Metals Used in Custom Jewelry

Metals

Four rings of different metal types on a rock

For a comprehensive overview of metals used in jewelry making, including their unique properties and applications, the Metals page on Jewelry by Johan offers valuable insights. It covers a variety of metals from traditional options like gold and silver to contemporary choices like Damascus steel and black zirconium, providing a detailed look at each material's characteristics. Ideal for individuals seeking in-depth knowledge about jewelry materials.

For in-depth information on the types of metals we offer, please see our Metals Education page. You can also visit our Damascus Education page.

Metals

Stainless Steel

Material Grade 304 Stainless Steel is a highly durable, corrosion-resistant alloy known for its excellent formability and strength, widely used in various applications for its versatility and reliability.

Damascus

Damascus Stainless Steel, combining 304L and 316L grades, is renowned for its distinctive layered patterns and exceptional durability. This blend offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength, making it ideal for high-quality, aesthetically unique applications.

Black Zirconium

Black Zirconium is a high-performance metal characterized by its deep, rich black color, durability, and corrosion resistance. Ideal for sleek, modern designs, it provides a lightweight and hypoallergenic option for jewelry and other high-end applications.

Black Ceramic

Hi-Tech Ceramic, also known as Jewelry Grade Ceramic, is a blend of ceramic and carbon forming a durable, lightweight carbide similar to tungsten. It's metal-free, highly scratch-resistant, and can be crafted in black, but may chip if dropped.

18k/20k Rose Gold

18k and 20k Rose Gold are luxurious alloys with a higher gold content, enriched with copper to produce their distinctive warm pink color. These variations offer a richer, deeper hue and enhanced durability, ideal for premium, timeless jewelry pieces.

14k Rose Gold

14k Rose Gold is a charming alloy combining gold with copper to achieve its signature warm pink tone. This blend offers both durability and a subtle, romantic appeal, making it a popular choice for jewelry that balances elegance with everyday wearability.

18k Yellow Gold

18K yellow gold is made up of 75.3% gold, with additional metals including 6% copper, 18% silver, and 1% zinc. This composition ensures the metal's rich yellow color and good durability, making it highly suitable for high-end jewelry that emphasizes luxury and longevity.

14k Yellow Gold

14K yellow gold is composed of 58.3% gold, mixed with 29% copper, 8% silver, and 4.7% zinc. This combination gives the gold its characteristic warm yellow color while enhancing its durability, making it ideal for fine jewelry that withstands daily wear.

10k Yellow Gold

10K yellow gold consists of 41.7% gold, and is alloyed with 40.5% copper, 11.2% silver, and 6.6% zinc. This blend not only ensures a robust structure but also maintains the classic yellow hue, making it a cost-effective option for jewelry.

18k White Gold

18K white gold typically contains 75.1% gold, with the remainder made up of 9.9% copper, 5.2% zinc, and 9.85% nickel. This composition ensures both the alloy's durability and its appealing silvery-white color, making it a sought-after material in fine jewelry.

14k White Gold

14K white gold is comprised of 58.4% gold, with the alloy including 21.6% copper, 9% zinc, and 11% nickel. This mix ensures a balance of color, strength, and affordability, making it a common choice for various types of jewelry.

10k White Gold

10K white gold consists of 41.7% gold, with other metals including 35.7% copper, 12.3% zinc, and 10.3% nickel. This composition provides a durable and affordable option for jewelry, with a lighter gold content balanced by a higher percentage of strengthening alloys.

Platinum

Platinum jewelry typically consists of 95% platinum and 5% ruthenium. This combination provides exceptional durability and a naturally white sheen that does not fade or tarnish over time, making it an excellent choice for fine jewelry, especially wedding bands and engagement rings.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is composed of 92.7% silver and 7.5% copper. This blend enhances the metal's durability while maintaining its high luster, making it ideal for a wide range of jewelry and decorative items.

Copper (Pinstripe)

Copper is a highly ductile and malleable metal with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Known for its distinctive reddish-brown color, it is used in various applications including jewelry.

Tungsten

Tungsten in jewelry often includes carbon and nickel, where nickel acts as a binder to hold the tungsten and carbon together. This combination results in a very hard and durable material, suitable for items like wedding bands that withstand daily wear.

Titanium

Grade 5 Titanium, known as 6AL4, is a lightweight yet durable metal used widely, including in jewelry. It combines 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium, offering enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, and heat treatability. Its robustness and medical-grade quality ensure safety and ease in emergency removals. Learn more about our use of titanium and its history of the metal.