Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an Alloy?

An alloy is a combination of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, and where the resultant material has metallic properties. The resulting metallic substance has properties different from those of its component elements.

• What is a Carat?

A Carat is a standard unit of measure referring to the weight of gemstones.  The current accepted standard of a Carat is 200 milligrams.

• What is a Karat?

A Karat (Kt) is a unit of measure referring to the proportion of pure gold in an alloy. The measure uses a base of 24, with pure gold being 24/24ths or 24 Karats.

• What is High Karat Gold?

High Karat Gold is an alloy containing a high percentage of pure gold typically expressed as 18 Kt, 22 Kt, and so forth.  The proportion refers to the amount of pure gold contained in the alloy.  Pure Gold is 24 Karats or 100%; therefore, 18 karat gold is 18/24ths (75%) pure gold with 6/24ths other metal, and 22 karat gold is 22/24ths (91.66%) pure gold with 2/24ths other metal; thus, the higher the karat designation, the higher the pure gold content.  So with 14 Kt gold you really only get 58.33% Gold!!  In the US, but not all countries, a gold alloy must contain a minimum of 41.66% gold (10 Karat) in order to legally be called "Gold".

• What is Fine Silver?

Fine Silver is at least 99.99% (.999) pure silver. It is silver in its commercially purest form.

• What is Sterling Silver?

In the US, but not in all countries, Sterling Silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5% (.925) pure Silver and 7.5% (.075) other metal, traditionally, 7.5% copper.  However, exciting new alloys designed to retard or prevent tarnishing are becoming available.

• Why does Sterling Silver tarnish?

Traditional Sterling Silver, and to a lesser extent Fine Silver, reacts with sulfur containing substances such as air, our hands, other surfaces etc.

• What is Precious Metal Clay (PMC)?

Precious Metal Clay is a fairly recent product development in which pure Silver or pure Gold fine particles are combined with an organic binder and water to form a clay-like substance that can be shaped, formed or sculpted and fired at various temperatures and durations to result in solid Fine Silver, 22 Kt, or Pure Gold.

• What is Titanium?

Titanium is a silvery- grey metallic element.  It is tough but light and has a high melting temperature and is highly resistant to corrosion.  It is hypoallergenic and has a variety of uses.  Titanium can be treated to form a surface oxide that results in the appearance of colors depending on the oxide thickness.

• What is Niobium?

Niobium is a grey metallic element.  It is somewhat soft and very malleable, light and has a very high melting temperature.  It is hypoallergenic and has a variety of uses.  Niobium can be treated to form a surface oxide that results in the appearance of colors depending on the oxide thickness.  The colors achieved tend to be more bright and vivid than those achieved on Titanium.

• What is Copper?

Copper is a reddish/orangey metallic element.  It is soft and very malleable and has a lower melting temperature than Titanium but higher than Silver.  It has Antimicrobial properties and has a variety of uses.  Copper can be treated to form a variety surface oxides and sulfides that results in the appearance of colors.

• What is Bronze?

Bronze is a coppery/golden metal alloy.  It is tough but somewhat brittle.  Not as strong as iron or steel but stronger than pure Copper.  The Bronzes developed in ancient times tended to be alloys of Copper and up to 12 % Tin.  Other metals and elements are now used to achieve different desirable characteristics. 

• How do I order Oscar Art Jewelry?

Please see my contact page for ordering information.

• How long will it take to complete my commissioned Oscar Art Jewelry?

Depending on the complexity of design, availability of metal or gemstones chosen, usually two to three weeks.

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This page was last updated 11/01/16