There are many different types of metals used in jewelry making. In fact, there are many combination of metals used in what are generally known as alloys. For example, 14 carat gold consists of around 63% gold, the balance being copper, nickel, silver or other metals.

Jewelry made from platinum or silver are generally made in their purest form. Since gold is so soft it can be difficult to create intricate jewelry. To counter this, harder metals like silver or palladium are added to make the finished product much stronger.

Creating an alloy can be difficult. We want to preserve the look of the natural metal yet the addition of other metals can change the overall look. If want gold then we want to see that natural gold look. Owning gold is also a symbol of wealth - the more gold, and the purer that gold, the wealthier you are thought to be.

If you mix gold with silver and palladium you will create an alloy that is gold but looks very similar to the more expensive platinum. This alloy is known as white gold which is not, despite some peoples belief, found naturally. Silver is not in the same league as platinum or white gold. In fact silver is not even a white metal. It is silver in color whereas white gold and platinum are both white.

Which metal is best for jewelry? You need to consider several factors. One of those is hardness. Can it be easily formed into a piece of jewelry. The second includes a jewelers ability to resuse the waste - especially if the original cost of the metal is expensive

Silver is hard and will last a long time. Platinum has the same reputation - it is hard and will last a long time. Unfortunately with platinum, it is not easy to reclaim the waste when making jewelry. Because of the high initial price, plaltinum jewelry can be very expensive.

When selecting jewelry you have a choice. Silver is by far the cheapest - however it does not have the look of white gold or platinum. Platinum is the most expensive and it is long wearing. If you are looking for something in the middle in your jewelry white gold is the answer. It’s priced midway between silver and platinum - is reasonably long wearing and looks great.

Well, today I made a special trip to the bank.  The term on my mortgage is almost up, so I needed to make a trip to get some things sorted out.

First of all, I needed to do a home refinance.  With my term coming up and the interest rates lower than they were when I bought my home, refinancing my home would let me take advantage of these developments.  It would save me a little bit each month, and what I did save, I could pay down on the mortgage and get out of debt faster.

I also wanted to get a home equity loan to pay for the renovation of our kitchen.  With the linoleum peeling and the sink leaking we need to do something.  We just don’t have the money on hand to pay for the renovations - so a loan will have to do.

We will hear in a few days whether we get everything we ask for or not.  Until then, we will be forced to window shop at home hardware stores.  I can’t wait till we do the real thing.