Gold silver and diamonds are all examples of
24 karat gold is essentially pure gold, so a marking of “12k” would indicate that the jewelry is 50 percent gold, and “18k” would mean it’s 75 percent gold. 18 karat gold is generally considered very high quality, although many people have jewelry (even wedding rings) made from 10, 12, or 14 karat gold. Because it is less expensive than gold, silver is a popular choice for jewelry and a standard for fine dining. Silver-plated base metals offer a less costly alternative to silver. Silver dishes and plates may accompany silverware, and these can often be ornately crafted works of art. For example, Paul Revere (1734-1818), known to most for his