The beauty of this world extends far down into the deep layers of the earth. From gold to silver, the earth holds within its layers exquisite elements that become some of our most prized belongings. Precious metals found in distant mines are often used in our modern day society— especially for jewelry. In this article, we are going to explore what precious metals are, types of precious metals, karat ratings for gold, and unique gemstone pairings.
What Are Precious Metals?
A precious metal is a rare natural resource found in its purest form with a high economic value. Precious metals include, but aren’t limited too, Gold, Silver, and Platinum. On the periodic table of elements, precious metals fall into the category of “Noble Metals” because they do not rust or corrode. They are known for their rarity and high luster.
We encounter precious metals in our everyday lives. Precious metals are used in industries such as jewelry, dentistry, electronics, medicine, photography, space, and much more. The benefits to precious metals are endless. From improved space exploration to an elegant jewelry piece that says “I love you,” precious metals are a keystone of our society’s innovation and culture.
Types of Precious Metals
Gold
Gold has been highly sought after for thousands of years, and is currently seeing record-high prices. This precious metal still has great value in our world today—especially for jewelry. In its natural state, gold is the only metal with a unique yellow color. However, gold is often paired with other alloys to improve its durability and longevity. When paired with other alloys, yellow gold can be turned into popular colors today such as white gold and rose gold. When it comes to choosing a watch or piece of fine jewelry, gold is classic—it never goes out of style.
Silver
Another well known precious metal is silver. The choice between gold vs. silver might seem simple since gold is such a high commodity; however, silver has its own unique benefits and characteristics. Because silver is highly malleable in its pure form, silver is often turned into sterling silver for fine jewelry. Silver can be a good alternative to white gold, when looking for a white metal piece of jewelry. It’s easier to find silver pieces and it’s more economical.
Sterling silver is known for being lightweight, durable, and affordable. Sterling silver is an alloy mix using 92.5% silver and 7.5% of any other metal—usually copper. Tarnishing does occur naturally to sterling silver. Some choose to embrace the tarnish for an antique aesthetic. However, it can be removed by cleaning, and the longevity of the jewelry piece isn’t compromised by tarnish. For a versatile and charming accessory, select a piece of sterling silver jewelry —a perfect choice for everyday wear.
Platinum
When comparing platinum vs. silver, you will find that platinum is much more durable and valuable than silver. Only palladium is considered more precious than platinum, and palladium is not used as widely in jewelry, making platinum jewelry some of the most expensive on the market. Its white-metal appearance and resistance to corrosion makes platinum a popular choice for wedding bands. Platinum is also a great metal choice for gem setting.
The major difference between platinum vs. silver or gold is that platinum can be used in a near-pure state. This makes platinum a great hypoallergenic metal for individuals with sensitive skin. As a trusted companion, platinum jewelry continues to wear strong after decades of use—a suitable piece for a family heirloom.
Understanding Karats
Precious metals are often mixed with an alloy to increase strength and luster. For example, gold in its pure state (24 karats) is too soft to hold shape. In jewelry, gold is often mixed with copper and nickel to increase longevity. However, nickel sensitivity is common, encouraging some jewelers to exclude nickel (that’s what we do at Shinola). The number of karats in a piece of jewelry determines the purity or the amount of gold in the mixture. Refer to the chart below to see the conversion of karats to gold percentages.
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Other precious metals may be mixed with alloys to improve durability. For fine jewelery, precious metals have unique and beautiful characteristics that other elements can’t match. In the years to come, precious metals are bound to stay just that—precious.
Karat vs. Carat
You’re not the first to be confused when a jeweler talks about a three-carat diamond and a 14-karat gold ring. These are two different measurements, and you might even be surprised to see that they have a different spelling.
Karat, like we just discussed above, is the percent of gold in the alloy (mixture of two metals). Put simply, the higher the karat, the more gold in the piece of jewelry.
On the other hand, diamonds’ and gemstones’ weight is measured by carats. For instance, a diamond that measures at four carats is larger than one measuring two carats.
A Perfect Gemstone Match
Jewelry crafted with precious metals can be paired with a gemstone for a unique design. Gemstones have a wide variety of colors and designs. Choosing one to fit your personal style can be difficult without the proper guidelines. We’ve organized three criterias you should examine when picking out a gemstone: aesthetic appeal, longevity, exclusivity.
Aesthetic Appeal
To match the elegant look of the metal, select a gemstone that has a desirable appearance. The appearance is based on factors such as color, cut, sparkle, clarity and size. Especially for gemstones such as diamonds and white sapphires, you will want to examine the cut and clarity of the stone. Each natural gemstone is different, so a little added character or imperfections may enhance the aesthetic appeal. Rustic and rugged, or elegant and refined? You can decide.
Longevity
Some gemstones are more resistant to everyday wear than others. When selecting a gemstone, think about the occasions where you will wear the jewelry piece and how long you want the piece to last. You’ll never go wrong if you pick a gemstone that is highly resistant to scraping or rubbing. Some of the most durable gems include diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. That said, all gemstones will exhibit wear over time. To keep your jewelry in optimal condition, you’ll want to handle them with care and keep up with regular cleanings.
At Shinola, we carefully select gemstones that are meant to be lived-in, well-loved, and worn out—pieces that can become precious heirlooms for your family.
Exclusivity
A more expensive gemstone is likely to be more exclusive. Finding a rare gemstone may be a top priority for some looking for a unique style. However, even gemstones that are more common can turn into a cherished accessory. For example, Petoskey stones that are native to Lake Michigan offer a sentimental, emotional value and connection to home for many in the Midwest. Pick a gemstone that best reflects your personal style and uniqueness—the one that compliments who you are. Get Your Timeless Piece Today
Keep the natural beauties of the earth close to your heart with a gold or sterling silver necklace. Whether it’s a gift for yourself or a loved one, Shinola offers timeless jewelry pieces that are both simple and tasteful. Pick a gold or sterling silver jewelry piece that will add everlasting elegance to your style.