Precious Metals

Precious metals form the basis of high-quality jewelry. Their durability, their special material properties and their good workability have made them the preferred materials in goldsmithing for centuries. This guide provides you with an in-depth overview of the most important precious metals, their properties and their use in the jewelry workshop. You will also find additional specialist articles that go into more detail on individual topics.

Contents: What are precious metals? | What precious metals are there? | Precious metals in comparison | Alloys & finenesses | Everyday life & care | Value & Price | Sustainability | FAQ

What are precious metals?

Precious metals are metals that are particularly chemically stable and only react with oxygen or moisture to a small extent. They do not rust and retain their substance for a very long time. These properties are crucial for pieces of jewelry that are intended to be worn permanently.

However, in practical craftsmanship, precious metals are not automatically synonymous with high hardness. Many precious metals are relatively soft and are therefore specifically alloyed to make them more resistant and easier to work with.

What precious metals are there?

The following precious metals are mainly used in jewelry production:

• Gold (Au) - versatile, in different colors depending on the alloy
• Silver (Ag) - light-colored precious metal with a classic character
• Platinum (Pt) - particularly dense, durable and resistant
• Palladium (Pd) - light-colored precious metal from the platinum group

There are also other metals from the so-called platinum group such as rhodium, iridium and ruthenium. These are not usually used as the main material in jewelry, but play an important role in alloys or surface finishes.

Precious metals in comparison - differences from a workshop perspective

When selecting a precious metal, it is not only the appearance and price that are decisive. From a craftsman's point of view, density, malleability, scratch sensitivity and everyday wearability also play a major role.

Gold

Gold is almost always alloyed, as fine gold would be too soft for most pieces of jewelry. Depending on the composition, different colors and properties are created, for example in yellow gold, white gold or rose gold.

Silver

Silver is characterized by its light color. Sterling silver (925) is usually used in the workshop. Silver can tarnish, which is a natural surface reaction and is not a quality defect.

Platinum

Platinum is extremely durable and is preferred for jewelry that will be worn daily for many years. Signs of wear usually appear as a fine patina, not as a loss of material.

Palladium

Palladium is a light-colored precious metal from the platinum group and is sometimes used as an alternative to white gold. Its suitability depends heavily on the specific alloy and the planned piece of jewelry.

Alloys & fineness - what do 333, 585, 750 or 950 mean?

The fineness indicates how much pure precious metal is contained in an alloy. It is usually stamped as a number in the piece of jewelry:

• Gold 333 - 33.3 % gold content
• Gold 585 - 58.5 % gold content
• Gold 750 - 75.0 % gold content
• Platinum 950 - 95.0 % platinum content
• Silver 925 - 92.5 % silver content

The other components influence hardness, color and workability and are a decisive factor for the quality of a piece of jewelry.

Precious metals in everyday life - signs of wear & care

Traces of wear cannot be completely avoided with regularly worn jewelry. The decisive factor is how visible these marks are and how the surface changes over time.

• Polished surfaces show scratches more quickly
• Matt surfaces appear more even
• Textured surfaces conceal signs of wear

For care, lukewarm water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth are usually sufficient. Jewelry should be protected from mechanical stress.

Value & price of precious metals

The prices of precious metals are influenced by market demand, production volumes and economic factors. However, it is not only the material price that is relevant for jewelry, but also the craftsmanship, design and quality of the alloy.

Sustainability & recycling of precious metals

Precious metals are ideal for recycling. Reprocessed material can be reused without any loss of quality and represents a resource-saving alternative to new extraction.

Further specialist articles on the subject of precious metals

• Gold, platinum or palladium - which precious metal suits your piece of jewelry?
• What do 585, 750 and 950 mean? Fineness simply explained
• Why is platinum more expensive than gold?
• Which precious metal does not tarnish?
• Sustainable precious metals - recycling and responsibility

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about precious metals

Which precious metal is best suited for everyday jewelry?

The decisive factors are alloy, processing and wearing behavior. Platinum and high-quality gold alloys are particularly suitable for everyday wear.

Is tarnishing in silver a quality defect?

No. Tarnishing is a natural surface reaction and can be easily remedied through care and cleaning.

What does the fineness say about the quality?

The fineness indicates the proportion of precious metal, but says nothing about the craftsmanship or durability of a piece of jewelry.