Gold alloys are represented by different variants, they differ in the content of precious metals. And there are low-grade and high-grade compositions. The intermediate variant is the metal marked 525 Sample. It is versatile, used in industry, medicine, jewelry. Products that are made on its basis are wear-resistant. In addition, the metal has another feature - it changes color depending on the ratio of additives. To use it correctly, you need to learn more about these and other properties.
525 hallmark - what kind of metal is it
The alloy is assayed by metric system. The numerical designation is the amount of gold contained in 1,000 weight parts of the material being tested. If you need to determine the fraction of precious metal in 1,000 g of an alloy, it is easy to do.
The amount of gold in this case will be 525 g.
The rest of it is. ligaturesThe use of Au in various industries would be difficult because of its brittleness, softness, and low ductility. Without them it would be difficult to use Au in various industries because of its brittleness, increased softness and low ductility. The percentage of precious and other additives is 52.5% and 47.5%.
Why is 525 proof silver confused with 925 proof silver?
Often metal with hallmark 925 is considered to be a white gold alloy. In the same way, the variety of material with a 525 assay is misunderstood. In fact, the carat and metric system does not have such a variant of the hallmark. But that doesn't mean the alloy doesn't exist. It is used in various spheres, but much more rarely in jewelry. Just as a result of the infrequent use of this metal, many people have no idea that it exists, mistaking it for silver alloy. In addition, there are other reasons:
- the similarity of the designations: if you look inattentively at the small stigmait is quite possible to take a sample of 525 for 925;
- precious metal contains silverThe amount of it is substantial, so that the products white.
Assay 525: composition, valuable properties
The 58.5% gold content reduces the softness of the material and increases its strength. As a result, it becomes wear-resistant and well tolerates the effect of moderately high mechanical loads. In addition, the properties of this type of gold are determined by the ligature. Commonly used components:
- silver;
- copper.
Metals that are used less frequently:
- nickel;
- platinum and other platinum group metals;
- cadmium;
- zinc.
They are not applied simultaneously. The combination of components used to produce 525-gold is always different. The choice is made according to the metal to be produced: softer or less ductile, and of different colors. Today, nickel is not used in jewelry production, as there are more and more cases of allergic reaction to this component.
Platinum makes the alloy more expensive, many times over. It can be added to the composition when it is necessary to obtain white gold or to improve such properties as hardness and ductility.
Table: Alloy and shade options
The noble metal can change its hue, which depends on the content of each of the auxiliary components. The material containing 52,5% Au contains different proportions of copper, due to which it acquires a shade from green to white:
| Material tone | Cu, % | Ag, % | Pd,% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red hue | Up to 45 | Up to 28 | — |
| Green | 14 | 33 | — |
| Yellow | 21 | 26,5 | — |
| White | — | 29 | 18 |
Branding on the product
The 525 gold hallmark is always found on articles of this group that contain Ag. The hallmark allows you to determine the properties and composition of the material (precious metal content). It stands next to the nameplate, which identifies the manufacturer. The shape of the gold product branding resembles a spatula - it has a complex configuration (if compared to palladium, silver).
The mark of the assay certificate may also be present here, as well as the cipher of the state inspection of assay control.
Using the 525
Today the variant 525 is not too common, but this does not mean that it is not in demand in Russia, just used where the bulk of people are unlikely to pay attention to it. According to the main characteristics of the material is good. Demonstrates properties that allow it to be used in areas of high responsibility.
Rare in jewelry
In jewelry factories, the precious metal 525 is not used as a base metal. This is due to a combination of characteristics that interfere with getting the right product. Even the metal purity rating system does not contain this grade. Earlier it was used to make wedding rings. Also, this kind of precious metal can be combined with other materials to produce products with improved properties.
Important: If a ring or bracelet is sold as jewelry with a 525 marking, there is a good chance that it is a fake or does not quite match the claimed characteristics.
Jewelry coating of vintage and costume jewelry
The material performs well when used to coat other jewelry (precious as well as non-precious metals). Given its relatively simple properties, it is less likely to be applied to expensive items. It is used for the purpose of coating cheaper items. This allows it to give them a noble appearance. Most often, gold 525 is applied to vintage items:
- cigarette cases;
- suspensions;
- brooches;
- luxury sewing supplies;
- office items.
Industry
Gold 525 is characterized by ductility, sufficient hardness, and strength. This combination of properties makes it possible to use the precious metal in various industries. The electrical conductivity and wear rate are evaluated.
Medicine
The main advantage of the precious metal, which is often called 525-gold-plated silver, is that there is no risk of allergy. It is used in various fields of medicine:
- tool production;
- Dentistry: dental crowns are made; due to the hardness and antibacterial properties of silver, products last a long time;
- prosthetics.
Actual price of 1 gram of gold and price calculation for 525-gold
The rate is set by the Central Bank, it is necessary to follow the changes every day. However, there is a rising trend in the value of gold.
| Gold 999 (Central Bank), per 1 gram, rubles. | Market price, rubles. | Scrap, rub. |
|---|---|---|
| 4250 | 2900 | 2631 |
To determine what the price of different precious metals will be, you need to use the formula:
Central Bank exchange rate (999 gold) x 0.525 = the current exchange rate of the material marked 525.
The result of the calculation according to this formula is the number - 2251 rubles. There is a pattern: the lower the gold content, the lower the actual cost of the metal. If you plan to buy a 525-gold alloy, the price per gram is constantly changing, you need to watch the changes on the website of the Central Bank. As soon as the rate is more favorable, you can buy goods from the precious metal.
Two gold prices from the Central Bank: buy and sell
The bank makes a profit by setting different values for buying and selling the precious metal. This means that the margin is already accounted for. This peculiarity does not allow the buyer of gold to make a quick profit. Such investments generate income over time.
Why you can't find 525-proof gold in stores
The main reason is the poor casting properties of the metal. Under the influence of high temperatures It softens, and significant crystallization discontinuities occur, resulting in a heterogeneous surface with porous inclusions. This prevents the metal from being used in jewelry, and the quality of the jewelry decreases.
Specialists prefer to work with materials that are characterized by increased fusibility.
How to sell a 525 sample
Available options:
- pawnshops;
- Internet resources.
The metal does contain more than 50% of gold, which means it has value. But to sell it as jewelry will not work. For this reason, it is recommended to sell the precious metal as scrap. The value will be lower than that of a new item when you examine the catalog in the store. It will not be possible to sell the item in the same place where it was bought. It is necessary to look for alternatives: third parties, intermediaries, resellers, etc.
525 sterling silver price per gram
It is believed that the precious metal 525 silver. In fact, it doesn't; it contains a lot of gold. In addition, the 525 mark has nothing to do with silver. First of all, you have to study the metric system of assessing the purity of the metal. For example, silver can be branded with a marking from 800 and higher. But precious metal 525 is still considered gilded silver because of its significantAg content. However, the price of 52.5% gold-based material will be higher than that of silver (see above).
Video: what does the hallmark on the jewelry, hallmark 525
Question and answer section
How do I check the gold grade at home?
What is the gold on the watch?
What caused the finger under the 525 ring to darken?
Is there any 525 silver?
Is 525 silver good or bad?
Jeweler's comment
