Metal Reference Guide

Ethical Sourcing

Recognizing the challenges associated with providing precious materials in a responsible manner, we work closely with our suppliers to ensure our jewelry is produced in the most ethical way possible.

Responsible Supply Chain of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas

To view our company policy and company management system for a responsible supply chain of minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas, click the link below.

• Responsible Mineral Supply Chain (PDF)

Recycled Silver - As part of our sustainability program, JK Findings only buys Green Silver for use in our production process. All of our .925 silver items are nickel free.

• United Precious Metal Refining Green Certificate (PDF)

Gold

We offer 10K, 14K, and 18K gold findings in white or yellow.

Karat Weight	Gold Purity
10K	.417
14K	.585
18K	.750

U.S. Gold Tolerances*
Karatage	Minimum Purity Required	Tolerance		Minimum Purity Required with Tolerance
		without solder	with solder	without solder	with solder
24k	.9995	.003	.007	.9965	.9925
18k	.7500	.003	.007	.7470	.7430
14k	.5833	.003	.007	.5803	.5763
10k	.4167	.003	.007	.4137	.4097

*JK Findings adheres to U.S. Gold Tolerances, which may differ from standards used in other countries.

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Gold Filled

Gold filled uses a karat gold overlay which is then bonded to a brass inner core. JK Findings manufactures gold filled with 1/20th 14 karat gold, meaning, it is 5% 14 karat gold by weight with a brass inner core. We offer 1/20 14K rose gold filled and 1/20 14K yellow gold filled.

To learn more about gold filled, view our What is Gold Filled flyer.

For more information on the difference between plating and gold filled or silver filled, visit www.jvclegal.org.

U.S. Gold Filled Tolerances*
Karatage	Minimum Purity Required	Tolerance	Minimum Purity Required with Tolerance
1/20 14K	.0292	.003	.0262
1/20 12K	.0250	.003	.0220
1/20 10K	.0208	.003	.0178

*JK Findings adheres to U.S. Gold Filled Tolerances, which may differ from standards used in other countries.

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Silver

All silver items contain a minimum of .925 silver (the remaining balance is made up of copper). As part of our sustainability program, JK Findings only buys Green Silver for use in our production process. All of our .925 silver items are nickel free.

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Silver Filled

Silver filled uses a sterling silver overlay which is then bonded to a brass inner core. JK Findings manufactures silver filled with 1/10 .925 silver, meaning, it is 10% .925 silver by weight with a brass core.

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Brass

Made with copper and zinc. Most of our brass is 90% copper, 10% zinc, but we also sell 88/12 and 92/8 brass.

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Bronze

Made with 90% copper, 10% tin.

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Steel

All steel items are made from Stainless Steel.

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Terminology

Conversion Grid to Estimate an Item Weight in Different Metals

To use this grid, locate intersection of desired metal and present metal. This number is your conversion factor. Multiply that number by actual known weight of present metal, e.g., to determine what an item that weighs 1.50 dwt in Sterling would weigh in 14K Yellow, go to 14K Yellow under Desired Metal column. Follow that row across until it intersects the Sterling column. This is your conversion factor (in this case 1.248). Then multiply that number 1.248 (conversion factor) by 1.5 (known weight) = 1.872 dwt. This would be the weight for the 14K Yellow item.