The metals that jewelers come in contact with include gold, copper, silver, zinc, iron, steel, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, titanium, niobium, aluminum and ones that we should consider not having around any more at all in the workshop: nickel, lead, mercury, chromium, selenium, cadmium, arsenic, antimony.
Lead is a toxic metal, which doesn't break down in the environment and accumulates in our body. High levels of lead have been found in jewelry, especially inexpensive children's jewelry. Exposures to lead can lead to a number of health problems, including: behavioral problems.
Metals like copper, silver and gold reap some fantastic benefits for our skin and overall health. Since ages, these metals have also been used by medical professionals and traditional healthcare systems for disease treatments and natural skin care practices. Copper is the first-ever metal we discovered on Earth!
“Truly fade-proof jewelry metals are solid metals such as solid gold, titanium, platinum, non-plated stainless steel and non-plated sterling silver,” explains Deng.
Costume jewelry is often made with base metals, such as brass, aluminum, or copper. These inexpensive metals become tarnished easily and can even cause irritation or allergic reactions. Jewelry that is plated with precious metal, like gold-plated jewelry, is also considered costume jewelry.
There are multiple different metals that can be worn on a daily basis. Gold, Platinum and Silver can all be worn on a daily basis. Silver is softer than gold and if worn with stones in it, should be worn with some precaution.
Arsenic is the only primary carcinogen in the skin following ingestion or topical exposure; beryllium, aluminum, and zirconium are a cause of granuloma.
The metal types commonly used to make jewelry include Gold, Platinum, Palladium, Titanium, Silver, Tungsten and Stainless Steel. Below you will find information about each of these metal types, together with information about which metals are best for particular types of jewelry.
Niobium is an element and is therefore not mixed with any other metals. It is naturally nickel free and very resistant to corrosion. Niobium comes in a wide variety of intense anodized (non-plated) colors. Titanium is also an element and thus naturally nickel free.
Order a Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) test for your jewelry. Lab technicians use an XRF test to tell you what your jewelry is made of. They scan your jewelry with a harmless X-ray. The test results indicate how much of each component is in your item.
There is no simple way to tell if jewelry contains cadmium or not just by looking at it. Buying jewelry that is made locally or its metal content verified by the retailer can reduce the risk of cadmium exposure. Non-metal decorative items such as ceramic, leather, plastic, or fiber can be worn instead.
Yes, you can wear gold jewelry every day. Gold is a durable and timeless metal that can withstand daily wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for everyday jewelry. However, taking good care of your gold jewelry is essential to ensure it lasts long and looks great.
You don't want to wear your jewelry when you're putting on lotion, doing your makeup or styling your hair. Lotion, perfume and hair spray could end up on your jewelry and harm it. You also don't want to put your jewelry before you get dressed.
Niobium is considered hypoallergenic because it contains no nickel, copper, lead, or other additives, and it is never plated or painted.
Platinum is hypoallergenic but also the most pricey metal option for jewelry. When platinum is combined with other metals for jewelry, nickel does not make the cut. Ruthenium, iridium, and cobalt are commonly used to create a platinum alloy, and all three metals are hypoallergenic.
To avoid green skin, you'll want to buy the purest silver and gold jewelry you can find, or stick to stainless steel, platinum, and rhodium jewelry.
When it comes to figuring out what kind of jewelry is sweat- and water-resistant (whether it's rings, necklaces, earrings, or even a medical bracelet), check that it's solid gold, gold filled, or sterling silver. These metals are also hypoallergenic, which means it won't make your skin break out, itch, or turn green.
Some Cheap Jewelry Contains Carcinogens
Certain chromium and nickel compounds, for example, are “known to be human carcinogens” while lead is listed as a probable carcinogen. So, what does any of this research mean for you? It means that your cheap jewelry might contain chemicals that can cause cancer.
Look For hallmarks
All fine jewellery should be hallmarked unless it is over 100 years old or the hallmark has worn away. The hallmarks 18K, 14K, 10K, 750, 585, and 375 indicate the gold's purity. Platinum is typically hallmarked with the numbers 950, PLAT, or PLAT.