When it comes to jewelry metals, two things matter.
- metal type
- metal thickness
Today, we will be exploring the most common metal types in jewelry.
When it comes to picking out that perfect piece of jewelry, its metal type is as crucial as its design. The right metal not only enhances the piece's beauty and feel but also determines its longevity, how it interacts with your skin, and its overall value.
Yet, often, the details about these metals are glossed over in the jewelry world, leaving many of us to make choices without all the facts. Let's dive into the details:
Buyers Beware: Low-Quality Metals
- Nickel: A common choice for costume jewelry, nickel is known for causing skin irritations due to its allergenic properties. It's budget-friendly but unsuitable for sensitive skin.
- Brass: This alloy, with its gold-like appearance, might catch your eye. However, it's prone to tarnish and can even leave a greenish mark on your skin over time. Also unsuitable for sensitive skin.
- Copper: Valued for its unique reddish hue, copper has its charm but tends to oxidize, leading to tarnish and potential green stains where it touches your skin, especially in humid conditions. Unsuitable for sensitive skin.
- Iron: Strong, yes, but iron is not typically a top choice for fine jewelry. Its tendency to rust and corrode when exposed to moisture makes it less than ideal for pieces you'd want to last. Unsuitable for sensitive skin.
The Cream of the Crop: High-Quality Metals
- Sterling Silver: This timeless option, known for its brilliant shine and resilience. Silver tarnishes, but not like iron or brass; silver tarnish does not effect the luster or strength of the metal. It's almost like a light layer of grime. It takes months to accumulate and seconds to polish away. At Murmur, we've given sterling silver a twist with a platinum plating, boosting its strength and shine. Sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals; sterling silver is suitable for sensitive skin as long as that 7.5% does not contain low-quality metals.
- Gold: The epitome of luxury in all its shades – yellow, white, rose, and even black. Its karat rating tells you about its purity, with 24K being the purest. Gold's resistance to tarnish makes it a treasured choice for pieces meant to last generations. Gold jewelry is most often sold in 14K ( 58.3% gold) and 18K (75% gold) purities; it is suitable for sensitive skin as long as the remaining percentages do not contain low-quality metals.
- Platinum: This metal takes luxury to another level with its unmatched durability and lustrous white sheen that stands the test of time. It's brighter, stronger, and more luxurious than silver. It's also gentle on sensitive skin, making it a favorite for significant jewelry pieces such as wedding bands.
- Titanium: If you're after strength without the weight, titanium is your go-to. Known for its lightweight and hypoallergenic properties, it's also versatile, available in a range of vivid colors thanks to its unique ability to be anodized. Beloved by individuals with sensitive skin and sensory issues, especially those who dislike heavy jewelry.
- Tungsten Carbide: Renowned for its unparalleled durability and resistance to scratches, tungsten's is the diamond of jewelry metals. Its heft and shine is what makes it unique. Its hardness means it can't be resized easily, so precision is key. Tungsten Carbide is hypoallergenic, but some low-quality jewelers cut Tungsten with low-quality metals, so purchasing from a reputable source is key.
- Palladium: Similar to platinum in many of its properties but lighter, palladium is another hypoallergenic option that offers durability and a lasting luster, often at a more accessible price point. Palladium is typically reserved for wedding bands and heirloom pieces.
Exploring Beyond Traditional Metals
The jewelry world is vast, and traditional metals are just the beginning. Alternative materials like ceramic, wood, silicone, and glass bring unique textures, colors, and stories to jewelry design:
- Ceramic: Modern, lightweight, and scratch-resistant, ceramic offers a hypoallergenic surface and comes in a plethora of colors and finishes for a contemporary look.
- Wood: Each piece of wooden jewelry is unique, with its grain and color telling a story. When treated and sealed, wood can offer durability alongside its natural, earthy charm. Wood jewelry is general hypoallergenic. However, certain stains and finishes can be allergenic or even toxic.
- Silicone: Perfect for those with an active lifestyle or demanding jobs, silicone bands are comfortable, hypoallergenic, and ready for anything the day throws at you.
- Glass: Glass adds an element of sparkle and creativity, with the ability to mimic gemstones or stand out on its own in various shapes and colors. Glass jewelry is hypoallergenic.
- Stone: Cut-stone jewelry is fairly uncommon, and presents a unique, organic feel that is often cold to the touch. Natural stones such as quartz, jade, or agate are generally hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. However, it's essential to be cautious with certain porous stones or dyed stones, as they may contain additives or treatments that could potentially cause reactions in some individuals.
Murmur's Ethical Promise
At Murmur, we're about more than just aesthetics. We're committed to ethical sourcing and crafting of our jewelry, ensuring each piece not only looks good but feels good too, in every sense of the word. All our jewelry is made from ethically sourced and recycled metals. We use high-quality metals exclusively. We're passionate about making high-quality jewelry affordable.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right metal for your jewelry is about more than just looks. It's about making an informed choice that aligns with your personal values, lifestyle, and skin needs. With a deeper understanding of the metals and materials available, you're now equipped to make choices that resonate with you on every level. At Murmur, we're here to guide you through this glittering world, ensuring that every piece you choose is not just an accessory but a statement of your values and style.
