Metal Types

There are a variety of metals choices available for jewellery. Whether you like the allure of platinum or the range of options with the classic gold, you will find a number of stylish pieces available in our store, sometimes even combining the two metals. Today, alternative metals like sterling silver, titanium, and stainless steel 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.

Palladium

Palladium is one of the platinum group metals. It has the purity of platinum, but with an even more white colour. Palladium is hypoallergenic, malleable and very lightweight- especially by comparison to platinum. Palladium is the perfect alloy metal for white gold, as it makes gold more durable. 

Gold

Pure 24 karat gold is rarely used in jewellery because it is too soft for frequent wear. Gold is mixed with alloys like copper, silver, nickel, and zinc to give different colours, 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 white and rose colours.

Gold Plating 

Gold plated jewellery is made with sterling silver or another base metal, with a thin layer of karat gold plated over it. Gold filled jewellery is made with a base metal and bonded with karat gold. 

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.

Titanium

Titanium is a light, strong, and corrosion-resistant metal. Titanium offers you seven times the strength of platinum at about 1/3 of the weight. It is the hardest natural metal on earth and therefore offers more scratch resistance than gold or silver. In addition, titanium is also hypoallergenic. When ordering titanium rings, be extra sure about your ring size. The biggest drawback of titanium rings is that they cannot be sized by traditional ring sizing methods.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a low cost alternative to traditional metals. It is naturally hypoallergenic and will not rust or tarnish. Stainless Steel will not break or bend under normal usage and is stronger than any other alloy.

Tungsten

Tungsten is a heavy and dense metal. It is a dark grey gun-metal colour and is very scratch resistant. There is little to no maintenance required for tungsten jewellery. If you are looking for that heavy-feel and durability, tungsten would be your choice. Note that tungsten rings are not sizable due to their hardness, so it’s important to select the correct ring size for your finger. 

Cobalt Chrome

Cobalt has a similar look to platinum, with great strength and it is light weight. Because of its temperature stability, cobalt alloys are often used in engine turbines and surgical implants.

Ceramic

Ceramic jewellery is not made from the same type of ceramic you would see in home goods. The ceramic used in jewellery is actually a hi-tech ceramic and is quite durable. Ceramic is easy to wear everyday because of its lightweight nature. It is also a hypoallergenic metal. Note that ceramic rings are not sizable either due to their hardness, so it’s important to select the correct ring size for your finger.

Tantalum

Tantalum is a very dense and malleable metal, making it easy to work with. It has a rich slate blue-grey colour. Tantalum rings are hypo-allergenic, resistant to breakage and ultimately the most precious of all contemporary metals.