Even though Americans are wearing less and less jewelry, the average household still spends around $615 on bling every year. They are buying watches, rings, and necklaces made from all different types of materials.
In fact, buying a new piece of jewelry made from a unique material is a great way to make a subtle change to your look.
But what are all the top types of metal and other materials found in jewelry today? This list covers all the popular options and some offbeat ones, too.
1. Gold
Humans have made gold jewelry for hundreds if not thousands of years. It is popular in both men's jewelry and women's jewelry and is available in different alloys and karats.
Gold is soft so other metals like copper, palladium, or nickel act as alloys to strengthen it. Depending on the alloy, gold can appear white, rose, or yellow in appearance.
Gold is a common metal for wedding bands and other jewelry rings. If you are looking for rings online, always consult a ring sizing chart before you buy.
2. Silver
Silver is one of the most popular types of materials for jewelry. It is cheaper than gold and has antibacterial qualities.
But silver needs regular cleaning to maintain its sheen and is sensitive to chemicals and acids.
3. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular choice for body jewelry because it has hypoallergenic properties and is cheaper than alternatives.
It is also resistant to scratches and is not magnetic. Custom jewelry made from stainless steel will last for years.
4. Titanium
Titanium is a type of metal that is one step above stainless steel. It is also hypoallergenic, scratch-resistant, and durable. When used as a gold alloy, it creates 24k gold jewelry.
The only downside to titanium is that it is more expensive than other types of materials and hard to find in jewelry.
5. Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest, strongest, most expensive, durable metals in existence. It makes great wedding rings for this reason, and its color does not fade.
The only downsides to platinum are the cost and weight.
6. Wood
Using wood in jewelry is becoming more and more popular as it is an eco-friendly material. Hardwoods are better for jewelry making and make great bangles.
7. Copper
Copper is a type of base metal that is often alloyed with other metals like gold and silver. This means it is a soft and cheap type of material.
Copper is still strong enough to use in jewelry by itself, but it will oxidize and leave a green mark on the wearer over time.
8. Glass
Glass is an unusual yet pretty material often used in jewelry as a decorative feature alongside metal clasps and hooks. It is cheap and available in a wide variety of colors, but it can be heavy and fragile.
Best Types of Materials for Your Jewelry Collection
There are other types of materials used in jewelry, but these are some of the best. The next time you look for a new statement necklace or cool bracelet, pay attention to the material so you know how long it will last and how to care for it.
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