Do you ever wonder what makes a metal precious?
Are gold and silver catching your eye – like holiday tinsel? What makes metals precious is all about natural origins and scarcity. If a metal comes from the earth, making it rare and valuable, it’s called a precious metal.
When it comes to jewelry, you can always consider traditional options, like gold, silver and platinum. Many other precious metals also deserve your attention, especially when custom-designing the jewelry of your dreams.
Also consider these unusual options:
- Titanium – Strength and durability make titanium an excellent choice for rings and other jewelry that will have heavy wear. Titanium can be anodized to become almost any color, including rich, saturated jewel tones.
- Stainless steel – Choose this metal for body piercings because it’s easy to clean and maintains a glossy surface. If you need something that will shine like a mirror for years to come, stainless steel is the perfect choice.
- Cobalt – In its pigment form, cobalt is blue and is used in painting and glass working. In jewelry, cobalt is silver-gray. Harder than stainless steel, this metal is also hypoallergenic. It’s a durable choice and has a naturally lustrous finish.
- Tungsten – Tungsten and tungsten carbide are strong, hypoallergenic choices. Ranging in color from steel gray to tin white, tungsten is the hardest element on Earth. Even a diamond can’t scratch it.
- Ceramic carbide – This man-made metal is nearly impossible to mar with daily wear. Its scratch-resistance makes it a terrific choice for a wedding band for someone who works with their hands.
- Rhodium – Rhodium is a metal that is sometimes added to jewelry, or coats it, to create extra shine. Jewelry is not ordinarily made of 100% rhodium, although black rhodium rings have seen recent popularity.
- Iridium – This metal is primarily used in watches and is a rare choice for other jewelry. It’s heavy and one of the most corrosion-resistant metals.
- Ruthenium – This grayish-white metal is often used as an alloy (blend) with other metals to create durability. In jewelry designs, it is sometimes used in a dark color known as black ruthenium.
- Osmium – While it’s the densest element, osmium can be brittle in jewelry so its design should be considered carefully. Pure osmium can also be toxic in its natural form, where it has a bluish-white color. When it’s made into a safe alloy for jewelry, it’s usually bluish-gray.
How to Select an Unusual Precious Metal
Unusual metals make eye-catching jewelry and create a great topic of conversation. Wouldn’t it be fun to tell people that you’re wearing the hardest metal, the densest element or the only metal on Earth that can’t be scratched by a diamond?
Work with a reputable jeweler to select the right metal, because some have special care requirements or qualities to consider. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you might need to go with something hypoallergenic like cobalt or tungsten. A personal jeweler can help you decide on a metal that fits your style and suits you perfectly.
Do you have a gift idea of unique jewelry designed with an unusual precious metal? Ask us about our Custom Design Gift Experience.
Indy Facets – Everyone’s Private Jeweler
Indy Facets seamlessly blends the expertise and full service of a traditional jewelry store with the value and convenience of a personal jeweler experience. We give you the face-to-face interaction with an expert that you deserve, in a private setting where you can relax and feel comfortable. Owner/Designer Shaun Goodyear and his team have earned an excellent reputation as everyone’s private jeweler for engagement rings, custom design, investment grade diamonds, luxury Swiss timepieces, estate jewelry, jewelry repair and the highest level of customer service, available to you from an onsite, state-of-the-art Custom Design Studio and Gemological Laboratory by private appointment only. You are guaranteed a unique, fun and exciting experience without the hype, pressure, judgment or uncertainty associated with other jewelry shopping options. We schedule appointments at your convenience and are usually available evenings and weekends, too. Call 317-810-1665 for your private appointment or schedule online, IndyFacets.com/schedule/.