The Metal Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on jewelry materials. As a luxury jewelry brand, we understand that our discerning customers are not only looking for beautiful and timeless pieces, but also value sustainability, long-term investment, and the safety of the metals used in their jewelry. We believe in transparency and education, so we've put together this detailed comparison of various jewelry materials to help you make an informed decision.

In this guide, you'll find a comparison of different materials commonly used in jewelry, along with their relative price points, durability, resale value, hypoallergenic properties, and more. We also consider the sustainability of each material, evaluating their carbon footprint and ease of recycling. Additionally, we provide insights into how each material has performed as an investment over the past decade.

We hope this guide helps you understand more about the materials behind the jewelry you love and aids you in choosing pieces that align with your values and needs. As always, we're here to answer any questions and guide you on your journey to finding the perfect piece of sustainable, safe, and valuable jewelry

 

Material Durability Price Hypoallergenic Resale Value Reusability Price Trend (Last 10 Years) Carbon Footprint Ease of Recycling
24K Gold Low $$$$ Yes High High Increase High High
18K Gold Medium $$$ Yes High High Increase High High
14K Gold High $$ Yes High High Increase High High
10K Gold Very High $ Yes Medium High Increase High High
Sterling Silver Medium $ No Low High Increase Medium High
Fine Silver Low $ Yes Low High Increase Medium High
Platinum Very High $$$$ Yes Very High High Fluctuate High High
950 Palladium High $$$ Yes High High Increase High High
500 Palladium High $$ Yes Medium High Increase High High
Stainless Steel Very High $ Yes Very Low Medium Stable Low High
Titanium Very High $ Yes Low Low Stable Low Medium
Tungsten Carbide Very High $ No Low Low Stable Medium Low
Copper Low $ No Very Low High Increase Medium High
Bronze Medium $ No Very Low High Stable Medium High
Brass Medium $ No Very Low High Stable Medium High
Diamonds Very High $$$$ Yes High Medium Increase High Low
Gemstones Varies Varies Yes Varies Medium Varies Varies Varies
Pearls Low $$$ Yes Medium Low Stable Low Low
Fabric Low $ Yes Low Low Stable Varies Varies
Leather Medium $ Varies Low Low Stable Medium Low
Wood Low $ Yes Low Low Stable Low Varies
Glass/Crystal Low $ Varies Low Low Stable Low Medium

How to Interpret

  • Durability is rated from Low to Very High, with low meaning the metal scratches, dents, or deforms easily, and Very High meaning it's highly resistant to such damage.
  • Hypoallergenic indicates whether the metal is generally safe for people with metal sensitivities. Please note, some people might still have individual allergies or sensitivities.
  • Gemstones include a wide variety of materials from sapphires and rubies to quartz and amethyst. The characteristics can vary greatly depending on the specific type of gemstone.
  • Pearls are organic gemstones and can be sensitive to chemicals and abrasion.
  • Fabric, Leather, Wood, and Glass/Crystal are non-traditional materials for jewelry. Their durability, price, and resale value can vary greatly depending on the quality of the material and the craftsmanship of the piece.
  • The Hypoallergenic column indicates whether the material is generally safe for people with metal sensitivities. However, individual allergies or sensitivities can still occur.
  • Resale Value is generally low for non-traditional materials, as the value of these pieces is often more in the craftsmanship and artistic design than in the intrinsic value of the materials.
  • Reusability is generally low for non-traditional materials, as these materials can't be melted down and reused in the same way as metals. However, parts of these pieces may be able to be reused in new designs.
  • Price is relative and can vary based on factors like market demand, but is rated from $ (lowest) to $$$$ (highest).
  • Carbon Footprint : "High" under the Carbon Footprint column generally means the material has a significant environmental impact in terms of carbon emissions from mining, refinement, and production processes. "Medium" suggests a moderate environmental impact, and "Low" indicates a relatively minor impact.
  • The Price Trend (Last 10 Years) column is a general overview based on market trends observed. "Increase" indicates the material's price generally increased over this period, "Stable" indicates the price remained relatively consistent, and "Fluctuate" suggests the price varied without a clear upward or downward trend. This is a simplified representation and actual trends may be more complex. For up-to-date and detailed information, please consult a reliable financial or commodities resource.
  • Ease of Recycling: "High" means the material is commonly and easily recycled, "Medium" suggests the material can be recycled but perhaps not as widely or easily, and "Low" indicates that the material is typically difficult to recycle or is not commonly recycled.