Metal Types Guide
Understanding the various metals used in jewelry is essential for making informed purchasing decisions. Each metal has unique properties that affect appearance, durability, maintenance requirements, and price.
Precious Metals
Precious metals have been used in jewelry for thousands of years, valued for their rarity, luster, and resistance to corrosion. These traditional metals remain the standard for fine jewelry.
Gold
Pure gold (24K) is soft and rarely used in jewelry without alloying. Gold is mixed with other metals to increase durability and create different colors. Karat refers to gold purity, with 24K being 100% pure gold.
Varieties
| Type | Composition | Properties | Common Forms | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Gold | Gold mixed with silver and copper | Traditional gold color; warmer tone with higher karat; hypoallergenic in higher karats | 10K (41.7%), 14K (58.3%), 18K (75%), 22K (91.7%) | Classic designs, traditional settings, and contrasting with colorful gemstones |
| White Gold | Gold mixed with white metals like nickel, palladium, or zinc and plated with rhodium | Silvery appearance; rhodium plating needs periodic renewal; may contain nickel (potential allergen) | 10K, 14K, 18K | Modern designs, setting diamonds and clear gemstones, alternative to platinum at lower cost |
| Rose Gold | Gold mixed with higher copper content and some silver | Warm pink to reddish hue; does not tarnish; stronger than yellow gold; vintage appeal | 10K, 14K, 18K | Vintage-inspired designs, romantic pieces, mixed metal jewelry |
| Green Gold | Gold mixed with higher silver content and reduced copper | Pale greenish-yellow hue; less common; sometimes used as accent color | 14K, 18K | Nature-inspired designs, unique pieces, mixed metal applications |
Care and Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and warm water; soft cloth for drying and polishing; store separately to avoid scratches; professional cleaning recommended twice yearly.
Silver
Silver is highly valued for its lustrous white appearance. Pure silver (999) is too soft for jewelry, so it is typically alloyed with copper for strength.
Varieties
| Type | Composition | Properties | Common Forms | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Silver | 99.9% pure silver (999) | Very soft and malleable; bright white luster; tarnishes easily; rarely used in jewelry except for certain artisan pieces | Art jewelry, specialized pieces, silver clay designs | Simple designs with minimal wear, art pieces, decorative items |
| Sterling Silver | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper or other metals (925) | Standard for silver jewelry; good durability; prone to tarnishing; can cause reactions in those with copper sensitivity | Most silver jewelry, silverware, decorative items | Everyday jewelry, detailed designs, affordable luxury pieces |
| Argentium Silver | 93.5-96% silver with germanium replacing some copper | More tarnish-resistant than sterling; brighter white color; higher purity; more expensive | Premium silver jewelry, designer pieces | Higher-end silver jewelry with reduced maintenance requirements |
| Silver-Filled/Plated | Base metal covered with a layer of silver through bonding or electroplating | Affordable; thin silver layer that eventually wears off; not suitable for everyday wear; can cause allergic reactions when base metal is exposed | Fashion jewelry, costume pieces, affordable accessories | Occasional wear pieces, fashion accessories with limited lifespan |
Care and Maintenance
Store in anti-tarnish bags or with anti-tarnish strips; clean with silver polishing cloth; avoid chlorine, sulfur, and prolonged exposure to air; professional cleaning for intricate pieces.
Platinum
Platinum is a naturally white precious metal prized for its rarity, durability, and prestige. Used in high-end jewelry, it's hypoallergenic and maintains its appearance without requiring replating.
Varieties
| Type | Composition | Properties | Common Forms | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Platinum | 95-99.9% platinum | Dense and heavy (60% heavier than gold); extremely durable; develops patina over time; naturally white; hypoallergenic; holds gemstones securely | 950 Platinum (95% platinum, 5% ruthenium/iridium/cobalt) | High-end engagement rings, wedding bands, heirloom pieces, and setting valuable gemstones |
| Platinum Alloys | Platinum mixed with palladium, iridium, ruthenium, or cobalt | Slightly improved workability while maintaining platinum's key benefits; still hypoallergenic; premium pricing | 900 Platinum, 950 Platinum | Luxury jewelry with specific working requirements |
Care and Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and warm water; professional cleaning and polishing recommended; develops patina that can be maintained or polished away according to preference.
Alternative Metals
Contemporary jewelry has embraced a variety of alternative metals that offer unique properties, aesthetics, and often more affordable price points compared to traditional precious metals.
Titanium
A lightweight yet strong metal with a dark silver-gray appearance. Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion and extremely biocompatible.
Key Properties
Extremely lightweight (45% lighter than steel); very strong; scratch-resistant; hypoallergenic; cannot be resized; difficult to work with
Best For
Men's wedding bands, contemporary designs, those with metal allergies, and active lifestyles
Care and Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; highly resistant to tarnish and corrosion; can be polished to restore shine
Tungsten Carbide
An extremely hard metal compound made from tungsten and carbon. Known for its exceptional scratch resistance and dark gray color.
Key Properties
Extremely hard (nearly impossible to scratch); heavy weight; cannot be resized; brittle—can crack under extreme pressure; affordable; darker gray color
Best For
Men's wedding bands, scratch-resistant everyday rings, modern industrial aesthetic
Care and Maintenance
Wipe clean with damp cloth; avoid harsh impacts that could crack the material; cannot be repaired if broken
Stainless Steel
An alloy of steel with chromium that provides excellent corrosion resistance. Popular for fashion jewelry and affordable alternatives.
Key Properties
Excellent corrosion resistance; affordable; durable; some grades are hypoallergenic (316L); heavier than titanium; industrial appearance
Best For
Fashion jewelry, casual wear, industrial designs, and budget-conscious shoppers
Care and Maintenance
Easy to clean with mild soap and water; highly resistant to corrosion; polishing cloth restores shine
Cobalt Chrome
A bright white metal alloy with excellent wear resistance and a color similar to white gold or platinum.
Key Properties
Bright white appearance without plating; highly scratch resistant; can be resized (unlike titanium and tungsten); hypoallergenic; affordable alternative to precious white metals
Best For
Wedding bands, bright white metal appearance at lower cost, alternative to white gold
Care and Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; polish with soft cloth; resistant to tarnishing
Palladium
A rare platinum group metal with a naturally white color. Lighter than platinum but with many similar properties.
Key Properties
Naturally white; does not need plating; hypoallergenic; 40% lighter than platinum; maintains bright finish; resistant to tarnish; more expensive than gold but less than platinum
Best For
Alternative to platinum; white metal jewelry with lighter weight; wedding bands and engagement ring settings
Care and Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; professional polishing for scratches; requires less maintenance than white gold
Metal Comparison
This comparison helps you evaluate different metals based on key characteristics to find the perfect match for your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
| Criteria | Gold | Silver | Platinum | Titanium | Tungsten |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | 14K and lower karat gold is fairly durable; higher karat gold (18K+) is softer and more prone to scratches | Soft and malleable; prone to scratching and bending | Extremely durable; develops patina rather than losing metal when scratched | Excellent scratch resistance; very strong and durable | Extremely hard and scratch-resistant; can crack or shatter if struck forcefully |
| Weight | Moderate weight; 18K heavier than 14K | Lighter than gold and platinum | Heaviest precious metal; about 60% heavier than 14K gold | Very lightweight; about 45% lighter than steel | Very heavy; similar to or heavier than platinum |
| Cost | High cost; varies by karat, with 18K+ being more expensive | Most affordable precious metal | Most expensive traditional jewelry metal | Affordable; generally less expensive than gold | Affordable; similar price range to titanium |
| Hypoallergenic | Higher karat yellow gold (18K+) is generally hypoallergenic; white gold often contains nickel (common allergen) | Often causes reactions in those with copper sensitivity | Excellent; rarely causes allergic reactions | Excellent; rarely causes allergic reactions | Good; rarely causes allergic reactions if quality grade |
| Resizability | Easily resized by experienced jewelers | Easily resized by experienced jewelers | Can be resized but requires specialized equipment and expertise | Cannot be resized; replacement required if size changes | Cannot be resized; replacement required if size changes |
Choosing the Right Metal
The perfect metal for your jewelry depends on various factors including lifestyle, budget, aesthetic preferences, and any metal sensitivities. Here are some guidelines to help with your decision.
For Active Lifestyles
If you work with your hands or lead an active lifestyle, consider metals that resist scratching and damage:
- Platinum (develops patina rather than losing metal)
- Titanium (extremely scratch resistant and lightweight)
- Tungsten carbide (virtually scratch-proof, though can crack under extreme force)
- Lower karat gold (10K-14K) is more durable than higher karat options
For Metal Sensitivities
If you have sensitive skin or known metal allergies, focus on hypoallergenic options:
- Platinum (extremely pure and hypoallergenic)
- Titanium (biocompatible and rarely causes reactions)
- High-karat yellow gold (18K+)
- Palladium (member of the platinum family)
- Avoid nickel-containing white gold and sterling silver if you have sensitivities
For Value and Investment
If you view jewelry as an investment or want to maximize future value:
- Platinum (rare and valuable; maintains weight over time)
- Higher karat gold (18K+) contains more pure gold
- Palladium (increasingly valuable due to rarity)
- Avoid plated jewelry which depreciates as plating wears off
- Consider resale potential: precious metals retain value better than alternatives
For Budget-Conscious Shoppers
If you're looking for quality without the premium price tag:
- Sterling silver (affordable with a precious metal look)
- Lower karat gold (10K) has less gold content but similar appearance
- Titanium and stainless steel (durable, modern look at fraction of gold's cost)
- Gold-filled jewelry (thicker gold layer than plated options; more durable)
- Tungsten carbide (affordable with premium feel and extreme durability)
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to explore our metal options?
Browse our collection of fine jewelry in a variety of metals, or work with our designers to create a custom piece in your preferred metal.