Author: Megan Schmotzer
Audit: Zhiyan Huang
Jewelry making has a long history, one filled with a large diversity of methods and materials used in the craft. This is a simple breakdown of the most common jewelry types you will come across, explaining their properties, value, and care-tips.
Alloys
Alloy is a key-term in understanding jewelry material. Its simple definition is that it's a combination of metals fused together. In the context of jewelry, it's the result of fusing a precious metal, like silver or gold, with a base metal, like copper, nickel, or zinc.
Brass
Brass is a metal alloy composed of copper and zinc. It appears similar to gold in color but is much cheaper. Its malleability, corrosion resistance, and durability make it a popular and affordable choice for jewelry.
It is, however, known for tarnishing, which is what happens when the metal corrodes and becomes discolored. Tarnish can be cleaned off of most jewelry with soap and water. Clean with soft materials like cotton cloths or a soft toothbrush.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is an excellent and popular choice for jewelry for its affordability, durability, and reliable shiny appearance.
It's an alloy of at most 1.2% carbon with at least 10.5% chromium combined with other alloys like iron and nickel.
It's tarnish and rust resistant, and doesn't scratch easily. On top of all of that, it's low maintenance. An occasional polish will be enough upkeep to preserve that sleek look.
This Harmony Gem Ring is a modern use of the material.
