Gold (Au) - is a soft, corrosion resistant, easily formed metal.

• Karat (K) - the term for the measure of gold in an alloy. Karat marks began being used on gold in 1890.
  24K = 1.000 = pure gold
  22K = .917 = 91.7% gold
  18K = .750 = 75.0% gold
  14K = .585 = 58.5% gold
  10K = .417 = 41.7% gold
• Gold Filled (G/F) - gold alloy is combined with sterling silver or base metal in layers. The alloy is drawn or rolled into the desired thickness and shape.
• Gold Plated (G/P) - typically, copper coated with a thin layer of gold.
  Vermeil - 18K gold is washed over sterling silver or other metal. Term also refers to other metals, usually base metals that have been washed over with a metal such as silver or copper.

Silver (Ag) - a lustrous, silvery-white metal that is easily formed. Silver has the highest thermal and electrical conductivity of all metals. Silver will patina or darken over time.

• Fine Silver = .999 = Pure Silver
• Sterling Silver = .925 = 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
• Coin Silver = .900 = 90.0% silver, 10% copper
• Silver Plated (S/P) - typically, copper is coated with a thin layer of silver.

Nickel (Ni) - a tough, corrosion resistant material that is easily molded and silvery in color.

• Nickel Silver (also known as German Silver or Gun Metal) - a silvery, hard, corrosion resistant, malleable alloy of 65% copper, 18% zinc, 17% nickel. There is no silver in nickel silver.

Copper (Cu) - a reddish-brown metallic element that is easily shaped.

• Brass (Br) - an alloy of 75% copper and 25% zinc.
• Bronze (Bz) - an alloy containing 90% copper and 10% tin.

Hypoallergenic Metals:

• Niobium (Nb)
• Titanium ( Ti)
• Surgical Stainless Steel (SSS)

Other Metals:

• Pewter - an alloy containing 92% tin and 8% antimony.
• Base Metal - non-precious metal also referred to as pot metal or jeweler's metal.