How to Choose Your Precious Metal Jewelry

 

When it comes to shining up your wardrobe, nothing adds the finishing touch like the sparkle of precious metal jewelry. Shopping for precious metal jewelry can be an exciting experience - but it can also come with a bit of stress if you need to become more familiar with what metals are available and what distinguishes them from one another. 

Whether you’re searching for something to adorn yourself or gifts for special occasions, determining which type of precious metal is right for you is essential to finding pieces that will last a lifetime! From traditional gold and silver to modern alternative options, let’s explore some tips and tricks on selecting the best precious metal jewelry that fits your style and budget.

What precious metal is best?

When it comes to deciding which precious metal is the best for your jewelry, there really is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each type of metal has its own unique characteristics and benefits that may make it ideal or inappropriate, depending on what you’re looking for in a piece of jewelry.

Need help with your precious metals? Here’s a tip! 

Suppose you’re ever curious about the precious metals and gems in your possession and want expert advice on their authenticity and valuation. In that case, Willyn Villarica is your go-to person for excellence. She has an eye for detail and many years of experience. With her appraisal services, you can trust that all the details are managed accurately to give a precise result every time.

Precious Metals to Choose From

Gold

When used by itself, gold refers to either entire gold or "pure" gold, which is 24-carat (24K) gold. Because 24K gold is soft, it is typically alloyed with other metals to boost its hardness and endurance. If a piece of jewelry is not made of 24-carat gold, the karat quality must accompany any claim that it is gold.

The karat quality designation indicates the percentage of gold in a piece of jewelry. 14K jewelry is composed of 14/24, or 58.3%, gold and 10/24 parts of an alloy metal. The higher the carat rating, the greater the gold content in a piece of jewelry.

The carat quality of jewelry should be indicated. The company's name or U.S.-registered trademark should also be shown close to the karat quality mark. The trademark may be a name, symbol, or set of initials. You should search elsewhere if a trademark does not accompany a quality mark on a piece of jewelry.

Platinum

Platinum is the rarest and most expensive metal. Because it is incredibly durable and will never tarnish, its worth is readily apparent. You may also combine it with other metals to give it a unique aesthetic, guaranteeing that it always seems new. In addition, platinum's extraordinary durability makes it a perfect material for daily jewelry.

In addition, platinum jewelry is naturally hypoallergenic due to its high purity level, making it the ideal choice for people with sensitive skin. In other words, platinum jewelry is always a safe investment.

Platinum is a highly uncommon metal, much more uncommon than gold. Due to its scarcity, it is also a costly metal, and it has only been discovered in a few areas globally, including the Ural Mountains in Russia, the Merensky Reef in South Africa, and a few tiny mines in the United States and Canada.

Platinum is a strong and dense metal, allowing it to be utilized in various ways. Platinum is utilized in jewelry, laboratory equipment, dental work, electrical connections, and car emission control devices. The term platinum is derived from the Spanish word plata, which means "little silver."

In jewelry, platinum consists of an alloy of six heavy metals: platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. In terms of weight and chemistry, these other metals are so close to platinum that the majority were separated from one another in the early nineteenth century.

Frequently, platinum is alloyed with copper and titanium. Compared to gold, platinum requires less amount of alloy to be fashioned into jewelry. It is the only precious metal used in exquisite jewelry that is between 90 and 95 percent pure, highly hypoallergenic, and resistant to tarnish. When scratched, platinum jewelry retains its color, brightness, and weight, but other metals may lose their shine or become tarnished.

Silver

The terms silver or sterling silver denotes a product containing 92.5% silver. The 925 mark on silver items indicates that 925 parts per thousand of the product are pure silver.

Some jewelry is silverplated, in which a coating of silver is attached to a base metal. The term "coin silver" refers to compounds containing 90% silver. In accordance with the legislation, silver with a quality mark must also carry the firm's name or a U.S.-registered trademark or individual standing behind the mark.

Flexible and resilient, silver is resistant to repeated wear and tear. One could even claim that silver is a metal that demonstrates its mettle. In their current shapes, contemporary jewelers continue to employ silver. There are several economical and stylish options for a diverse look.

Why invest in precious metal jewelry?

Of course, you need to consider some things before you start a new endeavor, be it simple snack savers or as big as jewelry investment! 

Investing in precious metal jewelry is a great way to shield yourself from the diminishing value of paper currency. Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum have intrinsic value that can ensure your investment increases as inflation rises. Furthermore, compared to other investments such as stocks or bonds, precious metals carry no credit risk and offer investors unique inflationary protection through their tangible nature. This makes them ideal for those looking for an alternative to traditional financial instruments without taking on added risks associated with volatile markets and difficult-to-value assets.

In addition to providing robust financial protection against the impacts of inflation, investing in precious metal jewelry also offers many aesthetic benefits. Jewelry pieces crafted from valuable metals are beautiful works of art that look eye-catching adornment when paired with clothing or worn as standalone pieces.