There are a variety of metals present in the market, but when it comes to jewelry, only high luster, and precious metals are used. Even diamond and gemstone jewelry is also paired with precious metals. Nowadays, it is easy to find a number of stylish jewelry pieces as per your choice. But when it comes to buying a piece of jewelry, choosing the right type of metal for the jewelry becomes tricky.
Image by Arek Socha
From the interest in a particular metal to the metal cost and durability, there are a variety of things that need good consideration when buying new jewelry. Good knowledge of the different types of jewelry metals also makes it easy for a buyer to make the right decision. Some common metals that are usually used in the making of jewelry are platinum, gold, sterling silver, titanium, palladium, stainless steel, and tungsten. Let’s have a look at their unique qualities and benefits.
Platinum:
Platinum is one of the most trendy metals used for jewelry. It is a malleable, dense, and natural white metal that has cool undertones. Platinum is known for its purity. It is a jewelry metal that never gets tarnished or losses its white shine. It is generally 95% pure and is also known as the heaviest of all the jewelry metals. Its weight is almost twice a karat of gold. Platinum jewelry is also known for its durability as well as the need for less maintenance. Such type of metal is highly used for the making of engagement and wedding rings.
Gold:
Gold is one of the most common jewelry metals. Its purest form i.e. 24-karat gold is too soft for regular wear. It is a type of jewelry metal that offers versatility in hue and is available in a variety of colors/shades such as yellow, white, rose, etc. Yellow gold is usually known as the purest gold. The jewelry made with such gold also includes silver and zinc or copper for the desired shape. It is easy to maintain and also suits all skin tones. Such type of jewelry metal is measured in karats. It is also available in different carats such as 22 kt, 18 kt, 14 kt, and 9 kt. However, traditionally it is used for the 22 kt jewelry and seen in yellow and white colors.
Sterling silver:
Sterling silver is another type of jewelry metal that is made with around 7.5 percent copper and 92.5 percent silver. Sterling silver is much less expensive but tarnishes quickly. As compared to other types of jewelry metals, it also requires much more care. It is a soft, shiny metal that is silvery-white in color. Sterling silver is re-sizable and is known for its durability. The jewelry made with the use of such type of metal is used around the world for regular wear. The metal is also softer than titanium, gold, and platinum.
Titanium:
Titanium is a light and corrosion-resistant jewelry metal that is also known as the hardest natural metal in the world. Titanium is a shiny gray or white metal that is almost 45% lighter but is more durable than gold or silver. It is also hypoallergenic and is as strong as steel. When titanium is used for making jewelry, it is never mixed with anything. This further helps to maintain its true purity. Wedding rings made with such metals are highly demanded these days. However, the major drawback of rings made with such metal is that jewelry such as rings, bangles, etc. Made with it is not re-sizeable.
Palladium:
Palladium is a type of jewelry metal that is a member of the platinum metal group. This type of metal is soft and is silvery-white in color. It also has a light gray undertone and is used for jewelry making in an almost pure form. The purity of this jewelry metal is typically 95% or 950. It is usually mixed with 5% ruthenium. It is very lightweight, and also hypoallergenic. However, working on it for unique designs and shapes is more difficult than platinum or gold.
Stainless steel:
Stainless steel is a man-made jewelry metal that is known for its durability and affordable cost. It is a contemporary metal that contains nickel and/or chromium. Jewelry made with stainless steel is resistant to rust and tarnish. It is also an excellent alternative for those who are allergic to base metals like copper or brass. It is also hypoallergenic but is not re-sizeable.
When investing in jewelry, the decision must always be taken while considering the personal choice, along with the durability, features as well as drawbacks of each type of jewelry metal. This helps you make the right decision as per your budget as well as requirement.
