There are many factors that must be considered when you are preparing to make a custom piece of jewelry for a customer. What style does the client prefer? Do they have any metal allergies? Is the piece a formal piece, like a wedding band, or is it a more casual piece? Perhaps no factor is more important than the material the piece is made from, and in today’s post, we’ll review four of the most common metals that are used in the jewelry casting process.
Loren Castings is here to help make your jewelry production and finishing process easier than ever, streamlining your manufacturing process so that you can focus on serving your customers and selling your high-quality jewelry. Call us at 954-212-1424 today to learn more about our services, or request free information online now!
Jewelry Casting Metals
Gold
For thousands of years, gold has been one of the most popular metals for jewelry casting, and for good reason. This material is incredibly resistant to tarnishing and it is easy to work with because it is so soft. Most jewelers mix pure gold with another metal. This enhances its durability and purity, as well as its weight, color, and price. The higher the karat, the purer the gold is, and the better it will age. We recommend 18K or 14K gold for pieces that will be worn daily and rarely taken off, such as wedding bands, as these strike the right balance between cost, color, weight, and purity.
Silver
Almost as popular as gold, silver is another common metal used in jewelry casting. Similar to gold, pure silver is very soft and malleable. It can be damaged easily and be more challenging to work with unless it is mixed with another metal to make an alloy. Silver is commonly combined with copper to create sterling silver, a much more strong and durable metal that is more suitable for jewelry making. Sterling silver is a popular metal among jewelers and customers alike because of its stunning luster and its affordable price point, making it an ideal metal for rings, bracelets, necklaces, and other pieces that will be worn daily.
Platinum
This tarnish-resistant, silvery white metal is one of the most durable metals around, so much so that it was taken off the market for jewelers when World War II broke out and reserved as a strategic metal for military use only. Thankfully, by the 1960s, platinum was making a strong comeback in the jewelry world. It is 30 times more rare than gold, and although it is an expensive jewelry casting choice, it is a preferred one for its strength and beauty. Similar to other metals, it is often mixed with other metals to make an alloy, resulting in a hard, heavy material that is ideal for everyday wear items like wedding rings and bracelets.
Brass
While many love the warm appearance of gold, it often comes at a price point that just isn’t realistic for customers or jewelers. Brass offers a wonderful alternative as it provides a look that is similar to gold at a fraction of the cost. Sometimes referred to as “jeweler’s bronze,” brass is nothing more than an alloy of copper and zinc. The metal is very resistant to tarnishing and it has a very low melting point, making it ideal for jewelry casting. In addition to being incredibly affordable and undeniably beautiful, unique patinas can be given to brass components by using heat and various chemicals, resulting in stunning pieces of jewelry that customers love.
Need to Simplify Your Jewelry Casting Process?
Are you searching for an experienced, reputable jewelry caster who can help streamline your production process and bring your designs to life by creating high-quality jewelry your customers will love? If so, then Loren Castings is here for you. We provide a wide variety of jewelry casting services for gold, silver, platinum, and brass pieces, and we can also assist you with your enameling, laser cutting, and engraving needs. We are wholeheartedly dedicated to providing the best jewelry castings and customer service to our customers, and we would be honored to be a part of your production process.
Are you ready to get started? Contact one of our helpful casters today!