PLATINUM | GOLD | STERLING SILVER | TITANIUM | MIXED METALS

Metals

The Warmth of the Gold, The Glow of Metals
Metals, particularly gold, have been used in jewelry since man’s earliest recorded cultures. The ancient Sumerians and Egyptians knew sophisticated techniques for working with gold centuries ago.

The metals used in jewelry today fall into three categories: noble metals, base metals and the new space-age "exotic" metals.

Technically, the term "noble metals" means metals that are not attacked by oxygen or most acids, and which do not rust or corrode. Gold and platinum adhere strictly to this definition. Silver, which does tarnish, has been included as a noble metal because of its widespread use in jewelry.

Base metals are those which are created from less valuable metallic ores, including copper, tin, brass, bronze, zinc, stainless steel and chromium. Base metals are often used to alloy, or mix, with gold or silver to make them stronger, or to add interesting colors.