When it comes to buying precious metal jewelry, there are many options. Most people automatically switch to gold, but other metals make great coins. While some are significantly “better” than others from a jewelry maker’s perspective, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re best for you. Knowing the metal options available can make your decision that much easier. Here we’ve weakened the various sorts of metals with their pros and cons to assist you to select the right piece.
Aluminum
Some jewelry and crafts contain aluminum, alone or in combination with other metals. It is silver in color and has an attractive shine. Thanks to the anodizing technology, it can be colored in beautiful bright shades.
Aluminum has several advantages when it comes to the jewelry due to its unique properties:
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), aluminum is very malleable so that artisans can give it beautiful shapes. It is widely used in bracelets, elaborate garter necklaces, delicate earrings, etc.
Aluminum is affordable compared to many other options. It is the second most common metal on the planet, according to the USGS.
This metal is stable and will not tarnish or corrode in most daily activities. You can use it in the water.
Aluminum is a lightweight material that is perfect for large items like wide bracelets.
It is important to note that aluminum jewelry can be brittle and susceptible to warping due to its malleability. Also, a minimal number of people can be allergic to this metal.
Gold
Gold is, no pun intended, the gold standard for jewelry metals. Throughout history, humankind has made and coveted gold jewelry. Gold has acted as currency, waged wars, and adorned some of the world’s most famous people. Pure gold or 24 karat gold is very soft and generally cannot be made into jewelry. Most of the gold coins are made of gold alloys. The higher the karat number, the higher the gold content of the jewelry. Twelve to eighteen karats are the standard for most gold coins. Gold comes in various colors, with yellow, white, and pink being the most popular. These are made from the other metals in the alloy. When gold coins are kept, they usually last a lifetime. They are some of the most expensive metals available and are not as durable as other options.
Silver
At different times in history, people valued silver more than gold. Money has long been used as a medium of exchange and jewelry, and it has found many new uses as well. Today that includes photography, batteries, window defoggers, and magnetic tapes, to name a few.
Several factors make silver one of the most famous jewelry metals. Its brightness is considered an exceptional visual characteristic. Silver is also more common and much cheaper than gold or platinum. However, because silver conducts heat so well, it is more challenging to work with than gold. For this reason, inexperienced jewelry makers often learn how to solder silver. Once you master your welding technique on this highly conductive metal, controlling the gold’s heat becomes easier.
Platinum
Platinum is a scarce metal. It is silvery-white in color and is considered more valuable than gold. It is a very durable metal that is very resistant to scratches and looks even better with age. While most platinum jewelry is mixed with at least other metals, it must be 95% pure to be considered platinum. It is much more expensive than white gold.
Copper
The warm reddish glow of copper makes it an excellent choice for handmade jewelry, and it has several properties that make it a practical choice as well. It is a popular choice for Native American jewelry and has many benefits.
According to the Royal Society of Chemists, copper is extremely easy to figure with. It was the first metal worked by jewelers in ancient civilizations.
Copper is affordable compared to gold and silver. However, it is more expensive than alloys like brass and bronze.
This beautiful metal has a few drawbacks. Copper tends to oxidize over time, making it darker. Also, prolonged wear and tear can cause the skin to turn green. However, it is not expensive and available easily!
