Hiya!
How is everyone doing out there? Is your state starting to open up? Are you beginning to venture out more? Will you go out more even if you can? So many questions and so few answers.
It does us no good to dwell on the unknown so let’s jump in! With gold prices on the rise again, as of writing this, gold is currently at $1,736.20/oz, is there an alternative? Granted there is nothing quite like the lustrous shine of gold but have you considered brass? Before balking at the thought of wearing brass jewelry, is there really that much difference in the way it looks. Would you even be able to tell the difference?
Gold is a rare metal found in nature in quartz veins. 24kt gold is considered pure gold. To learn more about the purity of gold read my blog “The Gold Standard” dated February 24, 2020. Gold is known for its bright, lustrous yellow color. Gold is very dense but also very “soft” which is why jewelry is rarely 24kt gold! It is most often mixed with other metals which gives it its different colors of white, rose, and green. More on the colors of gold in a future post.
Gold does not tarnish or rust. It does not react with most acids, even though it can be dissolved in aqua regia, which is a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids and also cyanide. Jewelry is the biggest use of gold.
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Some other common uses are investment purposes, in dentistry for fillings, crowns and bridges, in electronics and computers and in medals and statues.
Like gold brass also has warm yellowish tones. It can gleam as “good as gold” but will often times appear duller and not quite as yellow.
Brass is not a pure metal. It is an alloy of copper and zinc. By varying the amount of copper and zinc mixed, different varieties of brass can be produced. Brass does react to many acids and is magnetic. Gold is not magnetic. Brass will tarnish over time.
Because of brass’ malleability, durability, workability and its close resemblance in looks to gold it too can make beautiful jewelry!
from MAE jewelry
CKS jewelry
MAE jewelry
Aside from jewelry brass has numerous applications and is used in making musical instruments, decorative items, machinery and household items.
There are a few telltale signs which can help you determine if a piece of jewelry is gold or brass. Color, despite the resemblance, is still a good way to determine what metal you are looking at. Gold is shinier and yellower! Gold will leave a gold mark when scratched across unpolished ceramic. Brass, however will leave a black streak when scratched across the same surface. Gold is quite dense. Brass is not. Simply toss the object in the air or quickly raise and lower it. Gold will feel heavier.
A couple of other ways to test whether something is gold or brass is using an acid test. Brass will react gold will not. If the item is showing signs of tarnish it is definitely brass! Brass is magnetic, so taking a magnet to the piece can help determine if something is brass or pure gold. It is possible that gold can still be slightly magnetic if mixed with other metals.
Jewelry will most likely have a mark identifying its purity. Finally, look at the price. Is it expensive? It’s certainly got to be gold! Ok, it might still be brass, and whoever made it or is selling it may be trying to make you think it is gold or might just be REALLY proud of the work!
Until next time, stay sale, stay well!
ENJOY!!
cheryl