Jewelry comes in a variety of metals, which allows jewelry to be affordable for almost anyone. The three most popular jewelry metals include gold, silver, and platinum, but there are also more modern metals, like tungsten, stainless steel, and titanium.
There are countless metals to make jewelry but here is a guide to a few of the most popular:
Platinum
This metal is a bright white metal that is also durable and hypoallergenic. Platinum has a soft whire hue and is 30 times rarer than gold, making it more expensive. This shiny, beautiful metal will last for generations, as it does not tarnish or oxidize, and is a preferred choice for engagement rings and some other jewelry. Platinum, when used in jewelry, is usually mixed with other similar metals, known as the platinum group metals. For jewelry to be labeled as platinum, it should contain a minimum of 90% pure platinum, otherwise, it would be considered a platinum alloy. This metal is perfect for showing off diamonds or other beautiful gemstones.
Gold
Gorgeous gold is a traditional choice for all types of jewelry because it is the most easily worked out of all the metals due to being naturally soft and malleable. This timeless metal is typically alloyed with other metals such as copper and zinc, which is done to strengthen it and provide more color. Three popular gold colors include, yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. You can determine the karat of gold by checking its markings, which are usually stamped with the karat weight on the inside or reverse side of the piece of jewelry. Gold can be cared for by buffing it with a soft cloth or warm water and a mild soap with a gentle toothbrush.
Sterling Silver
Silver is one of the most timeless and affordable precious metals. As pure silver is generally too soft to be used in jewelry making, it is typically mixed with copper or another metal to create sterling silver, making it more durable. It must contain 92.5% pure silver to be considered sterling silver. This beautiful metal can range from a bright to grayish white color and can be both matte or shiny. This metal does, however, tend to tarnish so you can use a mild soap and warm water to clean your silver piece of jewelry, drying it with a soft cloth. Tarnish can also be removed by using a silver cloth.
Tungsten
Tungsten, meaning “heavy stone,” is a heavy metal which ranges from a steel gray to a tin-white color with a beautiful finish. The hardness of this metal tends to keep it from fading, unlike other metals that must be polished. Tungsten has natural hypoallergenic properties which are perfect for jewelry making.
Stainless Steel
This is a metal with many uses, however is typically used to make watches, bracelets, and rings. This silvery-white colored metal has a beautiful mirror finish which resists tarnishing and keeps its shine very well. Stainless steel is strong and easy to clean, so it is great for wearing every day.
Titanium
This versatile metal is very lightweight and strong. It is similar to steel and platinum as it is a silvery-white color and resists tarnishing. Like stainless steel, it is great for wearing every day because it is very durable, strong, and beautiful.
Find the perfect piece of jewelry for you or someone special at Bernard’s Jewelers by visiting us at 23999 US Hwy. 80, Statesboro or call us at 912-764-5379.