Jewelry production began in the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia. Their metallurgy and gem collecting advancements were the precursor to the development of jewelry design in every other culture that followed.
Though gold and silver have played a part in jewelry making for thousands of years, many of the best precious and non-precious metals are gaining in popularity.
These metals have different benefits and unique qualities that make one better than the other for specific jewelry pieces.
Knowing these things helps you make a more informed decision when you’re buying jewelry.
Are you into jewelry and different types of precious metals? Then, keep reading to learn the different types of metals that are used in jewelry design today.
Gold
Gold is the most recognized and most popular choice for the more common jewelry pieces like rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, charms, and pendants.
The different types of gold include 24k, 18k, 14k, and 10k. 24k gold is the purest form and very soft, making it easy to work with to make jewelry.
Sometimes it’s too soft to use for jewelry in its purest form. That’s why most jewelry is 14k gold meaning it’s mixed with other metals like zinc or copper.
Gold comes in yellow gold and white gold, and people choose one over the other as a personal preference.
Silver
Silver is another precious metal that is soft and easily formed into jewelry pieces. However, in its purest form, it’s sometimes too weak. In that case, it gets mixed with copper to make it more pliable.
The different types of silver used in jewelry include fine silver, sterling silver, nickel silver, and silver plate. Fine silver is the purest form with a .999 level of purity.
Most of your silver jewelry is 92.5% of pure silver. You’ll notice a .925 stamp on the jewelry.
Are you looking for jewelry for kids? Then, take a look at this selection of high-quality jewelry for babies and children. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings are all made with sterling silver and 14k gold.
You’ll find hundreds of jewelry products in every category, so you’re sure to find something you like.
Platinum
You’ll find a lot of high-end engagement rings made with platinum and available at jewelry stores in Troy Ohio. This is because it’s a rare and costly metal more precious than gold.
It’s silver in color and a weighty, dense metal. It goes well with diamonds and other precious gemstones, and it’s considerably more expensive than gold.
And because of its durability, it won’t wear away like gold.
Titanium
This natural element is also silver-ish and one of the hardest raw metals on the planet.
Because of its strength, it is dent and scratch-resistant and doesn’t bend easily. It’s lightweight as well, making it an excellent choice for jewelry.
It doesn’t corrode or rust and is a popular metal for jewelry makers and hobbyists. In addition, it’s much less expensive than precious metals.
Palladium
This soft, silvery-white metal is part of the platinum metal group. When used for making jewelry, it’s in its almost pure form.
It’s a little more challenging to work with than other metals like gold and platinum.
It is used a lot as a whitening agent for white gold. It’s a good choice for anyone sensitive to nickel because it is categorized as hypoallergenic.
Tungsten
Tungsten is a lesser-known metal used in jewelry making. It has a high melting point, so it’s popular in the metal fabrication industry.
It’s a steel-gray, strong metal. It’s tougher than gold alloys and hypoallergenic, so it’s a good choice for rings—especially if you work with your hands. Its durability and scratch-resistance keep it looking good with everyday wear.
Pewter
When you hear the word “pewter,” do you think of the dangers of lead? A lot of antique pewters contain lead, but most modern pewter products are lead-free.
Pewter is comprised of tin ore and small amounts of other metals like antimony and copper.
It’s dark silver and relatively inexpensive. The lower price, flexibility, and no tarnishing make it a great choice when creating elegant jewelry designs. All of this allows jewelers to create more affordable jewelry for their customers.
Copper
Copper has a distinct reddish, orange color and is very eye-catching when used in jewelry pieces like pendants, cuff bracelets, and rings.
It’s highly malleable, making it a good metal for jewelry creation. Sometimes it’s paired with leather or other metals like silver and gold. It can also be engraved and imprinted for greater personalization.
When it oxidizes, it takes on a green patina—think of the Statue of Liberty.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel most likely makes you think of kitchen appliances. You might be surprised to learn that it’s commonly used in men’s wedding bands, bracelets, necklaces, and watches, too!
It typically doesn’t tarnish or fog up. It’s very durable, which is why it’s often a popular choice for men’s jewelry, though jewelers also use it to craft elegant, unique pieces for women.
Stainless steel may stain if exposed to make-up, perfume, or cologne, so put it on last when getting ready for the day.
Brass
Brass comes in a warm, yellowish tone and shines like gold when polished, but it will tarnish to a brown color over time. It’s made of a mixture of copper and zinc alloy.
This metal is used in more casual, everyday jewelry because it’s durable and easy to clean.
Jewelry Design Today
Were you familiar with the metals used in jewelry design today? Most of us think of silver and gold, but jewelry trends tend to change how things are done in the jewelry industry.
Bookmark our site for easy access to the latest online news all in one place. Learn more about arts and culture, fashion, lifestyle, pets, technology, travel, fitness, and health. Don’t miss a thing!
