Jewelry making is all about the type of metal that one chooses to design a piece of jewelry. For years, jewelers have used a wide range of metals in designing jewelry. From pure gold to alloy, every type of metal can be used in making rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.
You can choose various metals in jewelry according to your budget and choice. Apart from that, you can also choose different gemstones and patterns for different metals. In this blog, we will discuss the most valuable metals to use in jewelry making.
Different kinds of metals used in jewelry making
The most popular metals used in jewelry making are platinum, gold, and silver. These metals are also combined with other metals to make jewelry. Let us have a look at the list of precious jewelry metals in the below section:
1. Gold
Gold is the most popular choice when it comes to jewelry. This yellow metal is used for making a wide range of jewelry such as earrings, pendants, rings, bracelets, and anklets. Gold metal is available in different carats. Pure gold comes in 24 carats. It means no other metal is mixed in pure gold to make various pieces of jewelry.
Gold of 14 carat includes an alloy metal in some percentage. However, it has lower rates than pure gold. This metal is melted and used in making new pieces of jewelry. You can also melt down old gold jewelry and make new gold jewelry.
Reputable jewelry brands put a mark on the jewelry to indicate the karat quality. Apart from that, you must also see the trademark or name of the company on the jewelry. Different jewelers use different ways to display trademarks such as initials or symbols. As a customer, you must always choose gold jewelry with a trademark.
Gold is found in countries such as South America, North America, and Australia. It does not rust due to air, dust, or water.
2. Silver
After gold, it is silver that is widely used in making various pieces of jewelry. People love silver more than gold due to the obvious reason of its shine and color. It is also a more affordable option than gold when you have to gift someone.
Silver is found in abundance in different parts of the world. Many beginners start their career in jewelry making by learning to make silver ornaments. Pure silver biker jewelry product contains 92.5% silver. You will also find the number 925 on the pure silver products. It means 925 parts per thousand are made of pure silver.
In addition, some pieces of jewelry have a single layer of silver. These jewelry pieces have a combination of base metal and silver. The coins of silver with a mark that you get in the market contain about 90% silver. Pure silver products will include a trademark or symbol.
One common type of silver is sterling silver. It can be combined with other metals to make a wide range of jewelry. If you want a higher quality of silver than sterling silver, choose Mexican silver. Mexican silver contains 95% silver and 55 copper. Even silver alloy is available in various types.
Jewelers mostly choose sterling silver to design earrings, anklets, and other jewelry pieces. You can also choose other types of silver for customized jewelry.
3. Platinum
Platinum is the most precious metal used in various jewelry pieces. It is costlier than gold and can be mixed with different metals to design earrings, pendants, and bracelets.
Many quality markings are used on platinum jewelry to indicate the purity of the metal. Some of the metals belonging to the platinum group include ruthenium, iridium, rhodium, and palladium. Quality markings on the platinum jewelry indicate the parts of platinum per thousand.
Platinum metal is derived from platinum ore and metallic silver. The color of this metal varies with the combination of different metals. It is a safe metal to wear every day. Platinum is a durable metal and never rusts or gets damaged due to water, air, or sun rays.
Platinum has been used in jewelry making since 700 BCE. In ancient times, platinum was widely used in making decorative items for homes. It is a symbol of wealth and status. The trend of platinum Ruby rings is popular with young couples who are going to get engaged or married.
Other Valuable Metals Used in Jewelry Making
We discussed the top metals used in the jewelry making industry. Besides, we will also discuss the different types of other valuable metals that are used in making a wide range of jewelry.
1. Rhodium
Rhodium is another precious metal that belongs to the platinum group. It is normally used in making white gold jewelry. Rhodium is made from the same ore in which silver and gold exist.
Rhodium is used in making catalytic converters. It is mainly produced in South Africa and used in making various jewelry pieces.
2. Palladium
The next valuable metal after Rhodium is Palladium. It also belongs to the Platinum group and is used for different purposes such as industrial applications. Palladium is used in making rings, anklets, and earrings.
Palladium is one of the costliest metals used in jewelry making. It is not commonly found in local jewelry stores. However, this metal is used by top-notch jewelry designers around the world.
Some other precious metals used in jewelry pieces are sterling silver, ruthenium, and iridium. However, these metals are very popular and are used in making jewelry pieces.
Final Words
You can find different metals in the market that are used in making various pieces of jewelry. Different metals have different prices according to their quality. You can also mix various metals that suit your lifestyle.
It is also easy to get customized jewelry in different metals and alloys as per your budget. You can ask your jewelry designer about the different metals while buying a ring for an engagement or other jewelry pieces for daily use.