Precious Metals Education

Platinum always has been a fantastic choice for engagement rings and wedding bands because it is a pure white metal that won’t change color or fade. It’s non-corrosive, it has a density and a heft to it that makes platinum highly durable. Its strength makes it the most secure setting for diamonds. It is also hypoallergenic, so the wearer never has to worry about any allergic reactions. A metal with no weaknesses? That’s platinum.

Palladium is not just for Iron Man. It has a natural gray-white luster. It doesn’t tarnish or need to be rhodium plated, so it is low maintenance. Palladium is a platinum group metal and is 95% pure. Palladium also is hypoallergenic, so it will not cause allergic reactions. It is less dense and therefore feels much lighter in weight than its heavy metal brother platinum.

Gold is a fantastic metal for jewelry. We can trace the use of gold throughout the history of mankind. Why gold? Natural beauty and incredible malleability are the two main reasons. A single ounce of gold can be stretched into a thin wire that measures five miles long. It can be pounded into thin sheet that covers an area 100 sq. ft. Gold is also lustrous. It maintains its shape and it’s durable. These qualities are symbolic of a relationship, and ideally representative for an engagement ring.

Silver is one of the most abundant of all the precious metals and is commonly used for earrings, bracelets, watches, and rings. In its pure state, silver is quite soft so is often alloyed with copper to strengthen it. Silver can build tarnish on its surface unless you care for it by polishing it on a regular basis. By definition and international agreement, “sterling” silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% some other material – usually copper. The 92.5% is why jewelry is often stamped with the numbers 925 or .925.

Titanium is a lustrous gray metal that is a naturally occurring element. It is very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Titanium is stronger than gold or platinum and is 3 times stronger than steel. This is a ring that will last a lifetime. It is often alloyed with other metals to reduce its brittle qualities.

Tungsten is a dark gray glossy metal. Tungsten Carbide is often the preferred Tungsten alloy mix because it is harder than standard Tungsten. Jewelry made with Tungsten Carbide will retain a polish longer than any other metal, so it will preserve the glossy look. Tungsten Carbide is denser than steel and titanium, therefore, many people enjoy the weight of it.

Cobalt is a natural, hypoallergenic metal. It is the whitest contemporary material offered today and looks similar to Platinum. It will not tarnish and does not need any rhodium plating. Cobalt is less dense than other materials, allowing for greater height and shape to be yielded into designs. It is extremely hard and scratch resistant, so Cobalt offers tremendous durability and wearability and will maintain its luster and hold its polish.