The jewelry-making process has undergone significant changes over centuries since people started using jewelry. They discovered precious metals that were suitable for making jewelry, including nickel and stainless steel. Additionally, they introduced other metals into jewelry making. They heat and mix several metals to create alloys that alter the metals’ appearance and impact their strength. Each jewelry metal has unique characteristics, as described below.
Silver, Gold, and Platinum are Precious!
Gold
Gold’s soft quality makes it a great choice for jewelry metals. The Egyptians, who wore statement pieces as part of their culture, dating back to ancient times, considered it one of the most beautiful metals. Gold is measured on a Karat scale, which determines purity, including alloy. Each piece of jewelry can be made unique by using different types of gold alloys.
Silver
Silver, a precious metal like gold, dazzles as a choice for jewelry metal. People favor it for its beauty and affordability compared to gold. Jewelers often mix silver with other metals like copper and nickel to create popular alloys. Jewelry makers choose silver for its suitability as a metal for creating stunning pieces.
Platinum
Platinum is a great choice for making jewelry because it is the most precious jewelry metal. It is heavy, more durable, and rarer than other precious metals. Due to its stronger characteristics, it is popular for costume rings, wedding rings, and expensive pieces.
Non-Precious Jewelry Metal and Alloys:
There are so many other metals used for jewelry and mixed into alloys. Nickel, stainless steel, copper, brass, and even titanium are used. Different metals are used depending on the piece and what color alloy you are going for. Cheaper jewelry metal that might stain your skin or change colors is usually non-precious.
- Stainless Steel is popular for fresh piercings, watches, and more.
- Copper is an orange-colored metal. Eventually, the copper turns to a greenish hue once oxidized. This is common with jewelry that is meant to look antique.
- Brass is a common metal used in alloys due to its yellow and golden hues. It is already an alloy but a popular base metal for jewelry making.
- Titanium is similar to stainless steel but much more durable.
No matter what metal you decide, you must weigh the benefits of each kind of metal. Although non-precious metals are not the same high value as precious metals, they can still make the same-looking jewelry. If you are looking for high-value jewelry, alloys are always available to give you the price and attractive qualities you are searching for.
At Lee Dorn, we use the finest metals and believe there is power and meaning behind jewelry metals and the process that goes into it. Come in today to learn more!