Precious Metals guide

Your go-to source for learning about the beautiful and valuable metals used in fine jewellery. This guide offers clear, easy-to-understand information on gold, silver, platinum, and more, helping everyone from jewellery lovers to those new to the world of precious metals. Discover the characteristics, uses, and care tips for each metal, making it easier for you to choose and maintain your jewellery. Whether you’re buying a new piece or just want to know more about the materials used, our guide provides all the essentials in a straightforward and engaging way. Join us as we explore the shimmering world of precious metals, presented with simplicity and style.

What is Precious Metals?

Precious metals are a group of rare and highly valued materials, including gold, silver, and platinum. These metals are cherished for their scarcity and the enduring qualities they possess, which make them stand out from more commonly found and utilized metals known as base metals, such as iron, copper, nickel, aluminum, and zinc. The value of precious metals is primarily driven by their rarity in the earth’s crust and their ability to withstand corrosion and oxidation, which allows them to maintain their luster and structural integrity over time. This combination of rarity and durability makes precious metals particularly desirable for use in jewellery, investment, and various industrial applications.

Titanium

Durability
Very strong, scratch-resistant but less than tungsten
Colour
Naturally grey; can be anodized for colours
Weight
Very light
Hypoallergenic
Excellent
Maintenance
Low maintenance, resistant to tarnish and corrosion
Cost
Mid-range, affordable compared to gold and platinum

Tungsten

Durability
Extremely hard, scratch-resistant but brittle
Colour
Typically grey or black; can be plated
Weight
Heavy
Hypoallergenic
Depends on binder used
Maintenance
Low maintenance, does not tarnish
Cost
Affordable, budget-friendly

Palladium

Durability
Similar to platinum, strong and durable
Colour
Natural white, similar to platinum
Weight
Lighter than platinum and gold
Hypoallergenic
Excellent, nickel-free
Maintenance
Low maintenance, does not tarnish easily
Cost
Less expensive than platinum, more than gold

Platinum

Durability
Very durable, strong, holds stones securely
Colour
Naturally white, does not tarnish or fade
Weight
Denser and heavier
Hypoallergenic
Excellent, ideal for sensitive skin
Maintenance
Low maintenance, resistant to wear
Cost
Most expensive, due to rarity and density

Silver

Durability
Soft, prone to tarnish and scratches; often alloyed with copper
Colour
Bright white lustre
Weight
Lighter than gold and platinum
Hypoallergenic
May contain nickel unless specified
Maintenance
Needs frequent cleaning to prevent tarnish
Cost
More affordable than gold and platinum

Gold

Durability
Soft, easily scratched; alloyed for strength
Colour
Yellow, white, rose depending on alloy
Weight
Relatively heavy
Hypoallergenic
Good, but lower karats can contain nickel
Maintenance
Requires regular cleaning and polishing
Cost
High, varies with karat