In costume jewelry, the choice of metal is important to balance style and durability. Precious metals like gold and silver which can be used as plating add some luxury without spending too much money. On the other hand, base metals such as brass, copper, or stainless steel are good for strength and versatility.
In this blog, we will see how these different metals can work for you! So, stay connected!
1) Types of Precious Metals for Jewelry
There are some precious metals that are being used for costume jewelry, like gold and platinum. Let’s discuss;
i) Gold
For jewelry, if you are contemplating gold, its alloys offer a combination of gracefulness and strength. A common example is 18-karat gold which has 75% purity to give it that deep rich color but may be a little softer.
14-karat gold contains over 58% purity and is 40% harder than 18-karat gold; hence it can be comfortably worn daily. If you want something more affordable yet durable, opt for 10-karat gold with 41.7% purity which would be suitable for delicate designs that require extra strength.
ii) Platinum
If you want a strong metal with minimal care requirements then platinum should be your choice. It is 60% denser than gold making it very firm and tarnish resistant. Moreover, most of its alloys contain between ninety to ninety-five percent pure platinum hence there is no requirement for re-plating since they keep their bright white hue always.
Even though it costs 2-3 times more than gold, its long-lasting luster as well as hypo-allergenic characteristics make it perfect for future generations or items that would be cherished throughout your life.
iii) Silver
If something fashionable and inexpensive is desired, silver is the answer. Sterling silver, containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper, is almost half as strong as pure silver and so very good for daily use.
Besides, sterling silver handles over 80% of the sales of silver jewelry because it is strong and does not get tarnished. Whether one prefers informal or formal ones, it will always be highly favored as it can match with any other thing in style.
2) Types of Base Metals for Jewelry
Stainless steel, copper, and brass are inexpensive and durable examples of basic metals for jewelry; they can thus stand in place of precious metals. The inclusion of these materials helps to make the combination stronger and more flexible hence suitable for fashionable but cost-effective designs.
i) Stainless Steel
Due to its strength and resistance to rusting, stainless steel is a popular material choice for jewelry. This metal is non-allergic which is great with 316L types, especially for people with sensitive skin. Moreover, it doesn’t easily tarnish or need much maintenance hence looks shiny over time.
More than 20% of all jewelry products are made from stainless steel and this type can be worn every day. It offers durable quality and a contemporary outlook throughout as a result of which it finds its place in rings, bracelets, or even watches among other things.
ii) Copper
The reddish-brown color and the ability to mold it into elaborate patterns make copper particularly famous. The corresponding proportion of jewelry made from this metal or its alloys, especially in vintage, bohemian, and hand-crafted styles is about 15%. One of the things that is amazing about copper is that over time, with age, it gets a beautiful tarnished patina which gives your piece some uniqueness and personalization.
Additionally, this metal is pocket-friendly such that one can afford to buy breathtaking items at a reasonable price.
iii) Brass
Being an alloy of copper and zinc, brass gives a gold-like look at a fraction of the price. As compared to pure copper, brass tends to be more long-lasting and less prone to tarnishing thus making it ideal for frequently worn jewelry.
Costumed jewelry production comprises approximately 10% of brass content; its bright finish makes this material very popular for creating costume jewelry items. With bold statement designs or trendy looks –brass feels like gold but will not empty your pocket; hence you get exquisite pieces without hefty price tags.
3) Different kinds of alloys used in jewelry
Alloys are very essential for making your jewels last long, strong, and attractive. Merging precious metals with base ones, substances produce stylish yet pragmatic items that will be worn long after they have been manufactured.
i) Gold Alloys
Yellow gold is created by mixing pure gold with palladium copper or silver. Some examples of this common kind include 14k (58.3 % gold), 18k (75% gold), and 10k (41.7% gold). Each of these mixes offers a blend of strength and opulence.
Moreover, rose gold is made when you combine it with copper whereas you can get yellow gold by using silver. This helps to make these articles stronger thus being able to be worn daily without being affected by time.
ii) Silver Alloys
Sterling silver is a favorite alloy for use in jewelry which consists of 92.5% pure silver combined with 7.5% copper. The combination makes the silver stronger thereby making it durable enough to be used every day.
It has a longer lifespan than traditional sterling silver as it resists tarnishing better (once germanium is added to Argentium silver). These guarantee shiny, stunning designs that will not easily wear out or lose color over time while still maintaining the original look of the metal despite its age.
iii) Platinum Alloys
Platinum alloys are compounded by combining platinum with metals like ruthenium, iridium, or palladium, which increase its strength and resistance to stain. Normally jewels that are made of platinum contain around 90-95% platinum, making them very long-lasting.
This makes it perfect for rings, especially engagement rings, where about 30% of rings are made from platinum. These blends also help in keeping the stunning white finish of platinum thus making jewelry remain beautiful and not cause allergies even when worn daily.
4) Factors to Consider When Selecting Metal for Your Jewelry
- Longevity: For an everyday wear piece such as a ring or a bracelet, platinum and stainless steel metals are ideal since they have the power of strength and resistance to abrasion. Gold alloys (14k, 18k) are strong but may need occasional care especially when exposed to harsh conditions.
- Expense: Silver alloys and stainless steel are more affordable than platinum which is seen as high-end metal. 10K gold alloys are cheaper alternatives for luxury jewelry, thus creating a balance between cost and quality.
- Beauty: Metal preferences can be made from rose gold for a warm romantic look, platinum for brilliant hypoallergenic shine, or sterling silver for timeless elegance. Choose the finish and color of metal that best enhances jewelry beauty.
- Applicability in Different Jewelry Types: Despite being easily molded into various shapes, gold alloy is usually used to make earrings and bracelets whereas platinum is often chosen as a material for engagement rings because of its resistance to wear and tear. Stainless steel does not readily scratch or break making it the best material for men’s rings and watches.
5) Metals to Avoid in Jewelry
Never choose metals that are likely to corrode, cause allergy, or those that do not last longer. For example, copper and brass can tarnish over time; with copper even turning green! Also, with nickel, you have to be careful that it causes skin irritation in around 10-20% of all people.
Moreover, soft metals like silver and fine gold get scratched easily. That is why you should go for platinum, palladium, and titanium among other high-quality gold alloys. Apart from being long-lasting, they are safe for use on human skin and hence can serve for a long time.
Conclusion
Okay! We looked into the finest materials used in making jewelry starting from the most expensive metals such as gold and platinum to the cheapest ones like stainless steel and copper. If you want to source metals for costume jewelry from China, then MeenoGroup is always here to help.
MeenoGroup is an experienced sourcing agent in China that can make your overall process of buying metals from a best seller an affordable price to ship to your target country well managed and smoother. So, don’t waste any time. Just contact Meenogroup right now!