Unpopular Precious Metals Used in Jewellery

The most popular precious metals used in jewellery are gold and silver, and they are clear favourites in terms of both appearance and affordability. There are a huge range of precious metals that are used in jewellery, some of which are more valuable than gold and create truly beautiful statement pieces.

Platinum

Platinum is the most valuable precious metal in the world and is around 30 times as rare as gold. A huge amount of platinum is used in jewellery pieces every year because of its durability and beautiful deep-white consistency. For those on a budget, white gold or any of the options below are great alternatives to the sought-after platinum. If status or the wow-factor is what you’re after, platinum makes the perfect choice.

Palladium

Palladium has a pure white finish similar to platinum and white gold that has seen it being used for wedding and engagement rings more and more often over the past fifty years. It is one of the world’s rarest metals and is very similar to platinum in that it is hypo-allergenic and keeps well over time. It is much lighter than platinum and works as a good alternative for those who cannot afford a platinum budget.

Iridium

Iridium is a very rare, previous metal and is an extremely hard and brittle member of the platinum family. It has more commonly been used in the nibs of fountain pens, spacecrafts and X-ray optics than jewellery, but its gorgeous silvery-white colour means it is the ideal choice for rings, necklaces, earrings and more. Iridium jewellery is so new that it was only in 2009 that the first ever pure iridium jewellery was created, by USbrand American Elements.

Rhodium

Pure Rhodium jewellery is extremely rare because it has a very high melting temperature, making it difficult to mould. However, it is frequently plated with gold and platinum to create beautiful pieces. Rhodium, even just plating, has a stunningly bright, white silver finish and works well for all jewellery, but works particularly well for engagement and wedding rings. Rhodium at one point was more valuable than gold but is now considered more budget-friendly.

If you’re looking for some new jewellery pieces, take a look at what’s available in our current stock here. For more information or to talk to a member of the team, you can get in touch today by visiting our contact page.