Better Color Contrast on Bi-Color and Tri-Color
We often get requests from customers for a yellower, redder, whiter or greener color for bi-color or tri-color jewelry. The usual problem is a lack of color contrast in the jewelry. On investigation, the items they are trying to make usually have a high luster finish on the whole finished piece. What the eye sees is reflected light when looking at the high polished surface; this washes out any color contrast in the finished item. Using a different alloy will not solve the color contrast problem.
The only way to solve the color contrast problem is to vary the surface finish on the multicolor gold jewelry item. You can use a high luster finish on one part and a matte, brushed or sandblast finish on the second or third part of a different color. The texture variation will break up the reflected light and optimize the color contrast. A diamond cut is sometimes used on larger areas of the matt surfaces to add a little sparkle to these areas.
An excellent example of the use of surface texture to enhance color variation is in "Black Hills" gold jewelry. The gold jewelry is usually tri-color and the use of textured finishes is exclusively used to achieve optimum color contrast.
We often get requests to refine silver plated tableware. We don't
refine silver plated tableware as the costs of refining exceed the value of the silver recovered. It is best not to mix silver plated items in with your sterling silver scrap
submitted, as it will dilute the value of the silver contained in your scrap and lower your return. Silver plated items in good condition can often be sold online or at flea
markets, complete sets or unusual pieces are quite saleable.
We have run across a number of what appear to be circulated old US silver dollars. These coins are silver plated base metal and strongly magnetic. Before you purchase any
old US silver dollars, check the coins with a magnet to ensure that the coins you have are not of this fake variety. If the coins are strongly magnetic, then you may have a fraud.
It will save you a lot of money and grief to be on alert for these coins. Other large silver coins such as old Mexican Pesos should also be checked with a magnet before acquiring.