A Quick Guide To Different Jewelry Metals: Which Metal is Best for You?

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For centuries, different metals have captivated people’s imaginations. When it comes to jewelry, many have aesthetic preferences. Yellow or white? Super shiny or a bit matte? 

Looks aside, there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to the characteristics of different jewelry metals that can raise a lot of questions.

If yellow gold is so weak, why is it so popular? Why would I pay the 50% premium for platinum over white gold or silver, when they look so similar?

Photo by kylefromthenorth

To make jewelry shopping less intimidating, we’re going to shine some light on each type of metal. With this info, you can build a collection that’s tailored to your personal style, preferences, and budget. 

Let’s get to it! 

What Are the Different Types of Jewelry Metals? 

Each metal has its own set of benefits, distinctive aesthetics, and uses in the jewelry industry. Here are the most common.

Gold

While part of the reason gold is so popular in jewelry making is because of the value we’ve historically placed on it (it’s been used as money for exchange, after all), it’s also really soft and malleable. 

Plus, it doesn’t tarnish on its own. No matter how old your gold jewelry is, you can always get it professionally polished back to life.

Since it’s too delicate to be used in its undiluted form, gold is frequently combined with other metals such as zinc or copper. This is where karats come in.

Miansai 2mm Cuban Chain Necklace
$800

This piece from Miansai is a beautiful example of finely crafted gold. It’s only 2mm so it can be worn alone or partnered with other necklaces. Plus, 14 karats is a happy medium between durability and brightness.

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Check out our article on the differences between gold plated and gold filled, but for now, here’s a quick overview of the different levels of gold concentration:

  • 24 karat gold is 100% gold
  • 22 karats is 92% 
  • 18 karats is 75%
  • 14 karats 58% 
  • 10 karats is 41%, and the lowest concentration that can legally be called gold

The higher the concentration, the more lustrous it is, but also the more prone it is to scratches.

One thing to note is that you should definitely keep your gold jewelry out of the swimming pool and hot tub. Chlorine can discolor gold, especially in hot temperatures.

Considering buying your first (or next) necklace? You might want to check out our chain thickness guide, as well as our guide to different necklace lengths.

Sterling Silver

Pure silver is weak and difficult to shape, so it’s no longer commonly used in fine jewelry. It can also leave stains on your skin due to oxidation, reaction to sulfur in the air, or even the ammonia from your own sweat.

Since it’s a natural antibiotic and germicide though, it’s a popular metal for high-end dinnerware. 

Miansai Geo Signet Ring
$155

Silver’s shiny but neutral white tone brings a lot of versatility to this Miansai Geo Ring. It’s a minimal and contemporary take on the classic signet.

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Instead, sterling silver is commonly used as an affordable white metal for jewelry. It’s made of 92.5% pure silver, with the rest of its makeup being copper or zinc.

You can tell if a piece of jewelry is sterling silver, as opposed to just silver-plated, if it’s “stamped.” This means that somewhere on the piece, there’s a “925” or “sterling” hallmark.

That is unless you’re in France, where the standard for sterling silver is 95% silver.

Silver jewelry is prone to tarnishing, so it does need to be professionally polished once a year.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that’s extremely strong, thanks to its carbon content, and fully rust-proof, because of its added chromium.

It can be polished to a high gloss or brushed to a textured finish. It’s scratch-resistant, tarnish-resistant, and affordable. 

Macy's Men's Linked Bracelet
$100

This bracelet from Macy’s features dense closely-linked chains and a lobster clasp. The stainless steel construction is shiny but durable, which is convenient since the clasp protrudes just a bit, and is susceptible to banging against surfaces.

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Stainless steel is an excellent choice for everyday jewelry, since it can be subjected to a lot without getting damaged. You’ll find stainless steel in timepieces, men’s jewelry, and even in certain women’s jewelry.

Titanium

Titanium is super tough and doesn’t corrode or rust when exposed to the elements. It’s just as strong as stainless steel, but almost half as light, and also more expensive. 

Macy's Men's Titanium Ring
$225

Titanium's exceptional strength and lightness in weight make this handsome ring perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle.

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That being the case, titanium is an effective choice if you want a long-lasting piece of jewelry that won’t weigh you down. It also has a mistier finish. It’s not gunmetal matte, but it’s definitely less white than stainless steel.

Platinum

Platinum looks a lot like white gold, but is notably stronger. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic, unlike most white golds which are alloyed with nickel.

Highly resistant to stress and temperature, platinum is a good pick for pieces with a diamond setting, like wedding and engagement rings. 

Macy's Men's Platinum Ring
$2,700

This beautiful platinum ring is simple yet timeless, which is great because it’ll last you a long time. If you’re going to invest in platinum jewelry, go for a design that won’t go out of style.

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So why would anyone choose white gold over platinum? Well, it’s a lot rarer than gold, and often 40-50% more expensive.

Tungsten

Tungsten is four times stronger than platinum, with a hardness rating second only to diamond. It boasts a similar look, it’s hypoallergenic, and it’s also much cheaper.

It even has the same weighty and substantial feel as platinum. Hardcore jewelry enthusiasts might notice that tungsten is a bit darker than platinum, but most people couldn’t tell the difference.

18K Rose Gold PVD Tungsten Band
$172.00

This trendy wedding band is a great option for outdoor adventure lovers because it’s extremely durable and resistant to scratches and corrosion.

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02/18/2024 07:39 am GMT

Because of its durability, tungsten is an effective choice for wedding bands for men who work in physically demanding occupations, like construction, roofing, and climbing.

The only quality platinum really has over tungsten is its prestige, and if it’s important to you, its potential resale value.

It’s understandable that people would want something a little more upscale for an important piece of jewelry, like a wedding ring.

Palladium

With its brilliant white sheen and long-lasting durability, palladium’s popularity has seen a lot of growth in recent years. It’s also hypoallergenic and extremely lightweight.

Ironically, palladium jewelry is cheaper than platinum jewelry, despite the fact palladium is more rare, and thus, more expensive, weight for weight. This is because of the metal’s lower density.

Pure Palladium Ring
$969.00

Light and durable, this understated palladium ring is beautifully crafted, with an interesting brushed surface.

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02/18/2024 07:09 am GMT

To make the same piece of jewelry, much less palladium is required than would platinum. 

So, palladium jewelry has the strength and look of platinum without the premium price tag. In fact, it can cost a good two-thirds less.

The main con with palladium jewelry is that it’s hard to find. Even custom jewelry designers don’t work with it as often as they do with the other precious metals.

Comparison of Different Jewelry Metals

Metal JewelryDurabilityPrice
Platinum1$$$$
Palladium3$$
Gold1$$$
Titanium4$
Sterling Silver2$$
Tungsten5$
Stainless Steel4$

1 being least durable, 5 being most durable

Metal price is tied directly to its scarcity. Platinum is 30 times rarer than runner-up, gold.

When it comes to durability, tungsten is the strongest metal for jewelry, which is 10 times stronger than titanium.

FAQs About Jewelry Metals

What is the most suitable jewelry metal?

It depends what you’re looking for! Stainless steel or tungsten are excellent options for everyday pieces because of their durability. Precious metals like gold and sterling silver add an elegant shine to evening wear situations. Platinum, meanwhile, is both strong and lustrous, which is why so many people choose it for their wedding rings.

What are the metals to avoid in jewelry?

Avoid cheap metals like arsenic, lead, nickel, chromium, cadmium. 

All of these should not be used in jewelry manufacturing because they’re not safe for the skin, and can cause irritation and allergic reactions.

How can you tell what kind of metal your jewelry is made from?

The easiest way is to look for markings. Real precious metals are often stamped for authenticity. As mentioned, sterling silver is marked with either a “925” or a “sterling,” while gold will indicate its karat level. 

To tell the difference between platinum and a non-precious metal, you can try using a magnet. Iron-based alloys, like stainless steel, are magnetic. Precious metals aren’t.

What is the softest jewelry metal?

Gold is the softest metal, which is why it’s so easy for jewelry makers to work with. Silver takes second place.

What metal lasts the longest?

Tungsten is the strongest metal known to man, and it’s also the most scratch-resistant.

Was that helpful?

While there are many different types of metals, only a few of them are used in the production of jewelry. 

Undoubtedly, silver, gold, and platinum are the most popular metals among jewelry manufacturers but other non precious jewelry metals can be used as well. 

What’s your favorite jewelry metal? Are you considering new metals after reading this article?

Feel free to DM us on Instagram if you want to discuss or have any other questions about different jewelry metals for guys!

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