs Service are overwhelmed and | | | | and the chemist can create that specific shade with |
| undermanned and there is far too much fraud being | | | | all the proper alloys at his disposal. |
| perpetrated upon an unsuspecting purchaser by | | | | In our next exclusive "3 JEWELRY |
| dishonest jewelers. Too many known instances | | | | SECRETS...REALLY..."segment, I will continue to share |
| whereupon the gold content is very, very low | | | | my 50 year knowledge of the wonderful world of |
| wherein the percentage of alloy simply overwhelms | | | | jewelry. |
| the gold content-thereby making such a "green | | | | PS: STERLING SILVER IS UP NEXT. Please let us |
| finger" reaction possible. | | | | know your most important question(s.) We will try to |
| Legitimate precious metal manufacturers are never | | | | help with knowledgeable answers... |