Many people think that when they walk into a jewelry store they have two choices: gold and silver. Well, it’s a bit more complicated than that. There are a variety of metals to choose from. How do you know which one is best for you? Here’s everything you need to know to make the right decision for you.

Taste has a lot to do with your choice, but you should also choose based on skin tone. Here’s a good rule of thumb to keep in mind: If you have a cool skin tone, you’ll probably look best in white gold and other light colored metals. People with warm skin tones will look best in yellow gold and rose gold.

Gold

Many people think that gold is completely made of gold, but most of the time, that’s not the case. It’s usually combined with copper, nickel, silver, or zinc. The highest amount of gold that can be in a piece of jewelry is 24 karats. The higher the karat, the more gold is in the piece of jewelry.

However, 24 karat gold is very soft and yellow. This isn’t generally what people want in a bracelet or a pair of earrings. For that reason, the other metals are used to give us the color and strength we want. 18K gold is 75% gold, and 14K gold is 58% gold. 18K gold is generally more expensive. The other materials are added for color and strength.

Gold comes in plenty of colors to suit any person’s aesthetic. You can choose from yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and green gold. Rose gold is combined with copper. The more copper, the redder the color. Yellow gold has bits of silver and copper, while white gold is mixed with palladium and silver.

Platinum

Platinum is the Lamborghini of precious metals, if you will. It is extremely strong, and it doesn’t melt until the temperature reaches 3216.2 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it strong enough to handle everyday wear, like a wedding ring.

One of the best things about platinum is that it will maintain its appearance forever. Inscriptions look sharper than they will in another precious metal. Any scratches can be polished out. Inscriptions look sharper. Of course, platinum is also the most expensive option.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. The attractive metal shines against just about any color. It’s important to keep in mind that silver may tarnish if you don’t wash it properly. Don’t buy a piece of sterling silver jewelry without buying polish for it as well.

Since it’s not as hard as gold or platinum, everyday wear can damage it. However, it’s a great choice for earrings and bracelets if you ever find yourself in need of a birthday or anniversary present.

Stainless Steel

The most inexpensive metal available, stainless steel is sleek and strong. It can be worn every day, and it’s growing in popularity for wedding rings. It’s an attractive material, and it shines better than silver. You’ll be able to see your face in it! It also won’t dent or get scratched.

If you’re still not sure exactly what metal you want for your ring, bracelet, necklace, or earring, talk to your local jeweler! They’ll be able to help you find something in your style and budget.

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What precious metal are you partial to when it comes to jewelry? Let us know in the comments below!