Why are silver and gold used for jewelry?

Answer 1

Gold and silver are the most valuable metals that are essentially nontoxic to humans, are cost effective to work with and have the most reasonable upkeep both on and off the the human body. Both metals oxidize slowly, gold virtually not at all but can still use a good cleaning now and again (oxidize means rust/discolor). They retain their luster well & they won't affect the color of your skin. While silver does tarnish (another word for oxidize) it can be kept up with regular, simple cleanings. Gold is one of the most malleable metals making it a good medium for shaping into many delicate forms. 24k or pure gold is mostly too soft to use for jewelry so we use 14k or other alloys of gold. "Alloy" means a metal is mixed with another metal. Using gold alloys (14k, 18k, etc.) makes gold stronger while retaining all the things we love about it. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, thus, the 925 stamp on silver items. It is considered the most reflective metal and is sometimes plated in rhodium to keep its shine, though, that process can change its look & reflectivity. The only other valuable metals in this category are platinum which is more expensive than gold and titanium, which is very difficult to work & also very expensive. Those some of the main reasons it always come back to gold and silver when you're talking jewelry.

Answer 2

Gold is used because it doesn't root or fade the metal. Silver is used because it doesn't corrode easily.