In the world of jewellery making, the metal chosen can greatly influence the final appearance, longevity, and appeal of a piece.
With a variety of metals available, each offering unique properties, it's essential to understand their characteristics in order to make informed decisions.
Let’s delve into the metals commonly used in jewellery crafting—from affordable options to more luxurious ones—and take a closer look at stainless steel coated with 18-karat gold, a popular choice at Stones and Stuff Stockholm.
Copper
Copper is highly regarded for its warm reddish hue and exceptional malleability. Often found in alloys like brass or copper-nickel, copper offers flexibility in design - from bold ethnic pieces to sleek modern styles.
While copper jewellery develops a green or blue patina over time due to oxidation, it makes it characteristic in distinction from other metals. Copper is pretty often sold as silver-plated in cheaper jewellery, while after a short time, it starts to change its colour. It has also a specific, strong metal smell.
Proper care is essential to prevent unwanted discolouration, but still, copper remains a popular choice due to its affordability and flexibility in forming the metal.
Copper shouldn't have any contact with water, cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol-based products, and harsh chemicals, which can cause damage forever.
Brass
Brass, an alloy of copper mixed with zinc or tin, has a rich gold or bronze colour.
Although brass is relatively affordable, it develops stains and characteristic darker shades on a surface over time. Regular maintenance is needed to preserve its lustre and prevent tarnishing.
Although, brass is often used in jewellery, due to its flexibility and possibility in moulding and design. Yet, please don't expect amazing durability in silver or gold plating.
Brass shouldn't have any contact with water, cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol-based products, and harsh chemicals, which can cause damage forever.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is known for its remarkable durability and resistance to corrosion, making it a popular choice for high-quality, everyday jewellery. The one issue with Stainless Steel is that the metal is so hard, that it doesn't offer many moulding or design possibilities.
But, when coated with 18-karat gold, stainless steel combines the luxury of gold with the resilience of stainless steel, creating pieces that maintain gold elegance while standing up to daily wear.
At Stones and Stuff Stockholm, this blend is the oftest one offered as metal parts, chains and pendants.
Stainless steel can handle contact with water and cosmetics but should be protected from perfumes, alcohol-based products, and harsh chemicals, which could damage the plating.
Silver
925 sterling silver is one of the most versatile metals used in jewellery crafting, prized for its smooth shine and ease of shaping.
Though silver tends to oxidize over time, resulting in dark spots or tarnishing, regular wear can help prevent this, keeping the piece looking bright and polished.
Sterling silver is widely used for both classic and contemporary designs, offering affordability and elegance in equal measure.
Silver handle contact with water and cosmetics but should be protected from perfumes, alcohol-based products, and harsh chemicals, which could damage it.
Gold
Gold has been treasured for centuries for its beauty, durability, and symbolic value. It is available in various karats, each with distinct properties:
- 24K Gold: The purest form of gold, soft and ideal for creating intricate designs.
- 18K, 14K, and 10K Gold: These lower karat values are mixed with other metals for increased hardness and durability.
Gold is revered in jewellery for its timeless appeal and natural lustre, making it a go-to for everything from engagement rings to statement necklaces.
Gold handles contact with water and cosmetics but should be protected from perfumes, alcohol-based products, and harsh chemicals, just to prolong it's longetivity.
Other Luxurious Metals: Platinum, Titanium, and Palladium
In addition to traditional metals, several others stand out for their unique characteristics:
Platinum: Known for its extreme durability and resistance to corrosion, platinum is one of the most sought-after metals for fine jewellery. Its rarity and exceptional strength make it ideal for long-lasting, high-quality pieces.
Titanium: Lightweight, hypoallergenic, and highly resistant to scratches, titanium is a growing favourite in contemporary jewellery. Its ability to be anodized allows it to be available in a variety of colours, adding a modern twist to designs.
Palladium: This rare and noble metal is prized for its lightness, durability, and hypoallergenic properties. Palladium’s ability to resist stains and scratches makes it an excellent option for jewellery that needs to withstand daily wear without losing its appeal.
Choosing the Right Metal for Your Jewellery
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of gold, the affordability of stainless steel, or the distinctive allure of brass and copper, each metal has its own charm and purpose.
For those seeking an everyday piece that combines beauty and durability, stainless steel with 18-karat gold is an excellent choice, as seen in the collections of Stones and Stuff Stockholm.
Every metal offers a unique combination of aesthetics and functionality. Choose one that suits your style, budget, and lifestyle, and enjoy the lasting beauty of exceptional jewellery.
📸 Alina Vilchenko / PEXELS
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