Gold (Au) - properties and use
Gold (Au) – is the symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is an excellent material for making jewelry due to its flexibility. Gold is also resistant to corrosion and does not tarnish over time.
Gold is one of the most sought-after elements on the periodic table, primarily in the jewelry industry because of its beauty and durability. Gold has been valued throughout history for its beauty and lasting properties.
Gold is used to create rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and more. It is a precious metal, often considered the purest and most valuable, symbolizing longevity.
Gold purity is expressed in karats (KT), with 24 karats being pure gold. The alloy containing 75% gold is described as 18 karat gold. The relative amount of precious metal in the alloy is called fineness. For example, a gold ring with a fineness of 585 contains 585 mg of pure gold per gram.
Gold hallmarks in Lithuania
| Hallmark | Gold content | Karats | Status in Lithuania | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 99.9% | 24K | Official LT hallmark | Investment gold, bars, coins |
| 958 | 95.8% | 23K | Historical | Used in dentistry |
| 916 | 91.6% | 22K | Official LT hallmark | High-quality items, popular in Eastern countries |
| 750 | 75% | 18K | Official LT hallmark | Premium jewelry |
| 585 | 58.5% | 14K | Official LT hallmark | Most common in jewelry |
| 583 | 58.3% | 14K | Soviet-era standard | Soviet-period items |
| 375 | 37.5% | 9K | Official LT hallmark | Budget jewelry |
| 333 | 33.3% | 8K | German standard, marked "met" in LT | German-made items |
Gold symbol and history
Throughout cultures worldwide, gold has symbolized wealth and prosperity. Olympic medals are gold-plated, as are the Grammy and Oscar statuettes. Countries store gold reserves in their central banks.
Gold has been valued for millennia by various cultures not only for its beauty but also for its corrosion resistance — unlike many other metals, it does not tarnish and retains its shine. These properties have made it a symbol of permanence and value.
Wedding rings are traditionally made of gold, as it is considered one of the most precious metals and traditionally symbolizes marriage.
The price chart for gold (in dollars per ounce) can be found at www.gold.org
Silver (Ag) – properties and use
Silver (Ag) is one of the most popular metals from which jewelry is made. It is a beautiful, durable, and reasonably inexpensive metal. Silver-made jewelry is long-lasting, and the metal is pliable and suitable for crafting impressive items.
Silver has been valued in various cultures for centuries, both for its beauty and practical properties. It has been used in decorative items, tableware and coins. Modern fashion designers explore ways to integrate silver into textiles for innovative items.
Silver hallmarks in Lithuania
| Hallmark | Silver content | Status in Lithuania | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 99.9% | Official LT hallmark | Investment silver, bars |
| 925 | 92.5% | Official LT hallmark | Sterling silver, jewelry |
| 916 | 91.6% | Historical | Enameled tableware |
| 875 | 87.5% | Soviet-era standard | Soviet-period items |
| 830 | 83% | Official LT hallmark | Scandinavian items |
| 800 | 80% | Official LT hallmark | Tableware, dishes |
Silver care
If you've ever had any silver jewelry, you'll know that over time it loses its shine and starts to blacken. Over time, all silver will tarnish, regardless of quality or price. Although you can't avoid it, you can certainly slow down the process.
One of the main ways to do this is to keep silver jewelry in airtight bags or boxes. After wearing jewelry, before putting it in its case, be sure to clean it. When cleaning silver, gently rinse with warm water and soap. Dry with a soft cloth to remove water stains. Polishing silver jewelry is another good way to keep it in good condition so it doesn't lose its shine over time.
If you are seeking a partner that is compatible, enduring, and promises to be with you for ages, silver should be your choice.
Silver price (dollars per ounce)
Amber - Lithuanian gold
Amber jewelry is a great addition to any style of clothing. Amber is a beautiful natural gemstone, full of rich history. It tells about our environment and ancient civilizations.
Have you ever seen a fly sealed in amber? She could have been buzzing around dinosaurs millions of years ago. Throughout world history, amber beads and amulets were liked by rich and influential people.
Amber properties and colors
Since amber is resin rather than stone, it has certain differences from other gemstones. Amber is light compared to other gemstones. Due to its softness, amber is a more delicate gemstone. Amber comes in many colors and shades — the most common color is honey brown. In fact, there are 256 identified shades of amber.
Uniqueness of Baltic amber
Although amber can be found in jewelry stores around the world, the gemstones themselves are sourced from a very specific region — the Baltic Sea coast. Baltic amber has a unique chemical composition (containing 3–8% succinic acid) that distinguishes it from other types of amber found worldwide.
Amber in culture and traditions
Amber is traditionally considered a symbol of marriage, representing an eternal bond of love. It is also the gemstone of the tenth wedding anniversary. In various cultures, amber was worn as an amulet with symbolic meaning attributed to it.
Amber care
Amber should only be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. You can polish it with olive oil and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning agents and ultrasonic cleaning — they can damage the amber's surface.