Everyone has a preference for what metals you like best for your jewelry. Some people stick with gold, others prefer silver, and some may even choose gold for aesthetic options. What about the finer details? Do you know the difference between 14K gold and 24K gold? What makes sterling silver distinct "sterling"? Here's a guide to some different types of metal for jewelry and which you should select.

Solid Gold Jewelry

Gold, whether yellow, white, or rose, is trendy in the jewelry industry. Historically, there has always been value and emphasis put on gold - however, it's also malleable, making it great for jewelry making. A significant benefit of gold jewelry is that it doesn't tarnish on its own, compared to sterling silver. Gold jewelry can be as old as can be, but you can always bring it back to life with a simple polish. Avoid wearing gold jewelry in swimming pools or hot tubs, as chlorines can discolor gold when it's hot. 

Gold is too delicate to be used undiluted, and this is where karat percentages come in. The lowest that can still legally be called gold is ten karats. You can tell how much gold is present based on the number of karats:

• 24 karat gold = 100 percent gold
• 22 karat gold = 92 percent gold
• 18 karat gold = 75 percent gold
• 14 karat gold = 58 percent gold
• 10 karat gold = 41 percent gold

Gold Jewelry: Plated vs. Filled vs. Vermeil 

These different types of gold jewelry can be easily confused. People often use the terms interchangeably, even though they're different. Gold-plated jewelry is a low-end metal, such as brass or copper, electroplated with a layer of gold. It's typically less expensive than the other options yet more valuable than vermeil. Gold-filled jewelry has a thicker layer of gold over the base and can sometimes be as much as 100% more viscous, making it a good option for longer jewelry. Gold vermeil can be known as a "silver gilt". It's a higher-quality silver that's plated with a thin gold layer. Vermeil can be made with either pure or sterling silver.  

Sterling Silver Jewelry 

 Sterling silver jewelry is one of the most common metal types for jewelry, and you've probably owned a few silver pieces in your life. Pure silver is weak and difficult to shape, and if you wear pure silver as jewelry, it may stain your skin from oxidation due to the reaction of sulfur in the air and ammonia in your sweat. Sterling silver is a common swap for pure silver jewelry as it's an affordable white metal comprising 92.5% pure silver. You'll typically see a "925" on any sterling silver jewelry. 

How Can I Tell What Type of Metal My Jewelry Is?

If you purchase a vintage piece of jewelry or find something lying around and want to know what metal it is, it's pretty easy to look for specific markings. As mentioned above, silver jewelry almost always has a "925" or "sterling" stamp. Real metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum, must be stamped with a quality mark showing the percentage of metal used. For non-precious metals, you can always try using a magnet. If you are having trouble, contact Bostonian Jewelers, and we can help you figure it out. 

Work with Bostonian Jewelers 

At Bostonian Jewelers, we aim to help people find the highest quality jewelry for themselves or a loved one. We create only the finest jewelry featuring precious metals and stones. Start shopping with us today, or plan your restoration project with our experts. 

Jewelry should bring delight rather than pain. Adornment can be tempting, but for people with sensitive skin, the risk of allergies is usually too significant. Discover a world of hypoallergenic jewelry metals that will take your style to the next level without causing any irritation to your skin.

Explore the world of beautiful and safe metals for sensitive skin, from rhodium-plated sterling silver, which protects against tarnish, to nickel-free alternatives, which entice, and platinum, which endures with its timeless elegance.  

What is Hypoallergenic Jewelry

Hypoallergenic jewelry is defined as jewelry made from materials that are less likely to cause allergic responses. These carefully chosen metals relieve those who suffer from skin sensitivities or allergies to metals, enabling them to enjoy the pleasure of jewelry without the pain of skin irritation. Nickel allergies are frequent, so hypoallergenic jewelry is a good option. Wearing jewelry can be less enjoyable if it causes skin sensitivities, redness, or itching. People with sensitive skin or who are allergic to metals can find relief using hypoallergenic metals, which lessen the chances of allergic reactions.

Different Types of Hypoallergenic Jewelry

Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver

A new favorite among those looking for hypoallergenic jewelry is rhodium-plated sterling silver. Rhodium plating makes sterling silver shinier and more long-lasting and forms a protective layer that keeps skin from coming into touch with the metal. Rhodium plating makes sterling silver hypoallergenic, an excellent quality for sensitive skin.

Nickel-Free Sterling Silver

Nickel is a typical allergen in sterling silver. People looking for a nickel-free alternative to sterling silver but still adore its charm can find it in nickel-free sterling silver. People allergic to nickel can still appreciate the beauty of sterling silver jewelry thanks to this type of silver crafted without nickel.

Platinum

Platinum is a hypoallergenic metal of unmatched quality; it is also famously rare and long-lasting. People with sensitive skin will love it because it is pure and won't tarnish. Platinum jewelry is a hypoallergenic option for those who want timeless appeal without sacrificing comfort or durability, and it also radiates sophistication.

Contact Bostonian Jewelers 

Finding the ideal piece of hypoallergenic jewelry among the many options available can be challenging without the assistance of an expert. Bostonian Jewelers appreciates the importance of sensitivity-free jewelry and provides a carefully selected collection of hypoallergenic pieces made of platinum, nickel-free sterling silver, rhodium-plated sterling silver, and other materials. Bostonian Jewelers is the first stop on the path to hypoallergenic elegance, where fashion and consideration for sensitive skin come together in every item.