Choosing the Right Metal

Most fine jewelry has been traditionally made of Gold and Gold alloys, Platinum, Palladium or Silver. The right choice depends on several factors, including price, durability, weight and color.

Click the Tiles above to learn more about the many choices available.

Today (Early 2008) Platinum is more expensive, at least in US dollars, than ever in history.

So although platinum is often considered the best overall jewelry metal, if price is taken into account, white gold and Palladium make more sense for many designs, particularly heavy pieces, or simple bands.

Gold is also higher than ever before, and new silver alloys are more durable than ever. Titanium, Tungsten and other exotic metals fill out the remainder of the options you can choose.

Not every item can be made in every metal, for example, Tungsten can only be made into simple shapes like bands, with very few customization options.

Silver, although very inexpensive will not usually hold up to a lifetime of wear that you should expect from an everyday piece like an engagement ring.

You can see current metal raw material prices here:

www.kitco.com

Metal Color Comparison Images