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Types of Jewelry Metals
Learn Jewelry Basics

Types of jewelry metal affect the look, durability, and cost. Gold continues to be a popular choice due to its lustrous appearance and classic appeal.​

 

Each jewelry material offers unique properties. The metal you choose can affect the design, durability, and price.

Gold

Gold is one of the most valued metals in history. It attracts people over time with its yellow shine and impressive physical qualities.

Gold properties

Gold possesses extraordinary physical characteristics that make it ideal for jewelry making. A single ounce can be beaten into an astonishing 187 square feet of gold leaf.​

 

Gold exhibits impressive ductility, allowing it to be drawn into thin wires without breaking. With a density of 19.3 g/cm³, gold provides substantial heft and premium feel.​

 

Pure gold displays a bright, slightly orange-yellow color, though its appearance varies based on alloy composition. Common color variations include:​

 

  • Yellow gold: Traditional alloy containing gold, silver, and copper

 

  • White gold: Created by alloying gold with white metals like palladium or silver

 

  • Rose gold: Formed by adding copper to create a soft pink complexion

Gold pros and cons

Pros:

  • Exceptional resistance to tarnish, rust, and corrosion

  • Hypoallergenic properties, particularly in higher karats

  • Retains value over time as an investment

  • Maintains luster without fading when maintained

  • Versatile for intricate designs due to malleability

Cons:

  • Pure gold (24K) is too soft for everyday wear

  • Susceptibility to scratches and dents due to softness

  • Higher karats need more frequent polishing

  • Premium price compared to alternative metals

Gold pricing

Gold jewelry pricing depends on three factors: purity (karat), weight, and craftsmanship.

The karat system indicates gold purity:

  • 24K represents 100% pure gold.

  • 18K contains 75% gold, 14K contains 58.3%

  • 10K contains 41.7%.

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In the United States, 14K gold remains the most popular choice, balancing durability with gold content. Weight measurements use troy ounces (1 troy ounce = 31.1 grams), with the final price reflecting current market rates plus manufacturing costs.

Gold care tips

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  • Clean regularly with a solution of warm water and mild detergent-free soap using a soft-bristled brush

  • Store pieces separately in soft cloth pouches or jewelry boxes to prevent scratching

  • Remove gold jewelry before swimming, showering, or exposure to chemicals, especially chlorine

  • Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners

  • Have pieces professionally cleaned and inspected to ensure settings remain secure

Silver

Silver shines as a special metal in the jewelry world. It has unique qualities that have made it popular in many cultures for hundreds of years. Its lasting charm mixes low cost with a unique style.

Silver properties

Sterling silver, the most common form used in jewelry, contains 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% other metals (typically copper). This composition enhances durability while maintaining silver's natural beauty.

 

Silver is very easy to shape and stretch. It is a great metal for detailed jewelry designs.

Silver pros and cons

Pros:

 

  • Affordable than other precious metals

  • Naturally complements cooler skin tones

  • Generally hypoallergenic for most people

  • Versatile material for intricate designs

 

Cons:

 

  • Prone to tarnishing when exposed to air, sulfur, and moisture

  • Less durable than gold or platinum, making it susceptible to scratches and dents

  • Requires frequent cleaning and maintenance

  • Some may experience allergic reactions to copper or nickel in the alloy

Silver pricing

The value of sterling silver depends on how much silver it has, its weight, and how well it is made. As of August 2023, silver was priced at about USD 22.76 per troy ounce. For a 1-ounce piece of sterling silver jewelry, the metal value is around USD 21.03 (0.925 × current silver price). Things that can raise silver's value include skilled craftsmanship, known marks (like the "925" stamp), historical importance, and how rare it is. Unlike many other goods, silver usually keeps its value over time and can even go up since it is a non-renewable resource.

Silver care tips

  • Store in cool, dry places wrapped in tarnish-resistant cloth or airtight jewelry box

  • Clean with a soft cloth and proper silver polish

  • Remove jewelry before swimming

  • Keep away from products containing sulfur, including rubber bands and some papers

  • Surprisingly, wearing silver frequently requires less maintenance as your body's natural oils help prevent tarnishing

 

With proper care, sterling silver jewelry can last between 20-30 years.

Platinum

Platinum stands for luxury and uniqueness in jewelry. It is one of the rarest metals used in high-quality pieces. This white precious metal offers great strength and special features for jewelry design.

Platinum properties

Platinum is part of the noble metals group and is very dense, making it about 60% heavier than 14K gold. Most platinum jewelry is made of 95% pure platinum (marked as PT950 or 950PT), which is much purer than gold. It is mainly mined in South Africa, which produces about 70% of the world's newly mined platinum. This metal is 30 times rarer than gold.

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Its naturally white color stays bright and does not turn yellow over time, unlike white gold that needs rhodium plating to keep its whiteness. Also, platinum is very flexible even though it is strong, which helps jewelers make detailed designs with secure settings.

Platinum pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extremely durable with excellent resistance to wear, making it ideal for daily-wear jewelry

  • Naturally hypoallergenic due to its high purity, perfect for sensitive skin

  • Superior security for diamond settings thanks to its density and strength

  • Develops a unique patina over time that many consider desirable

  • Requires no rhodium plating to maintain its white appearance

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Cons:

  • Higher initial cost compared to other jewelry metals

  • Heavier weight that may be uncomfortable for some wearers, especially in earrings

  • Tends to scratch more easily than white gold, though metal is displaced rather than lost

  • Higher labor costs for repairs and resizing due to platinum's higher melting point

Platinum pricing

Platinum jewelry usually costs 25-30% more than similar gold items because it is rare and harder to work with. Prices can change based on market conditions. Recently, platinum was priced at about $965 per ounce.

Several factors influence platinum prices including:

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  • Mining conditions in South Africa

  • Demand from the automotive industry (which uses about 41% of platinum)

  • Demand for jewelry (31%), and industrial uses (21%).

 

Political stability in mining areas directly affects prices.

Platinum care tips

To maintain platinum jewelry:

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  • Remove before exposure to harsh chemicals, chlorine, or during activities like gardening

  • Store separately in soft pouches to prevent scratches from other jewelry

  • Clean weekly by soaking in mild soap and warm water, then gently wiping with a soft cloth

  • Have professionally polished annually to restore shine if the patina becomes undesirable

  • For rings with gemstones, use a soft-bristled brush for cleaning hard-to-reach areas

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With minimal maintenance, platinum jewelry can last generations, making it an excellent choice for heirloom pieces despite its higher initial investment.

Palladium

Palladium emerged as a distinctive jewelry metal when first discovered in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston. This rare precious metal belongs to the Platinum Group Metals family, sharing many characteristics with its better-known relative while offering unique advantages for jewelry creation.

Palladium properties

Palladium features a lustrous, silvery-white appearance with a naturally bright white hue that never fades or requires rhodium plating. This element (symbol Pd, atomic number 46) has the lowest melting point and least density among platinum group metals. Most jewelry-grade palladium contains 95% pure palladium alloyed with 5% ruthenium, marked as PD950. Indeed, palladium's purity exceeds that of 14K white gold, which contains only 58.5% pure metal.

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Regarding hardness, palladium measures 5 on the Mohs scale (5.75 when alloyed), making it significantly harder than gold yet still workable. This metal is also 40% lighter than platinum while offering comparable durability. Another noteworthy characteristic is its hypoallergenic nature, ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Palladium pros and cons

Pros:

  • Naturally white color that never yellows or fades

  • Lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear

  • Excellent durability with superior scratch resistance compared to platinum

  • Hypoallergenic properties make it suitable for sensitive skin

  • Low maintenance with no need for rhodium plating

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Cons:

  • Difficult to resize due to its properties

  • Limited availability with fewer style options

  • Price fluctuations based on industrial demand

  • Challenging to work with for jewelers

  • Metal can develop a patina over time (though many consider this desirable)

Palladium pricing

In recent years, palladium prices have fluctuated significantly. As of August 2023, palladium traded at approximately USD 1,149.30 per ounce. Formerly less expensive than platinum, increased demand (primarily from automotive manufacturers who use approximately 85% of palladium in catalytic converters) has driven prices upward.

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A typical palladium wedding band might cost around USD 700, nevertheless, pricing varies based on design complexity and current market conditions. For specific jewelry items, palladium plating services typically range from USD 15-90 depending on the item size.

Palladium care tips

To maintain platinum jewelry:

 

  • Remove before exposure to harsh chemicals

  • Store separately in soft pouches to prevent scratches from other jewelry

  • Clean by soaking in mild soap and warm water, then gently wiping with a soft cloth

  • Have professionally polished

  • For rings with gemstones, use a soft-bristled brush for cleaning hard-to-reach areas

 

With minimal maintenance, platinum jewelry can last generations.

Titanium

Since the 1990s, titanium has become a popular choice for modern jewelry. It offers a great mix of strength and light comfort. This option is different from traditional precious metals. It adds unique features to the jewelry available today.

Titanium properties

Titanium has a great strength-to-weight ratio—the best of any metal. This modern jewelry material has a natural light to medium gray color. It often gets a black finish for looks. Its atomic structure gives it strong durability while keeping it lightweight. Titanium naturally creates a protective oxide layer. It protects against damage from the environment. Titanium is very hypoallergenic. It is good for medical implants and perfect for people with sensitive skin.

Titanium pros and cons

Pros:

 

  • Lighter than gold, silver, or tungsten

  • Exceptional durability that maintains shape without bending or breaking

  • Highly resistant to scratches, though not entirely scratch-proof

  • Completely hypoallergenic for sensitive skin

  • Won't tarnish, rust, or corrode over time

 

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Cons:

 

  • Cannot be resized due to inability to be soldered

  • Natural matte finish lacks the shine of gold or platinum

  • Difficult to create prong settings unless made from different materials

  • Classified as non-precious, lacking the inherent value of gold or platinum

  • May feel too lightweight for those preferring heavier jewelry

Titanium pricing

Titanium jewelry usually costs between $50 and $500. The final price depends on things like how complex the design is and any inlays. This makes titanium much cheaper than precious metals. Titanium is still more expensive than some cheap jewelry materials, because it is scratch-resistant and durable.

Titanium care tips

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  • Clean regularly with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth

  • Store in soft cloth bags or original jewelry boxes

  • Remove before contact with harsh chemicals

  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the piece contains gemstones

  • For light scratches, professional polishing can restore appearance

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Tungsten

Tungsten rings have become very popular because they are very strong and have a modern look. They were first used in factories, but now this metal is known as one of the best materials for jewelry.

Tungsten properties

Tungsten gets its name from Swedish words that mean "heavy stone," which describes its heavy weight. This jewelry metal is just below diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale at 8.5-9. It is much harder than gold, silver, or platinum. Most jewelry is made from tungsten carbide, which is an alloy that has 80-95% tungsten mixed with carbon and sometimes small amounts of other metals. Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal at 6,192°F (3,422°C), which helps it stay strong and stable. Its natural color is a deep gunmetal gray, giving it a unique modern look.

Tungsten pros and cons

Pros:

  • Nearly scratch-proof surface that maintains its polish

  • Hypoallergenic properties suitable for sensitive skin

  • Tarnish and corrosion resistance

  • Affordability compared to precious metals

  • The weight providing a premium feel

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Cons:

  • Brittleness—can potentially crack or shatter under extreme force

  • Cannot be resized once manufactured

  • Relatively heavy weight may be uncomfortable for some wearers

  • Limited design options due to difficulty in working with the mater

Tungsten pricing

Tungsten rings are a great choice when looking at jewelry metals. Simple tungsten bands usually cost between USD 50-200, while designer rings with more detailed designs or inlays can cost USD 200-600. Custom-made tungsten jewelry starts at about USD 300 and can go over USD 1,000 based on how complex it is and what extra materials are used. So, tungsten looks a lot like platinum but is much cheaper.

Tungsten care tips

Clean it often with mild soap and warm water, then dry it with a soft cloth. Stay away from harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and chlorine. Keep tungsten pieces in soft pouches separately to avoid hurting other jewelry. Even though tungsten is very hard, taking off rings during rough activities reduces the chance of cracking.

Tantalum

Discovered in 1802, tantalum has become a remarkable metal for jewelry, providing special features that set it apart from regular choices.

Tantalum properties

Tantalum has a unique, hard, blue-gray look with slight blue hints that can be seen from some angles. This metal is very strong, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5, which makes it much harder than gold or silver. Tantalum is safe for the body. It has great resistance to corrosion, along with a high melting point of 3017°C. Its natural oxide layer helps it stay durable.

Tantalum pros and cons

Pros:

  • Exceptional scratch resistance and durability

  • Completely hypoallergenic—ideal for sensitive skin

  • Resistance to corrosion and chemical damage

  • Distinctive dark luster different from traditional metals

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Cons:

  • Challenging to resize due to extreme hardness

  • Higher cost reflecting its rarity

  • Limited design availability compared to common metals

  • Requires special tools for emergency removal

Tantalum pricing

Tantalum rings usually cost $300-500, placing them between valuable metals like platinum and more common materials like titanium. This price shows how rare tantalum is and how difficult it is to extract.

Tantalum care tips

Maintaining tantalum jewelry is easy. First, clean it now and then with mild soap and warm water. Second, keep it in soft pouches or its original boxes to avoid damage. Luckily, tantalum doesn't need any special polishing or treatments to keep its unique look.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is known for its strength and flexibility. It is popular in today's jewelry design. This strong metal provides useful advantages for people looking for long-lasting, budget-friendly items.

Stainless steel properties

Stainless steel jewelry usually has at least 10.5% chromium and no more than 1.2% carbon, mixed with iron and sometimes nickel or titanium.

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There are two main types used in jewelry:

  • Grade 304 (18-8 stainless steel with 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel)

  • Grade 316, which includes molybdenum for better resistance to rust.

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Most high-quality jewelry is made from 316L "surgical grade" stainless steel, known for being hypoallergenic and having less carbon. This type of steel creates a protective layer of chromium oxide that repairs itself after being hit.

Stainless steel pros and cons

Pros:

  • Durability with resistance to scratches and corrosion

  • Hypoallergenic when properly sourced

  • Maintains appearance without tarnishing

  • More affordable than precious metals

  • Environmentally friendly and infinitely recyclable

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Cons:

  • Value doesn't appreciate like precious metals

  • Susceptible to dents despite durability

  • Difficult to resize due to hardness

  • Challenging to repolish once scratched

  • May contain nickel in some alloys

Stainless steel pricing

Stainless steel jewelry usually costs between USD 2-5 for simple 316L pieces, which is much cheaper than precious metals. The price can change based on size and weight, how complicated the design is, how it’s made, and extra features like gemstones or special finishes. Brand-name items are priced higher than generic ones. Overall, stainless steel gives great value and is as durable as more expensive metals.

Stainless steel care tips

To take care of stainless steel jewelry, clean it once a month with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth—wiping in the direction of the grain to avoid tiny scratches. Make sure to dry it completely after cleaning. Store the pieces separately in soft bags to avoid scratches. Importantly, take off the jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools or using strong chemicals, as chlorine can harm the protective chromium layer. With good care, stainless steel jewelry can look good for many years with little maintenance.

Ceramic

Ceramic jewelry uses advanced materials in fashion, combining strength with a modern look. Made from titanium carbide—a material used in space shuttle shields—ceramic has found its own place among metal types for jewelry.

Ceramic properties

High-tech ceramic jewelry is very scratch-resistant and durable, yet it is surprisingly light. Unlike regular jewelry materials, ceramic does not tarnish, rust, or get darker over time. It comes in different colors like black, white, and pink, with black being the most popular. Ceramic gives a modern and stylish look. Many pieces mix ceramic with precious metal inlays for more options.

Ceramic pros and cons

Pros:

  • Lghtweight for comfortable daily wear

  • Completely hypoallergenic as it contains no metal alloys

  • Scratch resistance maintaining polished appearance

  • Non-conductive, ideal for those working with electricity

  • Four times harder than stainless steel and gold

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Cons:

  • Cannot be resized once manufactured

  • Potentially brittle—can chip or break under significant impact

  • Limited color options primarily black, white, and pink

  • Difficult to customize with intricate designs or engravings

Ceramic pricing

Ceramic jewelry usually costs between $50 and $150 based on how complicated the design is. This is much cheaper than precious metals like gold or platinum, but it still looks good and lasts a long time. Its worth is more about being useful than being an investment.

Ceramic care tips

To take care of ceramic jewelry, clean it often with gentle soap and warm water using a soft cloth. Keep pieces in separate pouches to stop them from touching harder materials. Even though ceramic can resist water, don't leave it in moisture for a long time. Even though it's strong, be careful when handling it to avoid bumps that could chip it.

Meteorite

Originating from space and being billions of years old, meteorite is possibly the most amazing material in the list of jewelry metals.

Meteorite properties

Meteorite jewelry usually uses iron meteorites, mainly Gibeon (from Namibia) and Muonionalusta (from Scandinavia). These space metals have a special Widmanstätten pattern—unique crystal shapes created by very slow cooling over millions of years. Most jewelry meteorites have iron, nickel, and small amounts of other elements like cobalt. The Muonionalusta meteorite, often used in rings, is about 4.5 billion years old.

Meteorite pros and cons

Pros:

  • Completely unique patterns—no two pieces are identical

  • Conversation-starting appeal with cosmic origin

  • Strong symbolism representing eternity

  • Magnetic properties confirming authenticity

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Cons:

  • Susceptibility to rust given iron content

  • Regular maintenance requirements

  • Challenging to resize

  • Potential allergy concerns for those sensitive to nickel

Meteorite pricing

Authentic meteorite jewelry usually costs between $100 and $500, depending on how complex the design is. Real meteorite pieces are more expensive because they are rare and hard to make. Smaller items with thin slices of meteorite are more affordable.

Meteorite care tips

To maintain meteorite jewelry:

  • Minimize exposure to moisture—the primary cause of rust

  • Clean with soft-bristled toothbrush and WD-40 for rust removal

  • Apply protective wax coating after cleaning

  • Store in airtight containers 

  • Remove before swimming or showering

Zirconium

Zirconium is very flexible in jewelry design. It can change from a natural silvery-white color to a shiny black finish when heated. This change creates a unique black oxide layer that is a key look for modern jewelry pieces.

Zirconium properties

In its natural form, zirconium looks like a shiny, gray-white metal taken from the Earth's crust. After a heating process called oxidation that lasts several hours, it gets a lasting black finish that can be made shiny or dull. This strong metal is about 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it is almost as hard as diamond. Also, zirconium is light—about 60% lighter than steel—but still very strong.

Zirconium pros and cons

Pros:

  • Scratch and corrosion resistance

  • Completely hypoallergenic for sensitive skin

  • Permanent black finish that won't fade or discolor

  • Lightweight comfort for everyday wear

Cons:

  • Difficult and expensive to resize once manufactured

  • Surface layer is thin and can wear over time

  • More brittle than some other jewelry metals

  • Limited availability compared to traditional options

Zirconium pricing

Zirconium jewelry usually costs less than precious metals but is still pricier than options like stainless steel. Prices change depending on how complex the design is, with items that have inlays or gemstones costing more.

Zirconium care tips

For care, wash with gentle soap and warm water, then dry completely with a soft cloth. Keep items in soft bags to avoid scratches. Stay away from strong chemicals, like perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products. Take off before swimming or doing intense activities.

Brass

Brass has been used by people for thousands of years. Ancient cultures like the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians valued it for its shiny, gold-like look and strength. Today, this flexible metal is still a popular choice for making jewelry.

Brass properties

Brass is mainly made of copper and zinc, and the mix of these metals affects its color, which can range from dark brown to silvery white. Usually, a mix of about 67% copper and 33% zinc gives it a gold-like look. There are many types of brass, such as Brass 260 (cartridge brass), Brass 270 (yellow brass), and Brass 230 (red brass), each with unique features. This alloy is very easy to shape, which helps jewelers make detailed designs.

Brass pros and cons

Pros:

  • Affordable than precious metals like gold and silver

  • Durable and sturdy when properly cared for

  • Excellent formability for intricate designs

  • Warm, golden hue that resembles gold

  • Generally hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin

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Cons:

  • Tarnishes over time when exposed to air and moisture

  • May cause skin discoloration due to copper oxidation

  • Lacks the intrinsic value of precious metals

  • Requires more frequent maintenance than precious metals

Brass pricing

Brass jewelry is one of the most affordable choices, much less expensive than high-quality metals like sterling silver and gold vermeil. Its low cost comes from the plentiful supply of its main parts—copper and zinc.

Brass care tips

To take care of brass jewelry, clean it often with warm water and mild soap. If it gets tarnished, make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda, and gently scrub it with a soft cloth. Keep it in a dry, airtight container or an anti-tarnish bag. Take it off before swimming or showering, especially in chlorinated water.

Copper

Copper adds a warm, reddish-brown shine to jewelry design. Ancient cultures, such as the Aztecs and Egyptians, appreciated its beauty and healing qualities. This flexible metal has stayed popular over the years because of its unique look and availability.

Copper properties

Copper is very flexible and can be shaped easily, which makes it great for detailed jewelry designs. Its unique reddish-orange color gives it a charming yet classy look. Over time, copper forms a natural patina—a dark layer that many people like for its old-fashioned style. Besides its looks, copper is an important mineral that helps the body absorb other minerals and stay healthy.

Copper pros and cons

Pros:

  • More affordable than precious metals

  • May offer anti-inflammatory benefits and improved circulation

  • Believed to help with joint pain and arthritis

  • Naturally antibacterial properties

  • Versatile for various jewelry designs

Cons:

  • Prone to tarnishing when exposed to air and moisture

  • Can leave green marks on skin from natural oxidation

  • Requires more frequent cleaning than precious metals

  • May cause skin irritation for some individuals

Copper pricing

Copper jewelry is one of the cheapest choices in the list of jewelry metals. Its low cost makes it easy to buy for daily wear while still looking unique.

Copper care tips

Regular cleaning with gentle soap and warm water helps keep copper shiny. For tougher cleaning, lemon juice and salt work well to get rid of tarnish. Keep items in airtight containers to reduce oxidation. Putting clear nail polish on the inner surfaces can stop skin discoloration.

FAQs

Q1. What is the most durable metal for everyday jewelry wear?

Platinum and tungsten are two of the toughest metals for everyday jewelry. Platinum is very resistant to damage, while tungsten is almost scratch-proof. However, tungsten can break if hit hard enough, while platinum is more likely to get a dull finish over time.

Q2. Which jewelry metal is best for people with sensitive skin?

For people with sensitive skin, platinum, palladium, and titanium are great options. These metals are hypoallergenic and probably won't irritate the skin. Platinum and palladium are hypoallergenic because they are very pure. Titanium creates a protective layer that protects the skin.

Q3. How do gold and silver compare in terms of maintenance?

Gold usually needs less care than silver. Gold does not tarnish or corrode easily and only needs to be cleaned now and then with mild soap and water. Silver can tarnish quickly and needs to be polished more often and stored in special cloth to keep it shiny.

Q4. What are some affordable alternatives to precious metals for jewelry?

Stainless steel, titanium, and tungsten are popular and affordable options instead of precious metals. These materials are strong and look good while being cheaper. Stainless steel is especially easy on the wallet. Titanium and tungsten are very strong and resist scratches well.

Q5. Can all types of metal jewelry be resized?

Not all metal jewelry can be resized. Common precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum can usually be resized by a jeweler. But, alternative metals like tungsten, titanium, and ceramic cannot be resized because they are too hard or made differently. It's important to think about this when buying rings made from these materials.

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