2007-03-11 11:31:24 · 6 answers · asked by mike 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Because they are not reactive, so they are well tolerated by the skin.
2007-03-11 11:37:34 · answer #1 · answered by Lilly26 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is because they are way down in the reactivity chart that make them good for making jewelry. If they were up in the reactivity chart (eg: Mg, Al), they would oxidize before you can make any decent jewelry, or would oxidize while waiting for a customer to buy them. Also, Ag & Au are malleable, and thus, is easy to work on. Pt is a bit tougher, though. Rhodium is also good (similar color as Ag), but too costly. It is used to plate Ag, to prevent tarnish.
2007-03-11 18:40:21 · answer #2 · answered by alphaone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are transition elements with a full set of inner "D" orbitals. This means they are relatively stable and will not react easily with other chemicals. That is good since we would not like to wear a necklace that reacts with moisture to burn our skin.
2007-03-11 18:36:07 · answer #3 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of jewelry is made with unsafe metals.
2007-03-11 18:44:08 · answer #4 · answered by Golden Ivy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they look pretty.
2007-03-11 18:35:29 · answer #5 · answered by The Great Hobo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are shiny, and rare.
2007-03-11 18:36:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋