Metals Used in the Creation of Jewelry

Lightweight, affordable, and easy to work with, aluminum is sometimes used in modern, fashion-forward jewelry designs. It can be anodized to create a range of colors and is resistant to tarnish, but it is not as durable as many other metals used in jewelry making.

Argentium silver is a modern silver alloy that contains a higher percentage of silver than traditional sterling silver, as well as a small amount of germanium. This combination makes Argentium silver more tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic, and brighter than traditional sterling silver.

Blackened silver is a form of oxidized sterling silver that has been intentionally darkened to create a black or dark gray patina. This is achieved through a process that involves exposing the silver to a chemical solution or heat. Blackened silver is popular for its bold and edgy appearance, and it is often used in contemporary and alternative jewelry styles.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, known for its gold-like appearance and affordability. It is often used in costume jewelry and can be coated with a layer of gold or silver to improve its appearance and prevent tarnish.

Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, known for its warm, brownish color. It has been used for jewelry making since ancient times and can develop a beautiful patina over time. Like copper and brass, it can also cause skin discoloration for some individuals.

Carbon fiber is a versatile and innovative material that has found its way into the world of jewelry design. Known for its lightweight nature, high strength, and unique woven appearance, carbon fiber has become increasingly popular in contemporary and fashion-forward jewelry.

Copper is a reddish-brown metal that has been used for jewelry making since ancient times. It is often used in combination with other metals or as a base for enamel work. Copper can tarnish and may cause skin discoloration for some people.

Gold is a highly sought-after precious metal known for its lustrous yellow color, resistance to tarnish, and malleability. It is often alloyed with other metals, such as copper or silver, to increase its strength and durability. Gold purity is measured in karats, with 24 karats being the purest form.

Niobium is a rare, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant metal with a grayish color. It can be anodized to produce a variety of vibrant colors, making it popular for use in earrings and other colorful jewelry pieces.

Palladium is a member of the platinum group metals and shares many of its desirable properties, such as durability and resistance to tarnish. It has a silvery-white appearance, similar to platinum, but is typically more affordable.

Platinum is a rare, durable, and hypoallergenic metal with a silvery-white appearance. Its resistance to wear and tarnish makes it an excellent choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Due to its rarity and desirable properties, platinum is often more expensive than gold.

Rhodium is a rare, silvery-white metal that is part of the platinum group metals. It is often used as a plating material for white gold and silver jewelry to enhance their appearance and provide a protective layer against tarnishing.

Rose gold is an alloy of gold and copper, which gives it a distinct pinkish hue. The proportions of gold and copper can be adjusted to create various shades of rose gold. It is popular for its unique and romantic appearance and is used in various types of jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Silver is another popular precious metal used in jewelry making. It is known for its bright, white metallic luster and relatively low cost compared to gold and platinum. Sterling silver, an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper), is commonly used due to its increased strength and resistance to tarnish.

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and other metals. It is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to tarnish and corrosion. Stainless steel jewelry is often more affordable than precious metals and is popular for casual, everyday wear.

Tantalum is also known for its impressive durability and resistance to scratches, making it a suitable choice for those with active lifestyles. However, it is essential to note that resizing or repairing tantalum jewelry can be challenging and typically requires specialized equipment or returning the piece to the original manufacturer.

Titanium is a strong, lightweight, and hypoallergenic metal known for its silver-gray color and resistance to corrosion. It is increasingly popular for use in contemporary jewelry, particularly for men's wedding bands.

Tungsten carbide is an extremely hard and scratch-resistant metal, making it a popular choice for men's wedding bands. It has a dark gray color and a unique, heavy feel.

Vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is a type of gold-plated silver jewelry. It is made by coating a base of sterling silver with a layer of gold, typically at least 2.5 microns thick. Vermeil offers the appearance of gold at a more affordable price, but the gold layer can wear off over time, especially with daily wear.

White gold is an alloy of gold and other white metals, such as palladium, silver, or nickel, which give it a silvery appearance. It is often plated with rhodium to enhance its brightness and provide a layer of protection against tarnishing. White gold is popular for its contemporary look and is commonly used for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry pieces.