The Types of Precious Metals That Stones Can Be Set Into

The Types of Precious Metals That Stones Can Be Set Into

As important as it is to choose the right gemstone for the jewelry you have custom made, it’s every bit as important to choose the right precious metal to show off the beautiful stone. Knowing which types of metals exist for you to choose from helps you make an informed decision that adds to the originality of your customized piece of jewelry.

We’re going to go over some of the more popular types of metals that we offer so you can determine which work best with the size, color, shape, and cut of the stones you want to include in it. That way, you have a setting that is just as incredible as the diamond, ruby, emerald or sapphire you’ve chosen to use for your gorgeous ring, necklace, earrings, pin or bracelet.

Here are some of the precious metals that stones can be set into:

Gold.

Among the most popular choices, gold is a high-value metal. It’s a sought-after material for centuries and lustrous in appearance. Gold needs to be treated carefully once it is made into jewelry because it is very soft and can scratch easily. There are different purities of gold ranging from 10 Karat to 24 Karat which is the purest. Jewelry can be solid gold, gold-plated, gold-filled, gold vermeil, white gold, blue gold or rose gold. There are many options for you to choose from, making the piece or pieces of jewelry you create extremely personal.

Silver.

Another rare metal that has been highly regarded for thousands upon thousands of years, silver is often referred to as sterling or fine to indicate its rarity. It is not measured in Karats like gold. Instead, it ranges from 800 silver to fine silver. Sterling silver includes copper and other metals. It is an easier metal to maintain than gold because it doesn’t scratch as easily.

Platinum.

There are over six metals that make up platinum. It’s rarer and more expensive than gold. It often contains iridium, osmium or nickel when used to make jewelry. It is stamped with platinum quality marks pertaining to the amount of platinum contained in the setting. It is a durable metal that is virtually scratch-proof. You won’t find it used for jewelry often because it is 30 times rarer than gold. Most jewelers prefer gold and silver because the two precious metals are much easier to obtain and work with.

Other metals that may be of interest to you include copper, palladium, rhodium, and ruthenium. Each has its list of benefits. If you’re unsure which type of metal to use for your jewelry, consult your jeweler for recommendations. We’ll be able to give you the pros and cons of each.

Make Westwood Jewelers you’re number one place for fine custom jewelry. Let us astound you with our knowledge of precious metals and gemstones. In addition to creating beautiful pieces of jewelry for you to buy, we also offer cleaning, repair, and appraisal services to meet your needs.

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