When choosing the perfect piece of jewellery or designing your own showstopping piece it’s important to select the right metals to ensure that your jewellery not only looks great but that it lasts for years and years to come.
In this blog, we provide you with all the information you need to know about the unique properties of various precious metals used in jewellery-making. With our expert analysis, you can confidently choose the perfect metal that aligns with your personal style and preferences.
Gold – yellow or white?
Gold is a highly valued precious metal that has been used for thousands of years in jewellery making. Its unique properties, such as its malleability and ductility, make it easy to shape and work with. Gold is also highly resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, making it an ideal material for jewellery that is meant to last. It’s available in both white and yellow colours meaning there are options for all skin tones.
White gold is an alloy traditionally made by combining gold and silver. However, the demand for a whiter colour has led to the increased use of palladium over silver. Since white gold is 75% yellow metal, it requires a stable alloy to maintain its white appearance. This is why palladium is used, and also why white gold is typically more expensive than yellow gold.
Whether you choose yellow gold or white gold, this versatile metal suits a wide variety of styles from more traditional to modern designs, with both creating beautiful jewellery.
Rose Gold
Rose gold has seen a resurgence in popularity. Its unique pink hue makes it an interesting alternative to the standard yellow and white metals. It is an alloy made by combining gold with copper and a small amount of silver. The copper gives it the rosy colour, while the silver helps with malleability. Rose gold is often used in engagement rings, wedding bands and other types of jewellery because of its durability, resistance to tarnishing and ability to complement a wide range of skin tones. It is also a more affordable alternative to traditional yellow gold or platinum.
Silver
Silver is a precious metal that has been used in jewellery making for centuries due to its high malleability for use in handcrafted items. However, the downsides of silver have meant that it’s often surpassed by gold or platinum when used in high-end jewellery such as engagement rings or wedding bands. Silver tends to oxidize over time, which causes the metal to tarnish and lose its finish, meaning regular maintenance is required to keep its shine. Additionally, silver is readily available, and struggles to hold its value, unlike its gold and platinum counterparts.
Platinum
Platinum is a precious metal that is highly valued for its durability, density, and resistance to corrosion. While more abundant naturally than gold, it’s difficult to extract from the earth which adds to its scarcity and value. It is often used in jewellery making due to its natural white colour and ability to hold intricate designs and small gemstones. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, platinum is extremely durable, making it ideal for daily wear. Its high melting point and ductility make it easy to work with, allowing jewellers to create intricate designs with ease. Overall, platinum is a popular choice for high-end jewellery due to its beauty and versatility.
Palladium
Palladium is a precious metal that is often used in jewellery making due to its natural whiteness and resistance to tarnishing. It is a member of the platinum group of metals and shares many of its characteristics, including high durability and resistance to corrosion. For years, it has been used widely across the electrical industry due to its excellent conductivity properties but started to appear in the jewellery industry as a cheaper alternative to platinum. However, growing demand from both industries means that its value has significantly increased. Palladium is also known for its lightweight properties and while this can be beneficial in certain scenarios, this same characteristic may also impact the attractiveness of some high-end jewellery.
Still unsure about which metal is best for your bespoke jewellery needs? Why not get in touch and one of our team can talk you through the process and help advise on which metal would be best for you?