Different materials used to make Jewellery

As we all know there are many different kinds of metals that can be used to make the jewellery that we love and wear on a daily basis. It is very important to know the material of the jewellery you wear to ensure you are not allergic or creating environmental waste and buying jewellery made of the metal that best supports your needs.

This blog highlights some of the main metals used to make jewellery as well as the pros and cons of each

Gold

Gold is a bright reddish yellow precious metal rated in Karats (k). It is most commonly used to make jewellery and coins. As pure gold is quite soft, it is usually mixed with other metals like copper, silver, and zinc to make a harder alloy used for most jewellery.

1. It is one of the finest metals used to make jewellery.
2. It is resistant to most acids
3. Gold in its purest form does not tarnish, however, the alloys made from gold can tarnish over a long period of time.
4. Gold is a non-allergenic metal.

Cons:

1. As a precious metal gold is quite expensive
2. Jewellery made from gold can get scratches if not handled with care.
3. Alloys of gold with nickel present are not suitable for people with allergies

Silver

Silver is also a soft precious white metal. Similar to gold, silver is used to make jewellery, coins and everyday items. Due to its nature it is perfect to make fine jewellery and accessories. As pure silver is a soft metal it is usually made into an alloy with copper to form 925 Sterling Silver, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, and is used to make jewellery. All Eve Jewellery pieces are made using 925 Sterling Silver.

Pros:

1. It has antibacterial properties
2. Silver can be polished to a luminous sheen
3. Silver jewellery is environmentally better as it can be melted and made into a new design.
4. Silver is pocket friendly as it is a much cheaper alternative to gold
5. Silver can be plated with other metals for a gold or rose gold finish
6. Silver can be hallmarked to ensure its purity

Cons:

1. Silver can tarnish over time, if not cared for properly. However, its shine can be brought back easily. To find out how to clean your silver jewellery check our blog on it here. Moreover, check out our Eve Jewellery Care Guide to learn how to care for your jewellery.
2. As it is more sensitive to corrosion and acids it requires more care than pure gold jewellery.
3. Silver jewellery made with nickel can lead to allergic reactions, however Sterling silver with copper is hypoallergenic. At Eve Jewellery, we only uses the copper alloy of silver for producing all its jewellery.

Jewellery made with base metals like copper, brass and stainless steel

Base metals is a word used for metals that oxidise like copper, brass, and stainless steel. These materials do not contain one of the noble or precious metals, therefore, they are significantly cheaper compared to the metals mentioned above.

Pros:

1. It is a more affordable and economical choice
2. It is easily available in a variety of designs and patterns
3. As the metals used are reactive they can be made into the colour of the users choice easily

Cons:

1. Base metal jewellery oxidises and tarnishes much more quickly than silver and its shine cannot be restored.
2. People can be allergic to base metals used in jewellery
3. Base metals cant be hallmarked to ensure their purity