ALL ABOUT METALS

Whether it’s for an engagement ring, an anniversary gift, or a spectacular custom design, choosing the metal for your special piece of jewelry is an important decision. And, the more you know about how each metal performs, feels, wears and looks, the better your choice will be! At Lewis Jewelers, we’re happy to share our knowledge so you can be confident with your purchase.

PLATINUM

Eternally white, naturally enduring, and 30 times rarer than gold, platinum is ideal for anyone looking for a truly unique and timeless metal. Platinum engagement rings offer the durability and strength to protect your center diamond throughout the years. While platinum is similar to white gold in appearance, it is naturally white, so it does not need re-plating. Platinum will retain its shine for generations, allowing your jewelry to become precious family heirlooms. Its non-reactive, hypoallergenic qualities make it an excellent choice of metal for those with skin sensitivity. Over time, platinum develops a stunning finish, called a patina.

YELLOW GOLD

Yellow gold lends a warm glow. Pure gold is too soft to hold its shape in fine jewelry, so it’s alloyed with other precious metals for strength. The percentage of gold in jewelry is measured in karats. The higher the percentage of gold, the higher the karat. Most fine gold jewelry is stamped as either 14k or 18k. Among fine metals, gold tends to be more malleable.

WHITE GOLD

Some people prefer the color of silver to the yellow color of natural gold yet may find silver to be too soft or easily tarnished, and the cost of platinum prohibitive. While white gold contains varying amounts of gold, which is naturally yellow, it also contains one or more white metals to lighten its color and add strength and durability. Although most people think white gold is a shiny white metal, its color is from the rhodium metal plating that is applied to most white gold jewelry. If you choose white gold for your engagement ring, the rhodium plating will usually need to be reapplied occasionally to maintain its bright, white luster.

ROSE GOLD

18k rose gold is most often 75% gold and 25% copper alloy, resulting in a gorgeously warm and rich metal that is trending today. The rosy warmth is romantic and feminine and pairs with diamonds beautifully. It is also suitable for most skin tones due to its soft appearance.

PALLADIUM

Palladium, being a member of the platinum family, is a naturally white, very lightweight metal that is newer to fine jewelry. It’s a hypoallergenic metal that doesn’t tarnish or require re-plating like white gold. Because it is so lightweight, it is very comfortable to wear.

STERLING SILVER

Sterling silver can be seen as contemporary or traditional depending on the design. It complements most skin tones, and is very affordable, making it a safe and popular purchase. Because pure silver is very soft and malleable, jewelers use sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver, mixed with other metals, such as copper, to form an alloy. Since sterling silver can tarnish, gently cleaning it with a polishing cloth will keep it looking immaculate.

COBALT CHROME

Cobalt chrome was traditionally used to create wear-resistant and high-strength metal alloys. It is very hard and more scratch-resistant than other precious metals. It doesn’t oxidize easily, so it will not need re-plating like white gold, or polishing like silver. Because of its hypoallergenic qualities, surgical instruments are also made from medical-grade cobalt chrome. It is a beautiful choice as a shiny, white-silver jewelry metal.  

TITANIUM

Titanium is a very lightweight, extremely durable and affordable option for jewelry. It is very resistant to bending or cracking. Other metal inlays can be added to titanium jewelry for a distinctive style. Because it is so lightweight, it is a popular choice with men who seldom wear jewelry but appreciate the comfort of titanium.

TUNGSTEN

Tungsten is a grey-silver colored metal-ceramic that can sometimes be found treated with black coatings for a shiny black look. Tungsten, being a metal-ceramic, has very high hardness and brittleness. It will never scratch, but because it is brittle, if hit hard enough, tungsten will break instead of flex. You can’t beat its shine and polish, and its hypoallergenic qualities. However, it does not allow stone settings other than a few added-on gold or silver settings. Tungsten and platinum are the heaviest jewelry metals.

CARBON FIBER

Carbon fiber is often used in men’s wedding bands and is black in appearance. Black wedding rings are very on-trend right now. Their dark, edgy appearance is highly sought after and offers a more unique, non-traditional look. In addition, wedding bands made with carbon fiber are often very affordable.