Olympic Medals

The Olympic medals are not what they once were; yet still an amazing representation of athleticism and culture of the host country. While the last solid gold medals were awarded in 1912, there have been some changes in the consistency of the materials used, while some rules always apply. The medals have always been at least 3mm thick and 60mm wide. Some have been much larger, for instance the 2002 Salt Lake games the medals were 85mm wide and 10mm thick weighing in at 20oz. As for the medal used in each very a bit from the name we use to tell them apart. The Silver is the closest coming in at 92.5% silver with base medals added for strength. The Gold medal must be coated with 6 grams of 24k gold. And the Bronze medal contains copper, zinc, tin and small amounts of silver. And each host country designs the specific design on the medal for each event.

Totals- For Beijing

Total Medals Awarded 6000

12.04kg of Gold

1,340kg of Silver

830kg of Copper

Frequently Asked Questions

You know the old saying "The only dumb question is the one not asked." We here at Penn Diamond Exchange couldn't agree with that more. That's why our phone center is always open and emails will be answered same day. However, we have noticed that some questions get asked much more then others. So, lets take a look at them now or you can visit our FAQ page. Also, as always I invite you to comment and give your opinion on any of the questions discussed.

Which is more secure: Friction or Screwback Earring Posts?

Well for starters both are very secure and can be used for any size diamond. Our standard setting is a 4 prong white gold basket setting with screwbacks, and if not specified that is the mounting you will receive. Even though screwback is the standard post many people chose friction backs because they feel they are more comfortable. Mostly people who have small piercings chose the friction backs.

Is the 2 prong diamond tennis bracelet as secure as the 4 prong?

Yes, yes and definitely yes. Even though the 2 prong has half the amount of prongs the diamonds are still very secure. If it wasn't secure we wouldn't sell it. The main difference between the two styles is their look. The four prong is the more traditional style and it's been around longer but the two prong is gaining in popularity.

Why do you (and most jewelers) use 14k gold instead of 18k?

We at Penn Diamond Exchange use 14k gold. After years of making jewelry we’ve learned that for overall strength and endurance it can’t be surpassed. Not to say we wouldn’t use 18k upon request. However, it's a softer gold it doesn’t hold up as well after prolonged use. Also 18k gold also has a lighter more yellow color to it. White gold and yellow gold are the same material, but white gold has been treated and eventually polished with rhodium, the same substance that is used to polish platinum. This is what gives the white gold its brilliant shine and glow.

All that being said all items are available in 14k, 18k, and platinum. With proper cleaning and care any metal will look fantastic for years to come.

Jewelers Row in Downtown Philadelphia is the oldest diamond district in America and only second in size to New York City. But its original design was not meant for the retail and manufacturing shops that now line the streets. It was built and developed by Thomas Carstairs and William Sansom between 1799 and 1820, as the first housing project in the United States. Until this point houses were all built in a traditional one-lot one-house manner. Sansom and Carstairs deigned and built 22 similar side-by-side dwellings that are now known as row houses and influenced the continued architecture and development of Philadelphia. William Sansom then paved the street out of his own pocket to try and attract residence, as the area was on the outskirts of town at the time. During 1860-1879 most of the buildings were changed as jewelers and other tradesman moved into the are to develop what Sansom Street is today.