Jewelry Metals Defined
When it comes to buying jewelry made with precious metals, there are a lot of options out there. Most people automatically jump to gold, but there are other metals that make really beautiful pieces. While some are notably “better” than others from a jewelry maker’s perspective, that doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily best for you. Understanding what metal options are available to you may make your decision a lot easier. Here we’ve broken down the various metal types, along with their pros and cons to help you choose the perfect piece for you.
Gold
Gold is, no pun intended, the gold standard for jewelry metals. Throughout history, mankind had made and lusted after gold jewelry. Gold has functioned as currency, had wars fought over it and has adorned some of the most famous people in the world. Pure gold, or 24-karat gold, is very soft and can’t usually be made into jewelry. Most gold pieces are made from gold alloys. The higher the karat number, the larger the percentage of gold is in the jewelry. Twelve to eighteen karats is fairly standard for most gold pieces. Gold comes in a variety of colors, the most popular being yellow, white and rose. These are made depending on the other metals in the alloy. Gold pieces, when cared for, typically last a lifetime. They are some of the most expensive metals available, and aren’t quite as durable as some other options.
Silver
Pure silver is very soft and easily damaged, so most silver jewelry is made from silver alloy to improve durability. Sterling silver is over 92 percent pure silver, though the rest can be anything. If mixed with copper (a common alloy metal), silver will tarnish. Sterling silver is the metal of choice for many famous Tiffany brand pieces. Silver is more affordable than other metals, and it looks good on most people. It does tend to tarnish, so it needs more care and upkeep than other metals.
Platinum
Platinum is a very rare metal. It has a silvery white color and is considered more precious than gold. It’s a very durable metal that is very resistant to scratches and looks even better with age. While most platinum jewelry is mixed with at least some other metals, to be labeled platinum, it must be 95 percent pure. It is much more expensive than white gold.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has become increasingly popular, especially for men’s wedding bands. It has a more rugged and industrial look. It’s very affordable, doesn’t stain easily, and is incredibly durable. If you can build buildings with it, it’ll be fine for your wedding ring!
Aluminum
Aluminum is usually associated with foil, but it’s actually a nice metal for jewelry, especially for someone looking for something that isn’t fussy. Aluminum is lightweight and malleable, so it can be made into specific designs rather easily. It doesn’t contain nickel, so sensitive skin won’t react to it. It doesn’t tarnish and is relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, because aluminum is so malleable, it’s prone to breaking or becoming misshapen.
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