14 Karat
Gold, silver and platinum are the three metals most people think of when it comes to jewelry. There are lots of different metals that can be used in the creation of jewelry. Different metals have different purposes. Learn about each type of jewelry metal from your private jewelers Omaha experts!
Ceramic
Ceramic jewelry is made from high-quality zirconia ceramic, also called titanium carbide. Ceramic jewelry is most closely related to tungsten jewelry as they both have the same durability. However, ceramic is lighter to wear, it’s shinier because it has resistance to scratching and it will never bend out of shape. Most ceramic pieces, specifically rings, cannot be resized because of its high melting point.
Gold
Gold is one of the most popular precious metals. It’s easy to shape gold when it’s heated, which is why it can be used in so many different styles and types of jewelry. It’s durable and does not corrode easily. Gold can be combined with other metals to create white gold and rose gold. How pure gold is measured is in karats; you most commonly see 14K and 18K used in jewelry. Sterling silver can be plated with gold to create what’s called vermeil, making a more affordable option for gold jewelry.
Meteorite
Meteorite jewelry is unique due to its natural inclusions, called troilite. It does not break easily, but it can be scratched. Jewelry designers will typically take cross-sectional slices of the meteorite, which reveals unique patterns, to create jewelry. The types of meteorites used in jewelry include Gibeon, Seymchan, Campo Del Cielo, Sikhote-Alin, Muonionalusta, Moldavite and El Hammami.
Palladium
Palladium’s color is much like silver or white gold, and it’s stronger and lighter than platinum. A ruthenium alloy can be added to increase its strength. It is known for keeping its color and not tarnishing over time. Palladium is hypoallergenic, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Palladium can be used to create sophisticated designs, and gemstones can be added in as well. It’s a cheaper option than white gold and platinum, but it achieves a similar look.
Platinum
Platinum is the purest of all metals. It is significantly stronger than gold and has the same hue as white gold. Since platinum is so strong, most platinum jewelry is mixed with 10% of an alloy such as iridium, palladium or ruthenium to make it more malleable. Platinum is also hypoallergenic. Over time, platinum will get a patina, but you can have it refinished to its original luster if you prefer.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is very popular for jewelry because it’s affordable. Silver is mixed with 7.5% of copper to create sterling silver, which makes it more suitable to be worn every day. We recommend wearing your silver jewelry frequently to prevent it from tarnishing while stored away.
Stainless Steel
High-grade stainless steel is sometimes used in jewelry. It resembles the color of platinum but it’s actually stronger than it. Stainless steel can be dipped in gold or other materials to create more jewelry styles. It’s also combined with 10.5% of chromium to prevent rusting. It’s hypoallergenic just like palladium and platinum.
Tantalum
Tantalum is most commonly seen in men’s wedding band styles. It’s an extremely durable metal, more so than platinum. It’s also resistant to scratches and cracks.
Titanium
Titanium is stronger than other metals, and it’s lighter in weight making it suitable for jewelry. It’s 100% hypoallergenic, and it doesn’t react with sweat, salt water or sunlight. It’s virtually indestructible.
Tungsten
Tungsten is harder and more durable than titanium. It has the highest melting point out of the metals and is scratch and tarnish-resistant. Tungsten jewelry cannot be resized, but it can be engraved. It is considered a hypoallergenic metal, but those with nickel allergies can be affected.
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If you’re looking for a specific piece of jewelry with a certain metal in mind, or if you’re on a mission to find the perfect engagement ring, come visit your private jewelers Omaha experts! Our private jewelers Omaha experts can assist you in finding exactly what you’re looking for. Contact us today or stop in our store.
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