Facing Off Gold, Silver and Platinum With Titanium

Titanium jewelry possesses many fine attributes, which makes it a worthy choice for us. Choosing its outstanding qualities for ourselves can without question fashion our titanium choices with excellence in our gifts to others. The traditional precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are not the end-all of exceptional selections.

Titanium's high resistance to corrosion protects its luster and keeps it from tarnishing hand over fist above the ability of the others. We can predict in fact that gold and silver bracelets, for instance, will in time lack their distinct luminosity, diminishing the brilliance we bought the jewelry for. The oxygen we live on affects the metals chemically, fading their color. And if we wear the jewelry more than we store it, the perspiration from our bodies speeds up this process.

The hypoallergenic nature of titanium adds to our desire to buy the jewelry, especially for people whose skin reacts adversely to traditional precious metals; silver and gold is often mixed with nickle, which many people are allergic to. Titanium very rarely reacts with biological tissues and its alloys, and choosing it allays the pain and suffering of allergies.

Titanium's durability and scratch resistance exceeds the other metals by quite a margin. We can engage in outdoor activities with no thought of damaging our rings and things, even in water sports. When we wear our silver and gold, our caution compels us to remove the items during many activities to prevent us from defacing the jewelry with scratches or worse. We can avoid such inconveniences when we select titanium jewelry for our everyday wear. An enjoyable aspect of titanium promotes comfort with its strength to weight ratio. The much stronger titanium as compared to silver and gold is also a lot lighter than they are; even steel loses out to our long enduring titanium.

The fashion setters wear titanium jewelry. Its newness and versatility in the industry has created dynamic and innovative combinations with silver, gold, and also gems. The jewelers can engrave it, can manifest the illustrious finish the same as with the traditional adornments. Unlike gold and silver, a jeweler can add color to men's titanium rings or men's titanium bracelets with anodization.

Resource Box
The author, Timothy G. Cochran, writes freelance articles and more. Because of interests in Jewelery and internet marketing, he has written for SilverWOW!, the owner of a popular Unique Mens Jewelry, for over a year. SilverWOW! sells a selection of ( http://www.silverwow.net/ ) Mens Unique Bracelets & Chains and specializes in Heavy Designs ( http://www.silverwow.net/mens-chunky-silver-necklaces.html ). Tim has been writing for a couple of decades. Anyone and everyone may republish this article in part or in full as long as none of the wording is changed and the original Resource Box stays intact, unchanged, and is included with the article when any part of it is republished, anywhere. ~Tim Cochran

Gold, Silver And Platinum - They're Not Called 'Precious' Metals For Nothing

When you're buying a special piece of jewellery - whether it's an engagement ring or a birthday necklace - it's likely you'll hear the term 'precious metal' thrown around a lot. But what exactly is a precious metal - and what makes it so 'precious'? When it comes to jewellery, the three most precious metals are silver, gold and platinum - in that particular order. And if you're buying jewellery made out of these metals, it's important to know what each of them denotes, and how expensive they are, before making your purchase.

Silver, for example, is one of the cheapest precious metals, and currently sits at about one fiftieth the price of gold by mass, although it did once trade at one sixth the price of gold before the Age of Discovery. As a soft metal, silver needs to be alloyed with other metals before being made into jewellery, in order to make the metal stronger and more resistant. 'Sterling Silver' needs to contain at least 92.5% pure silver in order to gain this mark (the remaining 7.5% is usually comprised of copper). This small copper content means that silver jewellery is likely to tarnish, so if you're thinking about buying a sterling silver ring or bracelet, it's important to make sure you clean in properly. Many people like to use toothpaste to clean silver jewellery, but if you're looking for a less abrasive cleaning formula, it's best to invest in a silver-cleaning fluid at the time of purchase. Further, to make sure the silver jewellery you've bought is high quality, ensure that it's been stamped with a purity mark (like 925) before you buy.

Gold, on the other hand, has long-held associations with investment and wealth as a precious metal. As with silver, gold is a soft metal and so also has to be alloyed with other metals to make it hard enough for jewellery making. Pure gold, for example is yellow, while white gold is gold that has been alloyed with nickel, copper and zinc, and can sometimes look similar to platinum. In this way, the colour of gold can be manipulated in order to create a number of different types.

Of these three popular precious metals, however, platinum is the most expensive. Its heavy-weight and durable nature means that it's great for diamond-encrusted jewellery and is similar in colour, though not in properties, to white gold. Generally speaking, platinum jewellery is 90% pure platinum and 10% iridium or palladium alloy. Moreover, jewellery that contains more than 95 per cent pure platinum is marked 'platinum' (950 plat or 950pt), whereas 85 percent pure platinum will be marked 850plat or 850pt. Platinum jewellery is rapidly gaining popularity and other related metals - like palladium and titanium - are, as a result being used with increasing frequency in jewellery-making. Hence, platinum jewellery designs are often modern and chunky, with an ethos that reflects the lifestyle of its new buyers.

Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

What Are The Differences Between Silver, Gold And Platinum Credit Cards?

Status: Making others envious

Undoubtedly, Silver credit cards, gold credit cards, and above all Platinum Credit Cards bestow an idea of status to the cardholder much like a luxurious car, a yacht, expensive clothing, jewels and other onerous possessions.

There is nothing wrong with that, but one may wonder if that is sufficient reason for requesting a financial product or paying substantially more money for it. If there is no other useful feature, or as we want to point out in this article, there is a tendency to reduce the differences as to real financial advantages between these products, we see no reason to pay excessive issuing costs and maintenance fees just because of the color or material of a credit card.

Credit Limit

At the beginning of the credit cards' story, the main difference between these credit cards was that the amount of money you could spend with them differed substantially. Platinum Credit Cards had a credit limit much like a classic credit card, gold credit cards had higher limits and Platinum Credit Cards claimed to have no limits at all (we say claim because there was not and there isn't such thing as no limits. However, to be honest the credit limit is high enough to consider that claim to be true.).

However, lately the limits of platinum cards and gold cards have come close enough to judge the difference insignificant. Thus, it seems to be no reason to pay the higher charges of gold cards if that is the only difference between them. Moreover, as both limits are increasing and reaching considerable amounts, platinum credit cards and their no limit feature begins to be less appealing.

Income implications

Since there were income requirements to qualify for these credit cards, being a cardholder of a silver credit card meant you had certain income, being a gold credit card holder meant your income was higher and so on. This could be an easy way for others to know how much you made without you talking about it. Store Card accounts could be opened without credit checks, etc.

However, the qualification requirements' differences have also been reduced and even platinum credit cards which where a type of credit card that could be obtained by invitation only are now offered to anyone who can qualify for it and qualifying is not that harder than qualifying for a gold credit card.

Membership Fees

The only substantial difference between these credit cards seem to be the membership fees, renewal fees, issuing fees, etc. Thus, as stated above, it seems as you are paying higher amounts just to make it clear that you can pay higher amounts. The benefits of having a higher grade credit card seemed to have banished and thus it might be advisable to think twice before accepting an offer from a bank that includes this kind of cards.

Sarah Dinkins is an Expert Loan Consultant in the financial industry that helps people to repair their credit and get approved for home loans, unsecured personal loans, student loans, consolidation loans, car loans and other types of loans and financial products. At her website www.badcreditfinancialexperts.com/article/ she is continually adding new finance articles useful for those in need of professional advice.

Gold, Silver, and Platinum - All About Wedding Jewelry Precious Metals

When you begin shopping for your wedding jewelry, the choices can be overwhelming. Not only are there numerous options, but you want your engagement ring, wedding band, and bridal jewelry sets to have a cohesive style. To get you started, take a look at this guide which explains the differences between all the different types of wedding jewelry metals, including gold, platinum, and silver.

Gold has been a traditional material for wedding jewelry for thousands of years. Malleable enough to fashion into decorative designs, durable enough to last for generations, gold has been one of the most revered precious metals since ancient times. Gleaming yellow gold will add a rich luster to your wedding jewelry. 24kt (pure gold) is considered to be too soft for jewelry like rings, so it is usually alloyed for strength and sometimes for color. 18kt gold (75% gold with 25% alloys) is the standard in Europe and is preferred by American fine jewelers for its higher gold content and richer color. 14kt gold is 14 out of 24 parts pure gold, and is popular for couples who like the beautiful color of gold but are looking to save a little bit on price.

White gold and rose gold are created when an alloy is added to yellow gold to change the color. Many people confuse white gold with platinum, but there are some differences. Platinum will have the purest and brightest white color, since unlike white gold, that it its natural color. White gold is also a bit softer than platinum, although it can still be quite durable. Most people choose white gold over platinum because it is considerably less expensive. Look for white gold wedding bands which have been rhodium finished to give them a brighter white appearance. The process may need to be repeated from time to time, but will definitely improve the look of the metal. Brides and grooms with sensitive skin should take care to select white gold wedding jewelry which is not alloyed with nickel, which can be very allergenic. Look for palladium alloys instead.

Brides who want the strongest and most valuable precious metal for their bridal jewelry turn to platinum. Very dense and strong, the brilliant white metal is ideal for securing diamonds. Due to its strength, it is common for even yellow gold engagement rings to have platinum prongs holding the diamond. It is also naturally hypo-allergenic, making it a good choice for wedding bands for men and women with sensitive skin. Platinum is popular for both modern and vintage inspired jewelry designs. The major drawback of platinum is its high price.

Silver is a very popular metal for bridal jewelry sets as well as bridesmaid jewelry. The white metal makes an excellent coordinate to a white gold or platinum engagement ring, but is also highly affordable. The malleability of silver makes it wonderful for jewelers to use when creating handcrafted sets of bridal jewelry. Silver is often used as the metal of choice for wedding jewelry sets featuring freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals.

Newer to the fine jewelry scene are metals such as titanium and palladium. The chief appeal of titanium is that it combines strength with lightness. It does not however, offer the same radiance of platinum, silver, or white gold, and titanium rings can be problematic to cut off in case of emergency. Palladium is a member of the platinum family, and until recently was primarily used as an alloy. It shares the same whiteness as platinum, but can be prone to discoloration when soldered, making it more difficult to use for jewelry. With so many beautiful options, the bride and groom can be sure that they will be able to find the perfect jewelry for their wedding.

Read Guy's other articles on weddings,society and fashions and let us know what you think. Call us at http://silverlandjewelry.com/ for help with your bridal jewelry sets or bridesmaid gift needs. We are pleased to offer free shipping on all jewelry orders over $99.

The Observed Presence of Silver, Gold, and Platinum - Group Metals In Oil and Gas Production Waste

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Introduction:

There is a long standing dispute concerning the presence of measurable and possibly economic amounts of precious metals in certain naturally occurring brine waters. This report specifically considers the possible presence of precious metals in brine waters and other waste co-products that are generated during oil and gas production.

The detection methods described below are easily applied, chemically straightforward, inexpensive to use, and require essentially no hazardous chemicals. It is this author's opinion that the precious metal association as described is indicative of certain geochemical processes that are involved in the formation of oil and gas. Only a few samples from widespread locations of oil and gas production have been evaluated in this study. They all, however, have yielded qualitatively similar results suggesting the possibility of a much broader and more basic concept. The recovery procedures discussed here are currently part of a much broader Patent Pending status.

Sample Evaluation:

The water samples used for testing consisted of produced brine from oil and gas fields located in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and eastern China. They were taken from various stages of production, oil-water separation, and down-hole brine disposal. No attempt was made to preserve these samples other than their storage in newly purchased, clean, plastic 5-gallon water containers with lids. The bottom sediment samples evaluated in this study were exclusively from Chinese oil fields located southwest of Beijing. These samples consisted of particulates from gravity separated tank bottoms that were routinely dredged from large sludge pits, stacked in piles, and allowed to drain. Grab samples from these piles were in the order of 5 to 10 pounds and were stored in sealed plastic bags.

Initially, aliquots of each of the brine water samples were vacuum filtered using 0.5 micron membrane papers and the filtrate was analyzed for dissolved precious element content using mainly gravimetric procedures. No precious elements were detected in any of the filtrates that were analyzed. However, when the filter residue from these samples was observed using a 45X laboratory stereoscopic microscope, variable amounts of very small (in the order of 400 to 600 mesh) particles of metallic gold and silver were identified in all of the residue samples. Many of these precious metal particles were partially to totally coated with a thin layer of an asphaltene-like substance. Subsequent fire assaying and gravimetric analysis of these residues confirmed the microscopic gold and silver identification.

Brine Samples:

Following is a simple procedure for the recovery and identification of suspended particulate matter contained in unfiltered oil field brine water. It should be noted that even if the brine sample appears to be clean and without any apparent suspended particulate matter, very fine-grained suspended material may be present and recoverable using this procedure.

1. Using a clean 5-gallon container (plastic bucket) add a measured amount of the brine sample; 16 liters is suggested. If available, use a small laboratory agitator for mixing the brine water; if not stir manually.

2. Add 3 to 5 drops of Triton X-100 (a non-toxic, nonionic surfactant manufactured by Rohm & Haas). Maintain agitation for 30 minutes.

3. Continue agitation and add 75 grams of commercial filter-grade diatomaceous earth. Continue agitation for 30 minutes.

4. Cease agitation and let slurry settle for approximately 1 hour. Carefully decant and discard the supernate. For a visual identification of contained gold and silver and a possible indication of the presence of platinum-group elements it is suggested that the remaining residue from the decant be washed into a shallow gold pan. This residue may then be carefully pan concentrated and observed microscopically.

5. The residue (or pan concentrate) from the decant is placed in a beaker and while agitating the pH is lowered to approximately 4-5 with HCl. After a few minutes the pH is then raised to approximately 9 with VenMet (a reducing agent consisting of a dispersion of sodium borohydride in sodium hydroxide: use with care; manufactured by Rohm & Haas).

6. After the VenMet reaction has ceased (approximately 15 to 30 minutes), the reduced slurry is vacuum filtered and the washed filter residue dried at approximately 300 degrees C.

7. The dried residue may be assayed using conventional methods such as fire assay or ICP/AES.

The metallic gold values recovered from the various oil field brines tested in this study ranged from 0.7 mg/liter to 5.5 mg/liter. The metallic silver values likewise recovered ranged from 0.2 mg/liter to 8.2 mg/liter. These gold and silver values were determined by conventional fire assay methods. It is important to note that none of these brine samples gave negative test results for gold and silver. There were no observed consistent ratios of recovered gold to silver, however, it should be noted that the subject brine samples came from all aspects of brine production and disposal. No attempt was made at determining a material balance of suspended particulate matter from any producing well or field. The values recovered are only indicative of the general order of magnitude of abundance. It is strongly suspected that platinum-group elements were also present in the residue samples derived from at least some of the tested brines.

Bottom Sediment Samples:

The only bottom sediment samples evaluated in this study were from a complex of oil fields located southwest of Beijing, China. These samples were randomly taken from piles of bottom sediment that were formed from the dredging of settled particulates in large oil sludge pits. These pits were being filled with tank bottoms from large oil-water gravity separation units. The samples contained approximately 90 percent medium to coarse-grained silicates that were produced from the friable oil reservoir rocks. This oversized matrix material is easily removed from the much finer-grained precious metal particles by a combination of screening and pan concentration. This procedure exposes the approximately 400 to 600 mesh metallic gold and silver; some of which has no visible coating and some of which is coated with an asphaltene-like substance. Since larger amounts of material are conveniently available from these dredged samples, as compared to that recovered from brine water residues, the presence of numerous fine-grained, black to gray, metallic spheroids and pelletal material is more readily apparent. In the author's experience, these unique mineral forms and occurrence suggest the possible presence of platinum group metals.

In order to obtain a more representative estimate of the quantitative abundance of precious metals in bottom sediment material it is suggested that the same procedure used to evaluate the brine samples be also used to evaluate bottom sediment samples. Among other advantages, when using this procedure much of the oily substance can be removed from the sample. Depending on the composition of the sample, additional Triton X-100 and diatomaceous earth may have to be used.

As there was a sufficient amount of concentrate residue available from these bottom sediment samples for spectrographic determination, the panned concentrate from one of the bottom sediment samples was submitted for commercial ICP/AES analysis. The results were: Au = 0.229 Troy ounces per ton, Ag = 2.874 Troy ounces per ton, Pt = not detected, Pd = 0.024 Troy ounces per ton.

Conclusion:

It is the general purpose of this communication to both report the possibly ubiquitous presence of very fine-grained, metallic gold, silver, and at least some platinum-group elements, in produced oilfield waste products and to hopefully encourage others to confirm these observations. The potential theoretical and practical applications of the observations made in this study are enormous. Why hasn't this unusual precious metal occurrence been previously described? Apparently, the answer is, "We just didn't look!"

A. C. Johnson, Jr., PhD. http://www.acjohnson.us This website considers new and innovative concepts and procedures that pertain to mineral and oil and gas exploration and development.

Silver, Gold and Platinum Credit Cards

Aside from all being precious metals; silver, gold and platinum also signify the difference between the various strata of credit cards available to cardholders. So, what's the difference between you having silver, gold and platinum credit cards?

Besides the kudos of having a metallic covered card in a stratum higher than the one below it, with silver being considered the lowest, gold next and platinum at the peak, these days there really is little difference between each of these cards. Two noticeable exceptions are:

Spending Limit

Although the cards are supposed to signify a higher credit limit and spending power, in fact what they do is act as a signal as to you supposed income. This is because as you go up in the line of colors, so (supposedly) should your income - and thus your spending limit. The only problem with this is that while the platinum card used to be an 'invite' only card, these days the qualifying salaries for each of these cards are set so close together that you do not really need to earning that much in order to qualify for a platinum card!

Membership Fees

These days the amount you need to pay in annual membership fees to card providers is the biggest difference between these types of credit cards. In part due to kudos element, card issuer feel at liberty to charge cardholders of platinum cards far more than they do to those who hold silver cards, which may, indeed, even be free of a membership fee!

So, while your spending limit may not be that significantly higher having a platinum card rather than a silver card, your membership fee almost certain will. The decision that you have to make, assuming you qualify, is whether you are willing to pay that extra amount in membership fees to have a higher ranking card. And by adopting a policy of silver, gold and platinum credit cards, the issuers are banking on you doing wanting just that!

Joe Kenny writes for Credit Card Guide, offering the latest information on credit cards in the UK, visit them today us to apply for a balance transfer credit card and start clearing credit card debt today.

Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/

What Is the Difference Between Gold, Silver, and Platinum Credit Cards?

What is the difference between gold, silver, and platinum cards?

It's said that there are three causes why people need products: Because of their beauty, because of their utility and because they do other people envious.

There is a lot of relative incidence of the third reason when it comes to these kinda cards, but there are really some useful features to take into account likewise.

Gold, and platinum CC are recognised as prestige cards. They are generally more expensive than standard credit cards, but in return they provide a superior degree of service. Although on the surface they may look the like, there are some characteristics that mark them.

Gold cards tend to be the most usual, with silver cards being to a lesser extent expensive and offering up a lower level of service, and platinum cards offering a higher level of service, but at an eminent cost. This won't be the same with all cards offered by all suppliers, but it is a general rule. But there can be gold cards from one provider offer higher quality services than platinum cards from another.

These cards come in ranges, with each provider offering gold, silver, and platinum cards to dissimilar customers, depending upon income and credit history.

Platinum Credit Cards.

Platinum cards oft have many fringe benefits useable to their members, due to the fact that the cardholders normally have really high or great credit scores. Platinum cardholders work their way up the ranks by paying up and establishing better credit for themselves. Some of the great rewards that may be connected with platinum credit cards are:

Low interest rates.

Higher credit limits and more frequent credit limit increases.

No yearly fee.

More benefits, savings amp; rewards, including:. - travel accident insurance. - fraud protection service. - cash back programs. - frequent flier miles.

Platinum plastics offer up such great rewards because credit issuers are trying to ply to people with first class credit. If a CC company understands that you have prominent credit they are going to want to keep your business, which is why so many offer platinum CC to set you aside from the people with merely good credit. Being offered a platinum CC is a company's style of honouring you for having great credit, while at the same time assaying to attract your business.

Thus, while your spending limit may not be that significantly eminent having a platinum card instead than a silver card, your membership fee almost sure will. The decision that you have to make, assuming you qualify, is whether you are willing to pay that additional amount in membership fees to have a higher ranking card. And by taking in a policy of silver, gold and platinum CC, the issuers are trusting on you doing wanting just that.

If you are interested in loans or credit cards you can read more at Credit Card Information