Do you own a piece of jewelry? If so, you may not realize that there could be several different kinds of metal in your jewelry. While some pieces may be composed of precious metals, others could have more common metals such as aluminum or pewter. Knowing the different types of metal that are used in jewelry can help you determine its value and even how to care for it properly. In this overview, we’ll go over some of the different types of metal that are often used to make jewelry.
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Gold
Gold is perhaps one of the most common metals used for jewelry More specifically, it’s used for fine jewelry because it’s very malleable and strong. It’s also very durable and will last for years if it’s cared for properly. Gold jewelry is often stamped with “14K” or “18K” to show the karat of gold used to make it. Many people also decide to have necklaces or earrings made as gifts for loved ones, but you can expect to pay the most for jewelry with gold.
Silver
Silver is always an attractive choice to use for jewelry because this metal retains its value quite well. Silver is also quite easy to work with, which is why it’s often used for unique design purposes. Silver also comes in many different shades, so there are lots of options available when selecting a silver chain or bracelet. The term sterling silver means that the metal is at least 92.5 percent pure silver. Sterling silver jewelry can be used for years without any problems, and it will also retain its shine.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another popular choice that is used to make metals. Typically, it’s used for costume jewelry, but it also has specific advantages that make it easy to work with.
- It’s very malleable, which means that it can be formed in many different shapes.
- It’s also lightweight, which means that you don’t have to worry about your jewelry being too heavy.
The biggest drawback to aluminum is its tendency to tarnish. However, this issue can be overcome by using special polishing agents.
Brass
Brass is often viewed as an affordable alternative to silver. It is also a great choice for those who are looking to make their jewelry look more antique or vintage. Brass has the same benefits as aluminum, in that it is lightweight and malleable. Also, brass is very durable, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged easily. The reason it’s affordable is that it doesn’t contain precious metals. However, it could contain trace elements of nickel and aluminum that individuals could be allergic to. In that case, you should choose another metal.
Bronze
Bronze is closely related to brass because it is also an alloy, but it contains tin instead of aluminum. Bronze is often used for jewelry because it has a gold tint to it when polished. In fact, bronze was commonly used by the Romans and Greeks as a substitute for gold. It’s also quite popular because of its durability and you don’t really need to polish it as often. It has a beautiful gold tint and it’s easy to work with. The reason why bronze is more expensive than brass is because it’s harder to make, so you can be sure that the product you’re buying is high quality.
Copper
Copper is often referred to as red gold, so it’s not surprising that it was used for jewelry for a long time. It is known for its ability to be worked easily, so you can make rings, earrings and necklaces from it. It has a beautiful color and it is incredibly durable. On the downsize, it can oxidize as time passes, which makes the color turn darker.
Any or all of the metals above can be used to make custom jewelry. If you’re considering having jewelry made for yourself, it always helps to know which metals are best for it, so you can be sure that you don’t get anything that will break easily. Also, it gives you a better idea of how to take care of your precious item properly.