Different jewelry materials
Do you know the difference between precious and non-precious metals? If you are not sure, keep reading!
Precious metals
Precious metals are those found in a pure state in nature and are not very reactive. The precious metals, limited in quantity and easy to manipulate, are the ones that stand out for their high economic value. However, as there is no jewelry material with perfect characteristics, it is necessary to resort to alloys to achieve a resistant and durable jewelry.
In jewelry, in order of economic value, platinum, gold and silver are considered precious metals. silver. But so are palladium and rhodium. The latter is very difficult to find and, right now, is the most expensive metal.
Throughout history, precious metals were used as ornaments as a symbol of beauty, strength, power and wealth. Later, as they did not deteriorate, and were easily transported and divided, they began to be used as currency.
Below, we explain the three most popular precious metals.
Platinum
This jewelry material stands out for its shine white natural and to be used with diamonds. It is a very strong, heavy, dense and hard metal. So it holds stones securely and, when scratched, the scratched part moves elsewhere. Right now, it is not a fashionable metal and there are few jewelers with the knowledge. But one charm of this metal is that, over time, it turns slightly gray and is made to look like an antique.
It is the best known precious metal and the one that has stood out over time above the rest. Currently, three quarters of the total gold production is dedicated to jewelry. As it is not very reactive, it is also unlikely to cause allergies. Its malleability is high, so it is easy to work with, but it has to be mixed with other non-precious metals to gain hardness and even change from its bright yellow to another color.
La Plata
Today, silver is another of the most commonly used metals in everyday life: for soldering, photo development, electronics, water purification and, of course, as a material for jewelry. It is the most ubiquitous metal in jewelry. However, it is more reactive compared to other metals. For example, it reacts with sulfur in air, which causes it to lose luster and change color. But if polished, silver maintains a flawless shine.
Non-precious metals
Known as base metals, they are cheaper in price and react with other chemicals leading to corrosion. As mentioned above, when mixed with precious metals, they give them greater durability, resistance to scratching or bending. These include metals such as copper, titanium, tungsten, zinc and nickel.
Next, we will focus on copper, titanium and tungsten.
El Cobre
Among all jewelry materials, copper is the most important base metal. It has a characteristic reddish-brown color, is malleable and soft. But copper atoms are smaller and, when mixed with a noble metal, they get between the spaces and create a much harder metal. For example, pink and red golds come from mixing pure gold with copper. Despite everyday wear, copper is very durable as a bracelet material. jewelrymaking it a very good candidate for use. However, care must be taken as it will eventually develop a natural green color and may stain the skin.
Titanium
Titanium stands out for its high resistance and lightness and is often used to give more hardness to gold and silver, but getting a light piece that does not fracture easily. Its price is quite economical, making it an alternative to other metals and helping to attract buyers. Especially for engagement rings.
Tungsten
The latter non-precious metal is very hard and tough, so it does not scratch easily. It is used in industrial drills, drill bits and hammers, so one can imagine how durable it is when used as a jewelry material. However, a piece of tungsten jewelry is prone to receiving fractures because of its hardness if it receives too hard a blow. Moreover, the tungsten used in the jewelry market is actually a mixture of tungsten and carbon. Like titanium, tungsten is an alternative to titanium. cost-effective to precious metals.
Now that you know the characteristics of precious metals and base metals, what material will be your next piece of jewelry?