There are a variety of metals choices available for jewelry. Whether you like the allure of platinum or the range of options with the classic gold, you will find a number of stylish pieces, sometimes even combining the two metals. Today, alternative metals like sterling silver and tantalum give you additional options in look, strength, price, etc. Each choice has its own qualities, so base your choice on the ones that you value most.
Platinum
Platinum is generally 95% pure and does not tarnish or lose its rich white luster. Platinum is the heaviest of all the precious metals, weighing approximately twice as much as karat gold. Its purity makes it hypoallergenic, perfect for people who are sensitive to the alloys used in gold. Platinum is also known for its strength and pliability; just one gram of platinum can be drawn into a fine wire over one mile long.
Gold
Pure 24 karat gold is rarely used in jewelry because it is too soft for frequent wear. Gold is mixed with alloys like copper, silver, nickel, and zinc to give different colors, strength, and durability. Gold's purity is measured in karats, which indicate out of 24 parts how many parts are gold. For example, 18kt gold contains 18/24 gold and 6/24 alloy, while 14kt gold contains 14/24 gold and 10/24 alloy. Gold is traditionally seen in yellow and white colors, but can also be available in rose or green on occasion.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is usually 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Silver is much more plentiful than platinum or gold and is much less expensive. It takes on a much higher polish than any other metal, but it does tarnish. The tarnish can be removed, but silver requires much more care than other metals.
Palladium
Palladium, one of the rarest metals in the world, is a member of the Platinum Group Metals. These metals are also referred to as “Noble Metals” due to their superior ability to withstand corrosion and oxidation.
Tantalum
Tantalum is a contemporary metal that is highly scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic. Naturally a blue-gray metal, the Tantalum used in our rings is 99% pure. Tantalum not only comes in gray, but black as well. Black Tantalum is achieved through an organic process of proprietary heating and cooling techniques. Black Tantalum is still pure Tantalum and no chemicals or coatings have been used in achieving the natural “Blackened” metal look.
Damascus Steel
Damascus steel, which has its own somewhat mythical origin story, rooted in the Near East. It can be traced back to India to around 500 AD. These steels have an attractive surface pattern composed of swirling patterns of light-etched regions on a nearly black background. The pattern-welded steels are produced by forge welding alternating sheets of high and low-carbon steels. This composite is then folded and forge welded together, and the fold/forge cycle is repeated until a large number of layers are obtained.