Skip to main content
Welcome to our new website!
Branham's Jewelry logo
  • Login
  • Wishlist
  • Cart
  • ENGAGEMENT
    ENGAGEMENT RINGS
    Engagement RingsSemi-Mount Engagement RingsGabriel & Co. Bridal Jewelry
    FINANCING
    Wells Fargo
    Treasured Memories Room
    Explore Treasured Memories Room
    SHOP BY SHAPE
    SolitaireSide StoneThree StoneHaloPaveAntiqueSingle RowMulti RowBypass

    Explore All ENGAGEMENT
  • WEDDING
    Shop Women’s Bands
    Shop Women’s Bands
    Shop Men’s Bands
    Shop Men’s Bands
    WEDDING BANDS
    Men's Wedding BandsWomen's Wedding Bands
    FINANCING
    Wells Fargo
    Shop by Designer
    Gems OneLashbrook Designs

    Explore All WEDDING
  • JEWELRY
    RINGS
    Gold Fashion RingsSterling Silver Rings
    EARRINGS
    Gold EarringsStud EarringsSterling Silver EarringsHoop EarringsDangle Earrings
    Chains
    Sterling Silver Chains
    BRACELETS
    Gold BraceletsSterling Silver BraceletsBead BraceletsBangle BraceletsCuff BraceletsLink Bracelets
    NECKLACES & PENDANTS
    Gold NecklacesSterling Silver NecklacesGold PendantsSterling Silver Pendants
    MEN'S JEWELRY
    Men's RingsMen's EarringsMen's PendantsMen's NecklacesMen's BraceletsMen's Jewelry SetsMen's Accessories

    Explore All JEWELRY
  • DIAMONDS
  • DESIGNERS
    BulovaCaravelle by BulovaGabriel & Co. BridalGabriel & Co. Fashion Jewelry
    Gems OneIDDINOXLALI JEWELS
    Lashbrook DesignsLe VianLeslie'sOvernight
    RegoSamuel B.Signature CollectionSwarovski

    DESIGNERS
  • WATCHES
    SHOP BY DESIGNER
    Bulova
    WATCH REPAIR
    Watch Battery ReplacementWatch Repairs
    SHOP BY GENDER
    Women's WatchesMen's Watches

    Explore All WATCHES
  • SERVICES
    CORPORATE GIFTS JEWELRY APPRIASALS WATCH REPAIRS
    CUSTOM DESIGNS JEWELRY ENGRAVING
    FINANCING JEWELRY REPAIRS
    GOLD & DIAMOND BUYING PEARL & BEAD RESTRINGING

    Explore All SERVICES
  • ABOUT US
    ABOUT US
    About UsGiving BackOur HistoryMeet Our StaffContact Us
    EXPLORE
    East Tawas LocationWest Branch Location
    STAY CONNECTED
    FacebookInstagramStore Events

    Explore All ABOUT US
  • My Account
  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Metals

Learn About Metals

Metals

There are many different metal types that are used to make jewelry, and we've listed some popular metal types below.

  •  Yellow Gold
  •  White Gold
  •  Rose Gold
  •  Platinum
  •  Palladium
  •  Silver
  •  Cobalt
  •  Tungsten
  •  Titanium

Yellow Gold is an alloy made of a mixture of pure gold and either zinc and copper. The higher the karat amount, the more pure the gold.

Style Information:

  • Has that classic “Gold” look
  • Pairs great with Garnets and Diamonds
  • Can be softer or easier to break depending on purity

Mohs Scale:

  • 18k 2.8 hardness level
  • 14k 3.5 to 4 hardness level

White Gold is a form of gold with a distinct pale white or cream color; its an alloy of gold and at least one white metal; either nickel, manganese, or palladium, which typically makes up apprx 10% of the alloy.

Style Information:

  • Goes great with Diamonds
  • Cheaper alternative to Platinum
  • Commonly 9-1 gold to nickel

Mohs Scale:

  • 18k 2.8 hardness level
  • 14k 3.5 to 4 hardness level

Rose Gold has a “rose” tint from the gold-copper alloy that composes it. It is also known as “pink gold” and “red gold”, and historically was very popular in Russian, which has also earned it the name “Russian Gold”, though it is far and away most well known as Rose Gold.

Style Information:

  • Highest Karat version is known as “Crown Gold”
  • Pairs great with colored stones
  • Currently trending

Mohs Scale:

  • 18k 2.75 hardness level
  • 14k 3 to 4 hardness level

Platinum is a metal that is incredibly resistant to corrosion, even at high temperatures. Apart from jewelry, Platinum is used in the treatment of cancer. Because of its white color, it will not cast any tinting on any stones that are used.

Style Information:

  • An alternative to Silver, White Gold or Palladium
  • One of the least reactive metals
  • Heaviest of the precious metals

Mohs Scale:

  • 4 to 4.5 hardness level

Palladium is a beautiful silvery-white metal that resembles Platinum. This metal has become much more valued in recent years and is used in a pure form in jewelry, and for combining with gold to form white-gold alloys. Because of its near white coloring, it will not cast any tinting on any stones it is used with.

Style Information:

  • An alternative to Platinum or Silver
  • Does not tarnish under normal conditions
  • Used as an early treatment for tuberculosis

Mohs Scale:

  • 4.75 hardness level

Silver is one of the cornerstone precious metals, silver has long been used in jewelry, currency, and investment bullion. It is extremely malleable and pairs beautifully with most stones.

Style Information:

  • Silver has been used as early as 3000 BCE
  • Very affordable
  • Associated with the ability to stop paranormal creatures such as vampires or werewolves

Mohs Scale:

  • 2.5 to 3 hardness level

Cobalt is a silver-grey highly magnetic metal, cobalt is used primarily in alloy compounds used in wear-resistant men’s wedding bands. Cobalt can appear blue-hued in the correct light.

Style Information:

  • Cobalt pigments, specifically the blue, have been used for thousands of years
  • The Democratic Republic of Congo currently extracts about 40% of the world's cobalt supply each year
  • The name Cobalt comes from the German word kobold, meaning “goblin ore”

Mohs Scale:

  • 5 hardness level

Tungsten has the highest boiling point and strongest tensile strength, which means it is nearly impossible to scratch, though under extreme force it will shatter. It is naturally steel grey and has a subdued look.

Style Information:

  • Production of tungsten is difficult due to its high melting point
  • Because of its conductive and anti-corrosion properties, tungsten is often used to make electrical wiring
  • Tungsten is the heaviest of all elements known to play a biological role

Mohs Scale:

  • Tungsten: 7.5 hardness level
  • Tungsten carbide: 8.5 to 9 hardness level

Titanium is an extremely versatile metal that is resistant to most types of corrosion. It’s value stems from its strength-to-density ratio, the highest amongst any metallic elements.

Style Information:

  • Extremely valuable in machinery
  • Very difficult to bend
  • Titanium is used in a variety of surgical implants and tools, as it is not likely for the body to reject it

Mohs Scale:

  • 6 hardness level
Branham’s Jewelry
East Tawas
101 Newman Street
East Tawas, MI 48730-1211
(989) 362-3674
Store Information
West Branch
113 W Houghton
West branch, MI 48661
(989) 345-5710
Store Information
Store Hours
Monday - Friday:9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday:9:00am - 3:00pm
Sunday:Closed
Our Store
  • About Us
  • Our History
  • Our Services
  • Our Staff
  • Return Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Education
  • Jewelry Education
  • The Four Cs of Diamonds
  • Diamond Buying Tips
  • Choosing the Ring
  • Birthstone Guide
  • Gemstone Guide
  • Precious Metals
  • Caring for Fine Jewelry
  • Diamond Cleaning
  • Gemstone Cleaning
  • Anniversary Guide
  • Gold Buying Guide
Subscribe

Signup for special offers and discounts.

Socialize With Us
  • Jewelers Vigilante Committee
  • Preferred Jewelers Warranty
  • Retail Jewelers Organization

© 2023 Branham's Jewelry. All Rights Reserved. Website designed, maintained, and hosted by Punchmark. Accessibility Statement.