There are a lot of fashionable and trending jewelry out there with different values. Have you ever wondered why they are of different values? Why are others cheaper and other expensive? The cost of jewelry depends on the type of metal used in making them. By having information about the different types of metals used, their unique benefits, and how different they are from each other, you will be able to make the right decision while purchasing jewelry. Here are some of the metals used for making jewelry.
Silver-Sterling
This is a white-grey colored metal, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. They are less expensive than gold and platinum and are more durable compared to other metals. Silver jewelry is the most common type in the market. Besides, they are softer than gold, platinum, and titanium. The 92.5% sterling silver is usually stamped as 925.
Silver is used in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, and fashion rings.
Gold
Gold is among the finest metals used for making jewelry. It is hard to find, which is why it is more expensive than silver. The metals used to alloy gold and made it a piece of jewelry are harder than gold itself. Such metals include copper and zinc. The content of gold in a jewelry is measured in Karats (K) and/or carats (ct), which describes the proportion of gold to different metals/stones used in the jewelry. The larger the ratio, the higher the value.
24k gold is the maximum gold content in making gold jewelry. However, they are known to be softer and break easily. Therefore, they are rare to find. The most common gold jewelry has 14k (58,5% pure gold), 16k, 18k (75,0% pure gold), and 21k gold.
Pure gold is mere yellow.
Yellow gold: An alloy of pure gold, silver, and copper.
White gold: An alloy of pure gold and other white metals like silver.
Rose gold: An alloy of gold and a significant proportion of copper.
Platinum
Platinum is a natural white type of metal that comes directly from the earth. It is the most rare and expensive metal of all. It is very hard to find. Platinum is also more durable than steel or titanium. It does not need to be alloyed with other metals like gold. Platinum is manufactured into 90% or 95% pure jewelry. It is so white and does not require plating.
It is also very much heavier than other materials.
It takes one week to produce 31 grams of platinum. Only 88 tonnes of platinum are used to make jewelry every year, compared to 2,700 tonnes of gold. There is one platinum mine in every ten gold mines. This explains how rare the metal is.
Costume Metals
Costume metals include iron, nickel, copper, and titanium. They are used for making costume types of jewelry. They are mixed with precious metals for durability and hardness. Costume metals have no intrinsic value, and therefore, the jewelry made from them is way cheaper than other metals.
Titanium
Titanium is the most hypoallergenic metal ever known. Therefore, it is the best material for people with serious allergies to other metals. Titanium is also the hardest metal and long-lasting.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron to two or more other metals. Stainless steel does not tarnish or corrode. They are used for making surgical needles and ear-piercing materials.
