What You Should Know About Metals

By Author: Rita Holland
Total Articles: 125
Comment this article

Metals come from the depths of our planet's core, conveying stories as old as time. Consider the allure of a gold necklace draped gently around a throat, or the cool, reassuring weight of a platinum band enclosing a finger. These aren't just accessories; they're heirlooms shaped by nature and refined by human hands.
They were emblems of strength, love, and dedication. These metals continue to dazzle us with their brilliant allure today, as we stand at the crossroads of contemporary and tradition. But how often do we pause to genuinely comprehend their essence? 
Historical Fascination with Metals in Jewellery 
Gold, the divine metal, was a symbol of strength and divinity in the sun-drenched deserts of ancient Egypt. Queens and Pharaohs wore gold amulets and headdresses, believing in their protecting and sacred virtues. However, when we travel over the Mediterranean, we come across the Greeks, who use their inherent talent to transform metals into tales. They believed that the metals they wore were gifts from the gods, with each piece conveying a story of epic love and ...
... heroic battles.
Fast forward, and the Aztecs' grandeur takes prominent stage. Their use of metals was symbolic and ritualistic, rather than purely aesthetic. Metals were more than just elements to them; they were a portal to the almighty. The elaborate golden objects and ceremonial masks represented not only their workmanship, but also their deep-seated beliefs and connection with the universe.With our sophisticated modern processes, one would marvel how these ancient civilizations managed to achieve such perfection and artistry in their metallic masterpieces. The answer lies in their clever metal purifying and shaping technologies. For example, the ancient Egyptians had perfected the skill of 'fire refining.' A procedure of melting metals in furnaces to extract impurities and shape the pure, shimmering essence into forms of splendour. Although millennia old, this practise still serves as an influence for modern metal refining procedures.
Furthermore, the ancient Greeks developed their own method of 'lost-wax casting.' A system so thorough and complicated that it confounds modern thought. They would carve intricate motifs into beeswax, cover them in clay, and then heat them, allowing the wax to melt and leave a hollow mould. The mould was then filled with molten metal, creating jewellery with unrivalled detail and beauty. 
The Science and Alchemy of Metals 

Gold and Silver: Nature's Liquid Sun and Moon 

Gold, commonly referred to as the liquid sun, has its roots in the stars themselves. These particles are created by cosmic cataclysms, such as supernovae. Gold nestled into the earth's crust throughout aeons as our planet created, waiting for human hands to dig and make it. Silver, gold's shining cousin, goes on a similar ethereal journey. These silvery motes, formed in the inferno of dying stars, also found their way to our world, providing us with a brilliant counterpart to the night sky. Both metals are purified after they have been removed. They are melted, polished, and poured into moulds to capture the essence of celestial ballet in physical form.

From Ore to Adornment

It's awe-inspiring to imagine a large, rough rock metamorphosing into a piece of magnificent jewellery. The raw ores containing these valuable metals are subjected to stringent procedures. They are crushed, processed, and treated in order to extract the valuable metal. The final shiny product reflects the tremendous labour of love involved in these procedures. 
Whether it's a simple engagement ring or a complex necklace, each piece is a monument to both nature's abundance and human craftsmanship. 

Platinum

Platinum reigns supreme in the pantheon of metals, a real expression of rarity and elegance. It is 30 times more uncommon than gold. Platinum's tenacity has made it a favourite of jewellers and aficionados alike. It retains gemstones with a lifetime embrace that is resistant to tarnish and corrosion. The price reflects its scarcity, making it a symbol of incomparable prestige. When you wear platinum around your neck or slide it onto your finger, you're wearing a piece of the universe, a piece of history, and a testimony to human creativity. 
The Delicate Art of Alloying
If metals are the notes in the enormous symphony of jewelry-making, then alloying is the harmony that links them into a melodious piece. As connoisseurs of beauty, we are often taken aback by the gleaming allure of our prized possessions, rarely pondering the creativity and alchemy that went into their production.
Why Pure Metals Dwell Rarely in Their Pristine State
If you go back in time, you'll find ancient civilizations wearing pure metal jewellery. However, as time passed, the expectations for design, durability, and desire increased. While pure metals are beautiful in their raw form, their malleability is frequently their undoing. Consider a pure gold ring that has succumbed to daily wear, gradually losing its shape and brilliance. 
This is where the mastery of alloying comes into play, demonstrating both modern invention and age-old knowledge.
Decoding the Karats: The Gold Standard
The timeless symbol of richness, gold, does not always grace us in its purest form. Instead, it frequently combines with other metals, giving rise to various karats. The name 'karat' refers to more than just a measure of purity; it also refers to a story of balance. In its purest beauty, 24-karat gold is pure gold. As we move down the karat scale - 18, 14, or 10 - gold joins with metals such as copper or silver, resulting in improved strength and a wide range of colours. This alloying creates a palette for designers to work with, allowing them to weave stories in rose gold, white gold, and beyond without sacrificing an ounce of the metal's natural beauty.
Palladium's Role in the Ballet of Metals
Palladium is an unsung hero in the field of gold alloying, and many people are unaware of it. This uncommon metal, a platinum family member, has an ethereal whiteness about it. Palladium is gold's transformation partner when it wants to break free from its classic yellow and wear a tint of wintry elegance. They collaborate to create the classy white gold. 
Metals and Symbolism
Metals have been more than just materials since the birth of civilization. They have seen love stories, royal decrees, and rites of passage. Gold was adored in ancient Egypt as the sun's dazzling body, a beacon of endless life and power. Silver, with its perfect elegance, was frequently associated with the moon, a sign of purity and reflection in many cultures.
It's remarkable to see how these symbols have evolved over time, although their essential essence remains unchanged. These metals have always been great storytellers, whether presented in grandeur at royal palaces or worn delicately by a girl in love.
Metals as Mirrors to our Emotions
Metals aren't just passive observers; they reflect our deepest feelings. Consider the metal platinum. Its rarity and tenacity make it the ideal symbol of enduring love.It never tarnishes or fades, exactly like the unbreakable link between soulmates. Platinum is more than just a metal; it offers a promise of eternity.
Silver, on the other hand, with its bright and shiny lustre, frequently announces new beginnings. Whether it's a silver locket given at birth, a coin to bring riches, or a beautiful anklet for a wedding, this metal represents hope, dreams, and new beginnings.
Cultural Nuances and Nurtured Traditions
Metals and rituals have a sacred and time-honored relationship. The presentation of silver anklets to infants is not just a ritual in several Southeast Asian cultures, but also a blessing as a symbol of purity, protection, and wealth. These anklets are more than just decorations; they represent a community's genuine wishes for its youngest member.
Gold coins placed in a bride's path or woven into her dress are a sign of wealth, prosperity, and a bright future in various cultures. Such traditions highlight the intertwined relationship between metals and the milestones in our lives, elevating them above mere accessories to carriers of collective hopes and individual dreams.
Metal Brilliance Enhancement Techniques

Filigree

Filigree is suggestive of metal-written poetry. This time-honored yet modern technique entails twisting small threads of gold, silver, or other metals into intricate designs. These designs, whether soldered onto a base or fashioned as freestanding pieces, exude sophistication. Filigree exemplifies the dual nature of metals: their strength and malleability. Light flows through the openwork of filigree jewellery when it kisses it, The metal's delicate grace is reflected in its ethereal light.

Chasing

Chasing is a method in which the artist uses a chisel to produce low-relief motifs on the metal's surface. It's a painstaking game of depth and dimension, bringing out the metal's natural brightness. Place a chased item in front of the light. Witness the interplay of shadows and highlights, a monument to the craftsman's skill to use depth to highlight the beauty of metal.

Repoussé

Repoussé, which derives from the French word'repousser,' which means 'to push back,' is the art of sculpting metal from the reverse. While chasing adds depth, repoussé adds elevation, and the two are frequently combined to produce designs that appear to leap out. Each bulging, each heightened pattern is a symbol of the numerous hammer strokes, a labour of love that transforms the metal from banal to spectacular.
Sustainability and Ethical Metal Sourcing
The sparkle of a necklace or the glitter of a bracelet is definitely appealing, but only sustainable and ethically sourced metals can provide an unrivalled lustre. It's the radiance of conscious luxury, knowing that the beauty you wear is the result of care, responsibility, and respect.
The Renaissance of Conscious Luxury
The jewellery industry has undergone a positive transformation in recent years. The allure of gleaming gems and metals is now inextricably linked to a dedication to our planet and its inhabitants. As collectors of beautiful art, it is our collective responsibility to advocate this movement, ensuring that every piece we wear or give is made with love, not only for the art, but for the planet.
Marks of Ethical Sourcing
The world of ethical jewellery can appear complicated at first, but with a keen eye, one can detect the markers of ethically obtained metals:

Certifications: Look for seals or certifications from reputable organisations like the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) or the Fairmined Gold Standard. These certifications confirm that the metal was sourced responsibly and in accordance with human rights.


Transparency: Brands committed to ethical sourcing frequently share their sourcing path. They offer visibility into their supply chains, ensuring that each stage is transparent and accountable.


Community: Ethically obtained metals are frequently sourced from mining communities that get fair wages, safe working conditions, and development possibilities. Engaging with brands that support these communities is a direct way to help them.

The Art of Metal Recycling
Nothing genuinely ends in nature's never-ending cycle; it just alters. Similarly, metal recycling in jewellery is an age-old practise that is gaining traction. Using metals from previous pieces or leftover jewellery, artists breathe new life into what was previously thought to be discarded, transforming it into a unique masterpiece.
Prestigious brands have already embraced this practise, paving the way for others to do the same. By purchasing items from such firms, you are not only purchasing a piece of luxury; you are also becoming a part of a sustainable legacy. 
Tips for Caring for Your Precious Metal Jewellery
Your precious metal custom made jewellery, like the finest symphonies, requires the careful touch of a skilled maestro to keep its timeless brightness. Each piece you own, whether an heirloom passed down through generations or a modern masterpiece you recently purchased, tells a story of beautiful craftsmanship and the grandeur of nature. And, like all things rare and valuable, they require great care. 
Ensuring Longevity
The eternal nature of your jewellery is determined not only by its inherent quality, but also by how you care for it. Metals, particularly finer metals, are vulnerable to environmental changes. A safe hug away from excessive moisture, chemicals, and sharp objects might be the shield that ensures the lustre of your jewels remains unblemished. Storing each piece separately in soft pouches can help to prevent scratches and keep them in excellent condition.
Simple DIY Cleaning Tips
Every metal has its own temperament, and thus its own cleansing ritual. This is where the symphony truly becomes personal:

Gold: Immerse your gold jewels in a mild dish soap and warm water solution. For those intricate patterns, gently swish and use a soft-bristle brush before washing and patting dry with a soft cloth.


Silver: Silver frequently craves a little extra attention. A delicate cloth dipped in a mixture of baking soda and water can restore its mesmerising brilliance. Thoroughly rinse and pat dry.


Palladium and platinum: Their power is renowned, but a light touch with soapy water and a soft brush can help keep their celestial radiance.

Remember that each cleaning session is more than just upkeep; it's a renewed partnership, a subtle conversation between you and your jewellery.
When to Opt for Professional Cleaning
While your personal care is invaluable, there are times when the skill of a master jeweller is required, particularly for pieces with elaborate settings, jewels, or emotional importance. Annual inspections can guarantee that the settings are secure, the gemstones are radiant, and the metal's radiance is unaffected.
A Kept Secret: Chalk in the Jewellery Box
A piece of chalk is a simple, sometimes ignored protector of your jewelry's radiance. It's not magic, but it's near. When placed in your jewellery box, chalk absorbs moisture, preventing tarnish from forming on your prized possessions. A tiny gesture, but one that demonstrates your dedication to preserving beauty.
Wrap Up!
Care in the world of precious metals is an ode to the tradition, talent, and love embodied in each piece, not merely preservation. It's a love and respect dance, a testament to the link between the wearer and the worn. Remember that by caring for your metallic wonders, you are not only maintaining their beauty but also acknowledging the stories they hold.