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Metal Guide

Metal Guide for Custom Jewelry

Complete Guide to Jewelry Metals

Understanding the different metals used in jewelry can help you make the perfect choice for your custom piece. Each metal has unique properties, advantages, and care requirements. This guide will walk you through the most popular metals we offer for our custom jewelry.

Au

Gold

Gold has been treasured for millennia for its lustrous yellow color and resistance to tarnish. Pure gold (24K) is too soft for everyday jewelry, so it's commonly alloyed with other metals to increase durability.

Common Karats 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K
Durability Moderate (varies by karat)
Hypoallergenic Higher karats are better
Maintenance Low

Karat Guide

  • 24K (99.9% gold): Pure gold, very soft and rarely used in jewelry
  • 22K (91.7% gold): Very high gold content, rich color, slightly more durable
  • 18K (75% gold): Good balance of purity and durability, rich color
  • 14K (58.3% gold): Most popular in the US, excellent durability for everyday wear
  • 10K (41.7% gold): Lowest gold content legally considered "gold" in the US, most affordable
Durability: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★★★
Workability: ★★★★★

Care Tips

Clean with mild soap and warm water. Store separately to prevent scratches. Remove before swimming or using chemicals.

Ag

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with copper for strength. This affordable precious metal has a lustrous white appearance and excellent workability, making it perfect for detailed designs.

Composition 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
Durability Moderate
Hypoallergenic Usually, but copper alloy can cause reactions
Maintenance Medium (tarnishes over time)

Types of Silver

  • Sterling Silver (925): Standard for silver jewelry
  • Argentium Silver: Tarnish-resistant sterling silver with germanium
  • Fine Silver (999): 99.9% pure silver, too soft for most jewelry
  • Silver-Plated: Base metal coated with a thin layer of silver
Durability: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Workability: ★★★★★

Care Tips

Polish regularly with a silver polishing cloth. Store in anti-tarnish bags or with anti-tarnish strips. Keep away from chlorinated water and household chemicals.

Pt

Platinum

Platinum is among the rarest and most prestigious metals for jewelry. With its naturally white color, extreme durability, and hypoallergenic properties, platinum is the premium choice for fine jewelry, especially engagement rings.

Purity 95-98% platinum
Durability Excellent
Hypoallergenic Highly (best choice for sensitive skin)
Maintenance Low

Key Features

  • Develops a patina over time that many find desirable
  • Approximately 30 times rarer than gold
  • Naturally white metal that never fades or changes color
  • Excellent for securing gemstones due to its strength
  • Heavier than other metals—a platinum ring will feel substantial
Durability: ★★★★★
Value: ★★★★★
Workability: ★★★★☆

Care Tips

Clean with mild soap and warm water. Professional polishing can restore shine if desired, though many prefer the patina that develops. Avoid chlorine and harsh chemicals.

WG

White Gold

White gold is an alloy of gold and white metals such as nickel, silver, or palladium, often plated with rhodium for a brilliant white finish. It offers the value of gold with a platinum-like appearance at a more accessible price point.

Common Karats 14K, 18K
Durability Good
Hypoallergenic Varies (nickel-free options available)
Maintenance Medium (rhodium plating needs refreshing)

What to Know

  • Rhodium plating will wear off over time, requiring replating every 1-2 years depending on wear
  • Nickel-free white gold is available for those with sensitivities
  • More affordable alternative to platinum
  • Slightly warmer undertone than platinum when rhodium wears off
Durability: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Workability: ★★★★☆

Care Tips

Clean with mild soap and warm water. Periodic rhodium replating will maintain the bright white finish. Avoid chemicals and chlorine which can accelerate rhodium wear.

RG

Rose Gold

Rose gold gets its romantic pink hue from copper in the alloy. Increasingly popular for its warm, vintage appeal, rose gold offers excellent durability and a distinctive look that complements many skin tones.

Common Karats 14K, 18K
Durability Excellent (copper adds strength)
Hypoallergenic Moderate (copper can cause reactions)
Maintenance Low

Color Variations

  • 14K Rose Gold: Higher copper content, stronger pink color
  • 18K Rose Gold: Higher gold content, more subtle blush tone
  • Red Gold: Higher copper content for a more reddish appearance
  • Pink Gold: Lower copper content for a lighter pink shade
Durability: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Workability: ★★★★☆

Care Tips

Clean with mild soap and warm water. The copper content makes rose gold somewhat tarnish-resistant. Store separately to prevent scratches.

Pd

Palladium

Palladium is a platinum group metal that offers many of platinum's benefits at a lighter weight and more accessible price point. This naturally white metal is durable, hypoallergenic, and will never tarnish or lose its color.

Purity 95% or 950 palladium
Durability Very good
Hypoallergenic Highly
Maintenance Low

Comparison to Platinum

  • Approximately 30% lighter than platinum
  • Similar appearance and properties to platinum
  • More affordable than platinum but more expensive than white gold
  • Develops a patina over time like platinum
  • Naturally white metal that doesn't require plating
Durability: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Workability: ★★★★☆

Care Tips

Clean with mild soap and warm water. Professional polishing can restore shine if desired. Palladium requires minimal maintenance.

Ti

Titanium

Titanium is a contemporary metal known for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio. Despite being incredibly strong, titanium is about 45% lighter than steel, making it comfortable for everyday wear. Its natural gunmetal gray color can also be anodized to create vibrant colors.

Grade Grade 5 (6Al-4V) for jewelry
Durability Exceptional
Hypoallergenic Highly
Maintenance Very low

Unique Properties

  • Extremely lightweight yet incredibly strong
  • Highly scratch-resistant compared to precious metals
  • Can be anodized to create colorful finishes
  • Cannot be resized like traditional metals
  • Very affordable compared to precious metals
Durability: ★★★★★
Value: ★★★☆☆
Workability: ★★☆☆☆

Care Tips

Clean with mild soap and warm water. Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, requiring minimal maintenance. Can be polished to restore shine if scratched.

Metal Comparison at a Glance

Metal Price Durability Maintenance Hypoallergenic Best For
Gold (14K) $$$ Good Low Moderate Traditional jewelry, engagement rings
Sterling Silver $ Moderate High Moderate Fashion jewelry, detailed designs
Platinum $$$$$ Excellent Low Excellent High-end jewelry, engagement rings
White Gold $$$ Good Medium Varies Alternative to platinum, modern styles
Rose Gold $$$ Excellent Low Moderate Romantic, vintage-inspired pieces
Palladium $$$$ Very Good Low Excellent Alternative to platinum, lightweight pieces
Titanium $$ Exceptional Very Low Excellent Men's bands, contemporary styles

Choosing the Right Metal for Your Jewelry

When selecting a metal for your custom jewelry piece, consider these factors:

  • Budget: Platinum and palladium are premium options, while silver and titanium are more affordable.
  • Lifestyle: Active lifestyles benefit from more durable metals like platinum or titanium.
  • Skin Sensitivity: Those with allergies should consider platinum, palladium, or titanium.
  • Design: Some metals are better suited for intricate designs or stone settings.
  • Maintenance: Consider how much care you're willing to provide over time.
  • Color Preference: Choose a metal that complements your skin tone and personal style.

Our jewelry artisans are always available to help you select the perfect metal for your custom piece. Contact us for a personalized consultation.