Jewelry Metal Types: What You Should Know

When it comes to fine jewelry, the metal you choose is important. Find your match at ShesFeel, from traditional precious metals like gold and platinum to unique alternative metals like tungsten and titanium to innovative materials like silicone.

Gold Jewelry

• Yellow Gold

  Embrace the warmth and richness of yellow gold jewelry.

  Shop Yellow Gold

• White Gold

  Illuminate your style with brilliant white gold jewelry.

  Shop White Gold

• Rose Gold

  Fall in love with enchanting rose gold jewelry.

  Shop Rose Gold

Gold Karat

Gold karat is a measure of the purity of gold, with 24 karat being the purest form. All colors of gold, including yellow, white, and rose gold, have their own karat value. Gold karat purity, also referred to as the hallmark, can be found engraved on your jewelry, serving as a testament to the quality and authenticity of your gold jewelry.

• 10K GOLD

  HALLMARKS: The stamped hallmark for 10K gold “417” referring to its 41.7% gold purity.

  HARDNESS: With more alloyed metals, 10K gold is the most durable.

  GOLD PURITY: 41.7% purity, 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metals.

  COLOR DIFFERENCE: 10K gold has a softer and paler coloration that higher karat golds.

• 14K GOLD

  HALLMARKS: The stamped hallmark for 14K gold “583” referring to its 58.3% gold purity.

  HARDNESS: With more alloyed metals, 14K gold is very durable.

  GOLD PURITY: 58.3% purity, 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals.

  COLOR DIFFERENCE: 14K gold still has a rich hue but is not as vibrant as 18K gold.

• 18KGOLD

  HALLMARKS: The stamped hallmark for 10K gold “750” referring to its 75% gold purity.

  HARDNESS: Since it is a purer gold, it less resistant to scratching and damage.

  GOLD PURITY: 75% purity, 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals.

  COLOR DIFFERENCE: 18K will appear the most vibrant in color.

Classic Metals

• GOLD

  VALUE: Value differs based on karat. 24k and 18k are the most valuable, followed by 14k and 10k gold.

  CARE: Clean with warm water and dish soap, carefully dry with a soft cloth.

  LIFESPAN: 18k, 14k, and 10k gold rings can last a lifetime.

  HYPOALLERGENIC: Gold can contain copper, nickel and zinc. Yellow gold is the most hypoallergenic compared to white gold and rose gold.

  STRENGTH: Higher purity gold (24k and 18k) is softer and can be scratched while 14k and 10k gold is more durable.

  RESTORATION: Gold rings can handle resizing and professional polishing for restoration.

  RARITY: While the metal itself is not rare, the work it takes to refine high quality gold for jewelry gives it its value.

  HEFT: The purer the gold, the heavier the ring will feel to wear.

• STERLING SILVER

  VALUE: One of the most affordable precious metals, it will be stamped with a “.925” hallmark verifying it is 92.5% pure silver.

  CARE: Sterling silver can tarnish. Store in a cool, dry place or in tarnish-preventative bags.

  LIFESPAN: With proper care, sterling silver lasts for several decades of wear.

  HYPOALLERGENIC: Sterling silver can contain zinc or nickel. It is not 100% hypoallergenic.

  STRENGTH: Sterling silver is a durable metal that can hold up to everyday wear.

  RESTORATION: Tarnished sterling silver can be restored in the hands of a professional and this metal can handle resizing.

  RARITY: Pure silver, used to make sterling silver, is rare because of its limited supply. Since sterling silver is alloyed with other metals, it less expensive.

  HEFT: Sterling silver has a more lightweight feel to wear.

• PLATINUM

  VALUE: High value, as one of the most prized precious metals. It will have the hallmark “PLAT” indicating a minimum of 90% platinum.

  CARE: Clean with warm water and dish soap, carefully dry with a soft cloth.

  LIFESPAN: Can last a lifetime and be passed down through the generations.

  HYPOALLERGENIC: Platinum jewelry is hypoallergenic.

  STRENGTH: Platinum is incredibly strong and is the most durable precious metal.

  RESTORATION: Overtime platinum patina (a frosted appearance from years of wear) can develop. This can be polished away to restore its original shine. Platinum can also handle resizing.

  RARITY: Platinum is thirty times rarer than gold, which makes it more valuable and expensive.

  HEFT: Platinum is one of the densest precious metals and will have more of a heft than gold.

Alternative Metals & Materials

Alternative metals and materials offer a world of possibilities, allowing you to explore contemporary designs, enjoy enduring durability, and choose jewelry that fits your lifestyle. Learn more about these unique materials in our Alternative Metals Guide.

• COBALT

  VALUE: Alternative metals, like cobalt, have less value than precious metals.

  CARE: Simple to clean with warm water, dish soap and dry with a soft cloth.

  LIFESPAN: Cobalt is tarnish resistant and non-corrosive so it lasts for decades.

  HYPOALLERGENIC: Cobalt jewelry is hypoallergenic.

  STRENGTH: Cobalt is one of the hardest alternative metals and nearly scratch proof.

  RESTORATION: Cobalt rings can handle resizing and professional polishing for restoration.

  RARITY: Cobalt is not a rare metal, making it an affordable option.

  HEFT: Cobalt has a natural heft and will feel heavier to wear.

• TUNGSTEN

  VALUE: Alternative metals, like tungsten, have less value than precious metals.

  CARE: Simple to clean with warm water, dish soap and dry with a soft cloth.

  LIFESPAN: Strong tungsten is tarnish resistant and can last a lifetime of wear.

  HYPOALLERGENIC:Tungsten jewelry is hypoallergenic.

  STRENGTH: Tungsten is one of the hardest metals used for jewelry, making it durable and low maintenance.

  RESTORATION: Tungsten rings cannot be resized, it can be polished to restore its shine.

  RARITY: While tungsten is considered “scarce it is not as rare as traditional precious metals.

  HEFT: Tungsten has a natural heft and will feel heavier to wear.

• TITANIUM

  VALUE: Alternative metals, like titanium, have less value than precious metals.

  CARE: Simple to clean with warm water, dish soap and dry with a soft cloth.

  LIFESPAN: Titanium is non-corrosive and can last a lifetime.

  HYPOALLERGENIC: Titanium jewelry is hypoallergenic.

  STRENGTH: Titanium is very durable, but gold-plated styles can be more likely to scratch.

  RESTORATION: Titanium rings cannot be resized, it can be polished to restore its shine.

  RARITY: Titanium is not as rare as traditional precious metals.

  HEFT: Titanium has a more lightweight feel to wear.

Explore our jewelry metals guide, where you can explore the world of jewelry metal types. Learn about classic precious metals like yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, and sterling silver. Get to know more about gold karat ratings and what they mean for your jewelry. Discover the uniqueness of alternative metals such as tungsten, titanium, stainless steel, cobalt, as well as alternative materials like silicone. Compare and learn how to choose the best jewelry metal type that suits your style and preferences, so you can find your perfect metal the next time you shop for new jewelry.

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