Are you looking for cheap jewelry metals that won’t change color? Or are you just trying to figure out why you want to use which metals to make your jewelry? You’ve come to the right place. This post lists high-quality metals that won’t change color for custom jewelry and fine jewelry, some of which are very affordable. But some are expensive.
Your options in the world of jewelry may be limited, but your choice will ultimately depend on the metal used to make your jewelry. One of the enviable properties of metals used to make jewelry is that they do not change color. No one wants to wear earrings or necklaces that seem to lose their natural luster overnight and look older and uglier.
All this means whether, from how it looks in a few months, silver is better than platinum, gold doesn’t tarnish, or stainless steel is better than silver. If you want jewelry that doesn’t change color and looks like new every morning, this article introduces some of the best jewelry metals that won’t.
First, sterling silver will tarnish, and no matter how beautiful it looks today, it will lose its luster over the next few months unless you gently clean and polish it.
Which Jewelry Metals Do Not Change Color?
There are many metals that can be used to make jewelry, but we will cover only a few of them. These metals have become increasingly popular in the jewelry world; Therefore, they are a good starting point.
1. Platinum
At the top of our list is platinum. Platinum is a precious metal known for its silvery-white hue. Although platinum is now gaining popularity in the jewelry world, it was one of the popular jewelry metals in the early 20th century.
As more people understand its advantages, platinum is now commonly used in wedding and engagement rings and other types of jewelry. Platinum does not react with water or oxygen in the air and does not tarnish it. Platinum does not tarnish, oxidize or fade.
Merit
- It does not tarnish itself
- Platinum is more durable than gold, and even stronger
- Its strength and hardness allow it to carve precise and clear patterns on platinum jewelry.
- Over time, it acquires a patina sheen from scratches; This means that you don’t have to fight scratches
- It is hypoallergenic
- Its strength and purity mean that a platinum ring or platinum ring symbolizes eternity and purity.
- If heated, it does not expand
Shortcoming
- Its rarity makes it even more expensive than gold
- Only found in small earrings, rings, and pendants
2. Stainless Steel (316L Stainless Steel)
Stainless steel is one of the most common metals used to make appliances, kitchenware, and hardware. Over the years, it has gained popularity in the field of watches and jewelry.
However, it is not a pure metal and is actually a steel metal alloy that contains at least 10% chromium. While there are different categories/grades of stainless steel,316 stainless steel is the type of stainless steel used to make jewelry.
It has a silvery-white color with a mirror-like sheen. Like platinum, stainless steel will not change color and will retain a silvery mirror-like sheen forever. Due to its natural luster, stainless steel is easy to clean. It is also scratch-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and durable. You can distinguish stainless steel by its glyph SST or SSTL.
Merit
- Easy to clean
- It does not tarnish itself
- It contains chromium, which prevents tarnishing and corrosion
- It is scratch resistant
- It does not rust
- Affordable
- Hypoallergenic
Shortcoming
- It is not popular in the jewelry world.
3. Titanium
Another metal that is rapidly gaining popularity in the jewelry world is titanium. Titanium is the hardest natural metal in the world and the lightest material used in jewelry.
This pure element is also very durable and is one of the best materials for making wedding rings. Titanium has a silvery-white (metallic color), but its biggest problem is that it is not scratch-resistant. Its logo is TTN.
Merit
- Durable
- Ultra-lightweight
- Hypoallergenic
- It does not tarnish itself
- It is as strong as steel, but lighter.
- Perfect for men’s and women’s jewelry
Shortcoming
- It is not scratch resistant
- It is too hard to carve, resize, weld, or set gemstones
- It was damaged by heat
4. Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide is a tungsten alloy containing 80% tungsten and 20% carbon (also forming alloys with different other metals. In recent years, tungsten carbide has gained popularity for its beauty and elegance in its natural gray or white color.
Merit
- It has a beautiful white or gray finish
- Very strong (4 times harder than titanium)
- Hypoallergenic
- Scratch resistant
- Perfect for men’s and women’s jewelry
Shortcoming
- It can be damaged
- It cannot be carved or resized, as it is brittle and breaks easily under pressure
5. Palladium
Palladium belongs to the platinum group of metals and is known for its bright white, strength, and purity. It is also one of the affordable metals for making beautiful jewelry. Palladium is made from 95% palladium and 5% ruthenium, but does not require plating.
Merit
- High purity
- Super power
- Hypoallergenic
- Light
- Affordable
- It does not tarnish or rust
- Over time, it forms a beautiful patina
- Palladium rings can be resized
Shortcoming
- Not as popular as it should be
- Without the right equipment, work can be difficult
6. Ceramics (Ceramic Carbides)
Ceramic jewelry has made waves in the jewelry world, and due to its uniqueness, it is an excellent material for making jewelry. Ceramics are lightweight, versatile and heat-resistant. It is made of high-tech aerospace materials and as a ceramic carbide, it is not only durable but also scratch-resistant. Jewelry made of ceramics is affordable and available in a variety of colors.
Merit
- Versatile
- Available in different colors
- It is hypoallergenic
- It does not tarnish itself
- It is scratch resistant
- heat resisting
- Light
- Affordable
Shortcoming
- Ceramic cannot be engraved or resized, as it is brittle and can break under pressure.
- Jewelry metal that does not change color
7. Cobalt
Although cobalt is used in jewelry as a metal to bond with nickel or copper, it is the best metal for making jewelry. In addition to not changing color, it is durable and looks a lot like white gold. If you want to know more about cobalt, this article is for you.
Merit
- It is scratch resistant
- It is hypoallergenic
- It is durable
- Perfect for men’s rings
- Resistant to discoloration
- Corrosion-resistant, no rust
Shortcoming
- Sizing is not easy
- It is not popular
Conclusion
These are some of the best rust-free jewelry metals. They are also hypoallergenic and suitable for making men’s and women’s jewelry. You can buy jewelry made of affordable metals, such as stainless steel or tungsten carbide.
