An illustrated reference on the properties and jewelry uses of gold, platinum, palladium, silver, copper, bronze, brass, iron, stainless steel, Damascus steel, titanium, niobium, aluminum, tungsten carbide and cobalt chrome. The book explains how to test, buy, sell, evaluate and care for jewelry with precious and alternative metals. Besides providing an historical perspective and interesting facts about the metals, this book discusses jewelry manufacturing methods, fineness markings, plating, enameling, refiners and responsible mining & business practices High-quality color photos show how these metals are creatively used in jewelry.