Metal is certainly one of the most common materials used in making jewellery pieces. The most popular metals used in this craft are gold and silver, but there are still more metals used by jewellery makers if they need more flexibility in designing their precious items. In fact, there are even more metals to play around with for the jewellery makers due to the production of more alloys now. As the technology in the industry advances, more alloys are expected to be made.

Choosing Metals for Jewellery Making
There are several factors that need to be considered before starting work on a piece of jewellery. The cost of the metals is the most important factor to look into. Second, you have to think about the design of the jewellery. If you really like silver, you will tend to design pieces with this material in mind. Other jewellery makers also mix two or more metals to give more texture and definition to the jewellery. Third, consider the equipment that you need when working with different metals. Every type of equipment and tool can cost you money, which is definitely something to think about as well.

Types of Metals for Jewellery Making and Their Properties
To help you decide just what type of metal you should use in jewellery making, it would be best if you know the properties of each:

1. Gold
The most expensive type of gold is a 24-karat piece. However, a cheaper one can still be made if gold is mixed with other metals, creating an alloy that is stronger as well. Gold alloys are usually 8 to 18 karats though 10 to 14-karat gold pieces are also common. Here are some types of processes in mixing gold:

– Gold plate. Electrolysis is used to let a layer of gold stick to a base metal. The process also involves coating the base metal with at least 10 karats of gold.
– Gold overlay. This can give an expensive appearance to any gold jewellery piece.
– Gold filled. A metal is coated with at least 10-karat gold.
– Gold over silver. The base metal used in this gold overlay is silver.

2. Silver alloys
Silver has the strongest thermal conductivity among all the metals. This can be classified into:
– Fine silver. This is 99.9% pure, with soft texture and high lustre.
– Sterling silver. This is 92.5% silver with the rest composed of other metals, but more of copper.
– Agentium silver. This is tarnish-resistant silver, doubly hard than the usual sterling silver and is malleable.

3. Copper
This is a versatile due to its cost and ease in working with it. It is pliable and easy to cut, fold and form. Moreover, it is easily accessible in stores and in many forms such as chain, sheet, wire, tube and beads.

4. Karatium
This is a newly formed allow made of gold and other cheaper metals. This has yellow, white and pink options with varying contents of gold. Karatium is even cheaper than 10-karat gold but is more attractive than gold-filled items. Its gold layer does not easily wear off.

5. Platifina
This is a new allow made of 92.5% silver, 1% platinum and the rest is made of other metals. it is brighter than silver and platinum, more tarnish resistant and more affordable.

6. Titanium
This is the strongest metal used for jewellery making. It has a gray tone and resistant to corrosion, tarnish and discolouration.

7. Stainless steel
This is an alloy made of iron and carbon. It is grey in colour, a strong material, is quite affordable.

8. Tungsten
This is a dense alloy that does not get easily worn off and is comparable in strength with steel.

9. Bronze
This is popular among jewellery makers due to its ease in getting textures and its colour.

10. Palladium
This has bright colour which does not get easily worn or torn even after decades of use.

11. Pewter
This is an alloy made out of copper and lead. It is often used for pendants and rings due to its elegant sheen.

12. Alpaca
This is made out of copper, zinc, nickel and tin. It is commonly used in fashion jewellery making.
If you wish to put your creativity and craftsmanship to good use, choose from any of these metals and start designing your jewellery pieces now. There are numerous metals anyway which are appropriate for your budget and the designs that you have in mind.

Author Bio: aluminium channel Aluminium Castings

Category: Advice
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