Metals in Jewelry: The Strong Bases
Metals hold gems and make jewelry last. They're mixed (alloyed) for strength. Pure ones are too soft.
- Gold: Soft yellow metal from earth. Measured in karats (24K = pure, but bends easy; 18K or 14K = mixed, stronger).– Yellow Gold: Classic sunny color. Mix of gold + copper/zinc. Warm and traditional.– White Gold: Gold + white metals like palladium. Looks like silver but pricier. Often coated (rhodium) to stay shiny.– Rose Gold: Gold + more copper. Pinkish like a sunset. Trendy and romantic.
- Platinum: Super strong white metal (rarer than gold). Doesn’t tarnish, hypoallergenic (no skin itch). Heavy and premium.
- Silver: Affordable white metal. Shines bright but can darken (tarnish) over time. Often sterling (92.5% pure + copper for strength). Great for everyday wear.
Contemporary Metals: Modern Twists
Newer options for cool, tough jewelry – often cheaper or lighter.
- Gold Ore: Gold Ore jewellery is made using a specialized bonding process that combines a real gold outer layer with a durable core metal. This provides a lasting gold appearance when properly cared for, while remaining more affordable than solid gold.
- Tungsten: Super hard gray metal (like diamond for metals!). Scratch-proof, heavy. Great for men’s rings – won’t bend.
- Titanium: Light, strong gray metal. Doesn’t rust or cause allergies. Space-age feel – used in planes too!
- Platinum Plated: Thin platinum layer over cheaper metal (like silver). Shiny like real platinum but wears off over time. Budget-friendly sparkle.
