What Kind of Jewellery is Right for Me? GMG Jewellers' Guide to Precious Metal Jewellery

On the prowl for your next favourite piece of jewellery, but unsure of where to start? We were once like you: desperate for fashion, in need of a guide to precious metal jewellery to inform our choices. Luckily for you, GMG is here to provide exactly that.

Our motto: if it sparkles, we want a piece of it. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the different types of precious metal you can choose from when investing in something new for your collection.

Sterling Silver

You may be wondering: what's the difference between sterling silver and just silver, plain and simple’

Like pure gold, pure silver is quite soft - too soft to be used in jewellery without being especially prone to scratches and knicks. An alloy of silver and another type of metal, such as copper, is hardy enough to stand up in the face of environmental damage, however.

Sterling silver is comprised of at least 92.5% silver and boasts a shiny finish comparable to that of white gold. It does tarnish over time, meaning anything bought in sterling silver will need to be maintained either at home or professionally. It's hypoallergenic, though, making it a great choice for earrings and fashion rings if you've got sensitive skin.

Gold: White Gold, Yellow Gold, and Rose Gold

Gold and diamonds. Can you think of a more iconic duo? Go on, we will wait.

Gold, like silver, is too soft to be worn in its purest form. Gold can be purchased in alloy ratios ranging from 24 karat, pure gold, to 10 karat gold - the lower the karat number, the less pure the alloy will be.

The types of metal that the gold is mixed with will determine the appearance - rose gold, for example, is generally mixed with palladium, zinc, copper, tin, or manganese. Rose gold's hue is derived from the copper it's mixed with; the more copper, the deeper the color will be. Yellow gold's color comes from the gold itself. Gold is a natural choice for bridal jewellery, including engagement rings and wedding bands, as it is highly prized by most cultures over colorless precious metals such as silver.

Platinum

When most of us think about the big-ticket items in our collections, we think of platinum and the prestige (and price tag!) it brings with it.

Platinum is the rarest precious metal as well as one of the most durable, meaning it's going to last you quite a while if you're looking for replay value. It's also very heavy; if you're interested in something that carries a bit of weight, platinum is most certainly the way to go. Those looking to supplement their formalwear collection will definitely want to check out our offerings in platinum necklaces and bracelets.

Let Our Expert Team be Your Guide to Precious Metals this Spring

For gold, silver, platinum, and more this spring, GMG Jewellers has everything you need to get glammed up. We're one of the most trusted sources of fine jewellery in the Saskatchewan; simply get in touch with our team online for more information on all we have to offer.