All precious metals have their own charm and individual properties. Certain metals suit different products due to their durability and strength.
Depending on the design, the best metal for the job requires careful consideration, thinking about the balance of colour between metal and gemstone and durability.
Platinum is pure white metal with the highest density of all the precious metals, making it the most durable. It has a great weight and feel because of its density and can be re-polished repeatedly to retain its beauty, making it the ultimate white metal.
South Africa, Russia & North America
Palladium is a pure white metal and part of the platinum family. It’s 50% lighter than platinum, using half as much metal for the same item. It has a similar hardness as 18ct gold and, like platinum, can be polished repeatedly to retain its beauty.
South Africa, Russia & North America
The most popular colours of gold are yellow, white and rose. Pure gold is soft and has to alloy with other metals to make it more durable. Historically gold’s purity was measured in carats, 24 being pure, with 18ct and 9ct being used for jewellery. White gold is typically plated in Rhodium to give it a pure white finish. Plating wears off over time, requiring re-plating to retain its beauty.
South Africa, Australia, North America, Indonesia, Peru, Papa New Guinea & Japan
Silver is a pure white metal and has been mined for around 5000 years. Its malleability allows it to be crafted into large vessels and pieces of jewellery. Silver’s softness is less hardwearing than other precious metals. Its price makes it more affordable for fashion jewellery.
Greece, Turkey, Germany, Mexico, Peru, Chile, China, Australia & Russia
Hallmarking or Assaying is the process of testing the purity of precious metals. The need to introduce a standard came about as early as 1238 by Henry III, as fraud was becoming a problem with re-alloying precious metals. In 1300 King Edward I passed a statute requiring all goldsmiths to use specific purities for gold and silver. The introduction of the first mark required a leopard head to be stamped on all items.
Over time the process of Assaying became more strict. Today, we see the culmination of many centuries of enhancements to the testing of metals and the hallmarking of items made from precious metals, possibly the first example of consumer protection.
To sell items made from precious metals, the goldsmith was required to register a unique maker’s mark, typically ones initials. A punch would be made to stamp every item once its purity had been tested.
We have used my hallmark as the CMS logo, and proud to be a part of history in maintaining this tradition.
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