1.SILVER (SILVER AG)
It is a soft white and shiny metal, the best conductor of heat and extremely ductile. We rarely find native silver in nature. Most of it is mainly produced as a byproduct from mining of other elements such as copper or lead.
RATING-PURITY
The purity of silver is expressed in millimeters (rate per thousand of the weight). The silver items must bear a stamp indicating the alloy with which the object or ornament was constructed, usually 800 ‰ or 925 ‰.
Since pure silver 1000 ‰ is soft metal in order to be worked effectively, alloys are created with impurities of other metals, in order to “harden” and give us durable objects for everyday use e.g. dining cutlery, serving trays or personal items such as key rings, letter openers, jewelry, rosaries, etc.
SILVER OBJECTS-JEWELRY
Being extremely malleable, silver has always been the ideal precious metal for the construction of large valuable objects such as utensils for the table, candlesticks, trays, dinner sets, teapots, champagne bowls, vases, sweet dishes, jugs etc.
Of course, very precious necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and brooches are produced with incredible beauty and elegance. Silver, being a “soft” metal, we find carved, embossed jewelry, made with filigree, fringed with fine performances, meanders and colourful gemstones.
In the post-Byzantine period we also have silver jewelry of decorative character. The technique is engraved, forged, cast, punched and sometimes combined with gold K14 or K18.
Therefore, amazing wrist-cuffs / bracelets, crosses with rubies, sapphires and emeralds as well as jewelry boxes with turquoise stone, collectible cigarette holders and cufflinks with pearls and lapis lazuli, all handmade.
SILVER ICONS
The silver icons greatly impress nowadays. Replicas of old Byzantine icons in sterling silver 925 picturing saints, provide unique value and beauty.
So, we have icons with a silver frame in modern wood, with silver halos, hand-made serigraphs and silver on aged natural wood.
In decoration, issues such as Christ, the Cross, the Virgin, the Saints, the tree of life, the Last Supper etc, have a prominent position.
The hand-made silk-screen printing technique gives a breath of fresh style to the “Byzantine icons.” The halos are decorated with colourful stones and are usually gilded with gold K22.
2. GOLD (Αu)
Gold is a popular metal, bright golden yellow in colour with excellent luster. It is popular because it can take any form that an artist wishes to capture as it is the most tractile and the most ductile metal.
CARATS - GRADES
The content of gold is expressed in parts one by one thousand 1/1000. Pure gold is 1000/1000. The term carat (= 1/24) is also used. Pure gold is 24 carats. Jewelry is mainly made with gold 585/1000 (14 carats), often 750/1000 (18 carats) and more rarely 375/1000 (9 carats). 18K gold is the most recognized gold alloy in the world and is characterized as “18K” in the U.S. and as “750” in Europe.
GOLD JEWELRY
Due to the fact that pure gold is a soft K24 metal, alloys are often created by impurities to “harden” and mould most effectively in order to make jewelry.
Usually, for the gold to become K18, it is mixed with copper, silver, zinc or other metals. In K18 we find gold jewelry inspired by the archaic, classical and Byzantine period. Fantastic rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings with precious stones, pearls, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, tourmalines and diamonds.
The ancient jewels that were developed during the Mycenaean and Cretan culture are gold, of 18 carat gold without precious stones and are hammered and filigree. Bearing representations of human figures or animals, rams, lions ,snakes, bees, dolphins and flowers.
In K14 and K18 gold we find jewelry that exudes the dynamism of the 80s, art deco pendants, cocktail rings, vintage pieces, crosses with strong design, pearl necklaces with gold clasp and a folkloric style, chandelier earrings and ethnic bracelets be they handmade or not. And of course for a more refreshed look all this jewelry is produced in rose gold too (colour made from the admixture of gold with copper).
BABY JEWELRY
Of course, baby gold jewelry in gold K14 and K18 can be found. Madonnas, amulets, Byzantine coins, blue “eyes” for luck and good fortune, baptism crosses with stones and diamonds in solid chains and lastly wonderful bracelets with charms which are after all the latest fashion.
CARE
Gold doesn’t tarnish and is not affected by most chemicals. It needs to be protected from being hit and from abrasion because it scratches and loses some of its shine with time and poor daily use.
3. WHITE GOLD
In technical terms there is no white gold in nature. The combination of gold with other light metals such as rhodium, which is a “white” metal, results in producing a different colour shade. Thus, the golden yellow gold is transformed into silver white gold. White gold is popular due to its appearance and its lower price compared to platinum.
WHITE GOLD JEWELRY
In white gold, be it K14 or K18 we find fine jewelry for engagements, the traditional engagement ring, wedding rings and men’s cufflinks. One can find exquisite earrings with diamonds and precious stones, sophisticated bracelets with charms, trendy pearl rings and necklaces with large stones vintage-style.
WHITE GOLD CATEGORIES
Α. WHITE GOLD 18Κ – NICKEL
- 75% gold mixed with copper, nickel, zinc or even palladium.
- Must be coated with rhodium and re-coating with rhodium “over-rhodium” during the year, depending on usage.
- Cannot easily be molded
- Skin irritation to those who are allergic to nickel.
Β. WHITE GOLD 18Κ – PALLADIUM
- Gold 75%, palladium 25%
- Must be coated with rhodium and re-coating with rhodium “over-rhodium” during the year, depending on usage.
- Can easily be molded
- More expensive than white gold K18 with nickel
- It almost never causes skin irritation.
4. PLATINUM (Ρt)
Platinum is a beautiful metal used in jewelry manufacturing in purity 950/1000.
Pure platinum in its natural form is silver-white, a rare metal more expensive in value than gold that is mixed in the laboratory with inferior white metals to have a “white” appearance.
It doesn’t weaken, it doesn’t tarnish and is ideal for those with sensitive skin as it is hypoallergenic.
PLATINUM JEWELRY
It is known that such a precious metal is transformed into precious jewels. Exceptional diamond rings, single diamond rings, necklaces, earrings with brilliant cut diamonds and precious stones, designer bracelets and special brooches from Platinum 950 ‰ are the finest that 21st century jewelry can boast of in handmade work.