Have you been wanting to purchase a piece of Memorial Jewellery, but you're not sure what type of metal you should choose? With so many different options out there, it can be difficult, and even quite overwhelming, to find what is best for you.
SOLID STERLING SILVER
The most common metal type that you'll find in keepsake jewellery is solid sterling silver. If you like the look of silver metals, sterling is a high-quality, and cost-effective option. Sterling silver consists of approximately 92.5% silver by weight and 7.5% other metals (typically copper) - having said that this makes it a durable and timeless choice to house your precious elements. It can be cleaned with a bit of water and a soft microfiber cloth, which makes it easy to keep looking brand new.
When cared for properly, sterling silver jewellery should last a lifetime.
In general, water does not negatively affect sterling silver. However, there are certain situations where chemicals mixed in water can lead to quicker tarnishing or damage.
GOLD PLATED
Another metal choice that you will often see when it comes to purchasing keepsakes is gold-plated jewellery. Plated jewellery consists of a base metal (often sterling silver) with a thin layer of gold over the top. While gold-plated jewellery will look beautiful at first, the top layer will eventually rub away over time - typically within 6-24 months, depending on the frequency of wear, etc.
Gold-plated jewellery is rather inexpensive in comparison to its solid gold counterparts, but the costs of maintenance will quickly add up over time.
It will need frequent re-plating to keep looking brand-new.
It is not advised to wear in water as it is not waterproof.
GOLD FILLED
Gold-filled jewellery is compromised of a thick, solid layer of gold that is mechanically pressure bonded to another type of high-quality metal (often jeweller's brass or sterling silver). Unlike gold-plated jewellery, the colour will not rub away or flake off with wear. Similar to sterling silver, it is durable, easy to clean, and should last a lifetime with proper care. All of this makes gold-filled jewellery a beautiful, high-quality, and cost-effective alternative to solid gold!
Gold-filled jewellery is waterproof and doesn't oxidize or corrode.
SOLID GOLD
So many choices - next is solid gold, which comes in several levels of purity. The most common purities of solid gold jewellery are 9k, 10k, 14k, and 18k. The higher the karat number is, the higher percentage of gold that it contains; therefore, the more expensive the piece will be. This option is definitely not something that many can afford.
If solid gold is the route you decide to go for your keepsake item, there are several factors that you'll need to consider when choosing a karat number -including your personal purity preference, colour brilliance, and durability.
Pure gold is not affected by water and can get wet, though sustained time showering with gold can cause the shine to diminish.
