Metal Education
At Somerton, we use the highest quality precious metals, which have been mined from the earth and carefully forged into premium rings, necklaces, pendants, and earrings by expert jewelry artisans. Although gold, platinum, and silver are the most commonly used varieties, other metals like Palladium and Tungsten have become increasingly popular.
Precious Metals
Gold
The most popular metal for jewelry, gold adds a timeless, classic beauty to engagement rings. Pure gold is combined with other metals to create a harder, more durable alloy and to alter its color to create white, rose, or yellow shades. At Somerton, we only use 18K and 14K gold in our jewelry and engagement rings, offering our customers jewelry created using the most highly-recommended purities of gold.
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Platinum
Platinum is hypoallergenic and is four times more durable than gold. Its silvery-white surface is visually comparable to white gold, although it is noticeably heavier. Consumers can expect to pay two times more for a platinum ring than they would for its gold counterpart. At Somerton, all of our platinum rings are marked with a 950 purity (95% pure) designation, indicating the highest-grade platinum available
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Silver
A soft metal with a white coloring and a gleaming finish, silver is a by-product of gold, copper, lead, and zinc refining. Originally thought of as more valuable than gold, silver is now considerably less expensive than other precious metals. The finest sterling silver jewelry imprinted with a purity of .925, which indicates a ratio of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other alloy metals. Any silver containing less than 92.5% pure silver is not considered sterling.
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Metal Finishes
High Polish
Achieving a highly reflective gleam, this finish is the most popular and is perfect for fine jewelry and classy engagement ring.
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Brushed
A textured look that creates a "brushstroke" effect, this finish retains some of the metals original shine while adding a unique texture.
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Satin/Matte
Commonly used in contemporary jewelry pieces, this reduced-shine finish is best for drawing attention to diamonds and other gemstones.
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Hammered
Popular in men’s rings, the metal is hammered and then given a satin finish for a truly unique texture and style.
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Alternative Metals
Palladium
Deemed a smarter, lighter alternative to platinum, palladium has gained immense popularity as the jewelry metal of choice by women and men alike. Palladium is a precious metal that possesses an uncanny resemblance to platinum, without the high price or heavy weight. Other appealing characteristics of palladium are that it is hypoallergenic and resistant to tarnish caused by prolonged wear.
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Cobalt
Recently, cobalt has become increasingly popular as a material for wedding rings because of its durability, silvery-white shine, hypoallergenic properties and affordable price tag. Perfect for an active lifestyle, cobalt is typically used in men’s wedding bands and rings. Cobalt contains a specific mix of alloys for a beautiful, yet durable, shine.
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Tungsten
Tungsten jewelry is a popular metal choice in fine jewelry due to its durability and longevity. Tungsten is combined with carbon and other elements to form an alloy that is 10 times harder than gold. When professionally polished, tungsten has a high, long-lasting gleam and is more scratch-resistant than other precious metals
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Titanium
Similar in color to platinum, titanium is a silver-grey metal that boasts incredible strength without added density and weight. Ideal for those with allergies or skin sensitivities, titanium is 100% hypoallergenic. Although lightweight, titanium jewelry is more resistant to bending and scratching when compared to pieces made from other metals.
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Stainless Steel
Although not a traditional choice for fine jewelry, stainless steel is being used more frequently for men's rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Its solid durability, hypoallergenic properties, and silvery-white color contributes to its appeal. Perfect for those on a budget, stainless steel is considerably less expensive than other metals.
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