When it comes to creating jewelry the choices in materials alone can be overwhelming. On an individual basis we gravitate to materials that we want to wear ourselves, but taste is relative and when you are making jewelry to sell you want to appeal to as many people as possible.

One way to accomplish this is by offering your jewelry with various types of metals. Since the price of metals have a vast range, offering similar pieces in different metal options will create a variety of price points appealing to a wide variety of customers. Let us talk about the most common metals used in Jewelry.

Precious metals are always a great choice for durability and longevity. Sterling silver, Gold and platinum are all hypoallergenic and can be easily polished and brought back to life with a quick polishing and returned to its original shiny state. Jewelry made from precious metals will keep their value and last a lifetime. Of course, these pieces will be your higher end, but some people care more about the quality of a piece then the price. If your designs only have metal as a finishing touch, like a clasp, it will not cost too much to use precious metal and it will definitely be worth it. Many people will only wear high quality metals. Silver and Gold filled Are less expensive and wear well but still contain a core of alloy metal. Much thicker than plating, filled jewelry can be cleaned and will last decades. 

On the other end of the spectrum, we have plated metals. Plated metals are usually very inexpensive, and quality can range from vendor to vendor (of course our plated findings are the very best quality!). Plated metals will not last forever and the wearer needs to be extra vigilant in taking care of these pieces by not bathing in them and avoiding products that can cause different chemical reactions. You cannot guarantee plated metals as they will all react differently to different people and environments. Many people are fine with this and just want a piece to match an outfit or an inexpensive reminder of that fun trip or event. A ten-dollar pair of earrings fits this bill nicely! Plated metals are also available in finishes not otherwise available such as antique copper or antique brass, gunmetal or antique silver.

We have talked about the high and low ends, but there is a great area in between. Metals like brass, copper, and stainless steel. Although they are considered base metal, these metals can be polished and are inexpensive. Stainless steel closely resembles silver and while it does not have the exact look of silver it’s pretty close and won’t change in color, stainless steel also hypoallergenic meaning most people can easily wear it. Natural copper and brass will tarnish, but both can be easily restored with cleaning. Some people may be allergic to these metals and they are not hypoallergenic.

I hope this has been helpful information when deciding which metals to use in creating a little something for everyone!