How to choose the best metal for your jewellery
Everyone has a personal taste when it comes to the type of jewellery they wear. Some people prefer a minimalistic look while others choose to make a statement. The metal used as a part of the jewellery not only plays an important role in the appearance of the ornament but also its cost. There are a few metals that are usually preferred to make jewellery because of various reasons. Gold, silver and platinum are among them that are most frequently used and are loved by people across the world. Listed below are the properties of the metals so that you can choose the best metal for your jewellery.
Gold
One of the most popular and arguably the best metal for jewellery making is gold. The most important reason why gold enjoys a huge popularity is because it can also act as an investment that guarantees good returns in times of need. Additionally, pure gold is a soft metal and is easy to work with and hence it can be designed into almost any shape and size, no matter how intricate it may be. Yellow gold looks beautiful and is instantly noticeable on the wearer. It is available in a variety of shades such as white gold, yellow gold and rose gold which literally eliminates the need for any other metal. The jewellery items made of gold pairs well with almost any outfit and its lustrous nature elevates your appearance.
Platinum
If you are looking for a metal that you can never go wrong with, then platinum is the ideal choice for you. Platinum is a rare and valuable metal that is a little more expensive than gold. It has a silvery hue that look great as a jewellery item with or without embellishments. It is a valuable metal because it is extremely durable and resistant to tarnish which makes it the best metal for your jewellery especially the ones which you tend to wear every day. Due to its high purity level, platinum jewellery is hypoallergenic making it the metal of choice for people who have sensitive skin and are allergic to certain metals. Platinum is highly resistant to stress and temperature changes which makes it a good pick for jewellery with precious stone settings such as diamonds.
Sterling silver
Pure silver is a weak metal and not very easy to work with and therefore not very commonly used for making fine jewellery. It is also very prone to tarnish and corrosion when it comes in contact with the natural elements. However, silver has got a germicidal property and its neutral and versatile appearance is highly desirable. Hence, sterling silver is used for making jewellery which comprises of 92.5% silver with the rest being copper and zinc. Since this metal is prone to tarnish, you will have to get it professionally polished at least once a year. Sterling silver is more affordable than gold or platinum and has a lustrous finish which looks stunning on jewellery. Additionally, you can also opt for oxidized silver, which is a type of sterling silver, for a more aged look to the ornaments with a dark patina.
Tungsten
Tungsten is a more affordable alternative to platinum and is the best metal for jewellery for men. It is stronger than platinum, is hypoallergenic and will not tarnish when exposed to the elements. This makes it the perfect choice of metal for men’s wedding ring, especially those who are involved in physically demanding work. It is as durable as platinum and has a weighty feel to it. It has a high melting point and steel gray colour which looks very attractive.
The abovementioned metals are the most frequently used metals in the jewellery industry. Apart from them, metals like palladium, titanium and stainless steel are sparingly used for making jewellery.