The metal you choose for a piece of jewellery can make all the difference. It affects not only how the piece looks, but also how long it lasts and how it feels to wear.
With so many metals to choose from—ranging from affordable to luxurious—it’s helpful to know what sets each one apart.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common metals used in jewellery, including one of our favourites at Stones and Stuff Stockholm: stainless steel coated with 18-karat gold.
This guide will help you understand the differences so you can find the right fit for your style, lifestyle, and budget.
What to Think About When Choosing a Metal
Ask yourself:
- Will I wear this every day or only occasionally?
- Do I want something low-maintenance or am I okay with polishing it?
- Do I prefer warm tones (like gold and brass) or cool tones (like silver and steel)?
- Is skin sensitivity an issue for me?
- Do I want a natural finish or something shiny and plated?
Answering these questions and comparing it with the list below, you should get some answers.
Common Jewellery Metals – Pros, Cons, and Care Tips
🧡 Copper
- Warm reddish colour
- Easy to shape, used in boho, vintage and also in bold or modern styles
- Can turn green or blue over time
- Has a strong metal smell
- Often silver-plated in cheaper jewellery, wears off quickly
Copper needs careful handling. Water, perfumes, lotions, and alcohol-based products can damage it permanently. It needs regular cleaning and polishing, to keep its brownish-golden hue.
So while it’s affordable metal, it’s best for occasional wear and dry conditions.
🤎 Brass
- A mix of copper and zinc
- Gold or bronze tone
- Changes colour and gets darker with time
- Affordable and flexible for designs
- Plating doesn’t last long
Over time, brass develops darker patches or stains on the surface, and regular cleaning is needed to keep its shine. Like copper, it doesn’t handle moisture or chemicals well, and plating won’t last forever.
But if you love vintage looks or bold, earthy tones, brass is a strong choice—just handle it with care.
🩶 Stainless Steel (with 18K Gold Coating)
Stainless steel is tough, durable, and resistant to rust or tarnish.
- Very durable, doesn’t rust
- Great for everyday wear
- Often coated with 18K gold to give a luxury finish that lasts
- Can handle water and cosmetics
To combine strength with beauty, we often use stainless steel coated with 18-karat gold at Stones and Stuff Stockholm. This way, you get the look of gold with the toughness of steel—perfect for daily wear.
Stainless steel can tolerate water and light contact with cosmetics, but to protect the gold plating, avoid perfume, alcohol-based sprays, and harsh chemicals.
🩶 Silver
Sterling silver (also called 925 silver) is one of the most popular choices in jewellery. It’s easy to shape, has a beautiful shine, and works well in both classic and modern designs.
- Classic bright shine
- Easy to shape, popular in all styles
- Can darken over time but brightens with wear
- Handles water and cosmetics
Over time, silver may tarnish and turn darker, especially if left unworn. But the good news is, regular use helps keep it bright. It’s safe with water and gentle products, though you should still keep it away from perfumes and strong chemicals.
💛 Gold
Gold has always been a symbol of beauty and luxury. It comes in different purities:
- 24K is pure gold—soft and rich in colour, but not very durable.
- 18K, 14K, and 10K are mixed with other metals to make them harder and more suitable for daily wear.
Gold doesn’t easily tarnish, and its natural shine gives jewellery a timeless elegance. Like silver, it’s safe with water and light cosmetics, but keep it away from perfume and chemical products to help it last longer.
Other Luxurious Metals
- Platinum – Very strong, doesn’t rust, perfect for lasting pieces
- Titanium – Light, hypoallergenic, scratch-resistant, and colourful
- Palladium – Light, strong, and doesn't tarnish
What to Choose?
Every metal has its pros and cons. Whether you love the look of copper or want something strong like stainless steel, choose a metal that fits your style and how often you’ll wear it.
At Stones and Stuff Stockholm, we recommend 18K gold-coated stainless steel for jewellery that looks great and lasts long.
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