Which Metal Is Best For Jewelry White Gold, Platinum or Silver
There are many different types of metals used in jewelry making. In fact, there are many combination of metals used in what are generally known as alloys. For example, 14 carat gold consists of around 63% gold, the balance being copper, nickel, silver or other metals.
There are some metals that can be used in their pure form. Platinum and silver are two examples. Sterling silver needs to be pure to have that label. Gold on the other hand is far too soft to be used in jewelry – that is why it is blended with other metals – these metals are blended to increase the hardness of the gold.
One of the difficulties in creating an alloy is the final finish. We like gold so we don’t want a gold wedding ring turning green because of the copper content. However, owning gold is a status symbol – most currencies are based on a gold standard.
If you mix gold with silver and palladium you will create an alloy that is gold but looks very similar to the more expensive platinum. This alloy is known as white gold which is not, despite some peoples belief, found naturally. Silver is not in the same league as platinum or white gold. In fact silver is not even a white metal. It is silver in color whereas white gold and platinum are both white.
Which metal is best for jewelry? You need to consider several factors. One of those is hardness. Can it be easily formed into a piece of jewelry. The second includes a jewelers ability to resuse the waste – especially if the original cost of the metal is expensive
Silver is hard and will last a long time. Platinum has the same reputation – it is hard and will last a long time. Unfortunately with platinum, it is not easy to reclaim the waste when making jewelry. Because of the high initial price, plaltinum jewelry can be very expensive.
There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting your choice of jewelry metal. Silver is popular because it is the cheapest. Platinum is also popular although it is expensive. White gold has become popular due to its looks. It looks like platinum yet comes at half the price.