When selecting jewelry, the design and style often grab your attention first, but what about the metal that forms the foundation of your favorite piece? The type of metal used in jewelry plays a huge role in its appearance, durability, and value. At Metal Studio Jewelry, Sirilak Samanasak carefully chooses each metal for its unique properties, ensuring that every piece not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of metals used in jewelry, their characteristics, and how to choose the perfect one for your needs.
1. Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a popular choice for its bright, lustrous appearance and affordability. Traditional sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, which is why most sterling silver jewelry is stamped with a ".925" hallmark. However, at Metal Studio Jewelry, designer Sirilak Samanasak prefers to use 98% pure silver, which is a higher grade than standard sterling silver.
This purer silver has a softer texture, which allows for more intricate and delicate designs. The softness also contributes to the jewelry's beautiful visual effect, creating deeper, more complex tones and a richer, warmer color over time. This unique characteristic is one of the reasons why many of Sirilak’s pieces are not stamped with the ".925" hallmark, as they exceed the typical purity of sterling silver.
Benefits of 98% Pure Silver in Jewelry:
- Enhanced Visual Appeal: The higher silver content creates a softer, more luminous finish, making each piece stand out with a richer and more dynamic appearance.
- Unique Patina: Over time, the higher-grade silver develops a distinctive patina, offering a more intricate and artistic color contrast compared to traditional sterling silver.
- Better for Detailed Crafting: The softer nature of 98% pure silver makes it easier to mold and shape into complex designs, giving Sirilak the creative freedom to execute her vision with precision.
Best For:
- Everyday wear
- Those looking for a unique, high-quality silver piece
- Lovers of soft, intricate designs with a luxurious finish
Care Tips:
- Clean regularly with a silver polishing cloth to maintain shine.
- Store in an anti-tarnish pouch when not in use to protect the softness and sheen.
2. Gold (Yellow, White, and Rose)
Gold is timeless and comes in a variety of hues, including yellow, white, and rose. The color of gold depends on the metals it’s alloyed with—yellow gold is often mixed with copper and zinc, white gold with palladium or nickel, and rose gold with copper. The karat weight of gold, ranging from 10k to 24k, reflects its purity, with higher karats containing more pure gold.
- Yellow Gold: Traditional and warm, yellow gold is known for its rich, classic look.
- White Gold: Sleek and modern, white gold has the sophistication of platinum at a lower cost.
- Rose Gold: This trendy, romantic option has a warm pink hue and is increasingly popular in modern jewelry designs.
Best For:
- Special occasions (higher karat gold for heirloom pieces)
- Those who love timeless elegance or a trendy look with rose gold
- Hypoallergenic options (for white gold, ensure it’s nickel-free)
Care Tips:
- Avoid exposing gold to harsh chemicals.
- White gold may need re-plating with rhodium over time to maintain its bright appearance.
3. Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest and most durable precious metals, often favored for its luxurious, cool-toned finish and hypoallergenic properties. Unlike white gold, platinum doesn’t require re-plating, making it an excellent choice for those seeking minimal maintenance. Platinum is denser than other metals, making it heavier and more substantial.
Best For:
- Engagement rings and heirloom-quality pieces
- People with sensitive skin or allergies
- Long-lasting, everyday wear
Care Tips:
- Polish occasionally to maintain shine.
- Store separately to avoid scratches from other jewelry.
*While we love Platinum jewelry Metal Studio Jewelry does not work with it due to the additional hardness factor and specialty tools needed to work it.
4. Copper & Brass
Copper is a warm-toned metal that has been used in jewelry for centuries. Its reddish-brown color gives it a rustic, earthy feel that appeals to those who prefer unique, artisanal pieces. However, copper is softer than other metals and can tarnish or develop a patina over time, which some people love for its vintage aesthetic.
An additional benefit of brass jewelry is that the underlying colour most closely resembles that of gold making it a wonderful option when plating in gold. Vermeil or gold plated silver is common in the world of jewelry however what many people don't consider is that gold plating will eventually wear through. Having silver underneath makes this wear through extremely noticeable because of the colour mismatch between gold and silver however a brass base metal is a close match to the colour of gold making wear through no as noticeable.
Best For:
- Statement and bohemian-style jewelry
- Those who appreciate an organic, rustic look
- Budget-conscious shoppers
Care Tips:
- Polish regularly to prevent tarnishing if you prefer a shiny look.
- Some people may experience skin discoloration (green marks) from copper, but this is harmless.
Choosing the Right Metal for Your Jewelry
When selecting a metal for your next piece of jewelry, consider not only its appearance but also how often you’ll wear it, how much maintenance it requires, and any sensitivities you might have. Sirilak Samanasak at Metal Studio Jewelry uses a variety of metals to create pieces that are both beautiful and practical, ensuring you can find the perfect piece for your lifestyle and aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right metal for your jewelry is a crucial decision, and at Metal Studio Jewelry, we’re here to guide you through the process. Whether you’re looking for a piece that can be passed down through generations or something to wear every day, knowing the properties of each metal will help you make an informed choice.
Browse our collections and find the perfect piece that suits your style, taste, and needs.