Since the silver is purchased on the open commodity market, one cannot be sure of the actual source of the new silver. However, one can be reasonably sure that a percentage of it is from reclaimed and recycled sources. Gold Gold has been sought after and treasured since ancient times. The Egyptians of Antiquity mined, refined and fashioned gold into jewelry and other items of wealth and status. These earliest mines appear in ancient Nubia with the earliest records dating from 3500 BC Gold quality is measured in units call karats.
Karats refer to the fractional parts of pure gold in the total alloy.
The remaining parts are alloy metals to make it harder and more durable. Pure gold will not tarnish. However, lower karat alloys can tarnish in certain conditions, but tarnish will be slight to non- existent in 12K and higher alloys. The wearing of gold jewelry usually keeps it clean and bright. Gold is alloyed to meet certain market and engineering requirements.