PINCHBECK

Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals

Pinchbeck is an alloy of copper and zinc that was invented by Christopher Pinchbeck in 1720.

Pinchbeck is composed of 83% copper and 17% zinc.  It had a similar appearance to gold, but was much more affordable.