What is an alloy?
An alloy is a homogeneous mixture composed of a main precious metal and one or more other metallic elements, fused to improve the physical or aesthetic properties of the material.
Why modify pure metals?
In their natural state, precious metals like 24-karat gold or pure silver are often too soft and malleable to be made into durable jewelry. The process of combining them with other metals, called base metals or alloys (such as copper, zinc, or silver), hardens the material so that it can withstand scratches and everyday deformation.
Beyond durability, this technical blend allows for:
- Color modification: Creating rose gold or white gold by adjusting the proportions of the components.
- Cost adjustment: Varying the fineness of the metal, which influences the final price and purity.
- Easier workability: Making the metal more suitable for rolling, casting, or setting.
How does mixing influence color?
It is the nature of the secondary metals added to native yellow gold that determines the final shade of your jewelry. For example, to obtain white gold, we mix yellow gold with whitening metals like palladium or silver, often then covered with a layer of rhodium for a perfect shine.
For rose gold, a higher proportion of copper gives it that warm and romantic hue so popular. If you're hesitant between the different shades for your setting, we detail why rose gold is more than just a trend on our blog. It's important to note that these metal alloy recipes are precisely measured to ensure that the metal's fineness (18k or 14k) complies with legal standards.
Frequently asked questions about alloys
Yes, sterling silver (or 925) is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper, to give it the rigidity needed for jewelry making.
White gold is an alloy that retains a slight natural yellow tint; it is rhodium plating that gives it its brilliant white and which needs to be redone periodically.
It is an official mark stamped on the jewelry that guarantees the precious metal content of the alloy and identifies the jeweler or manufacturing house that created the piece.