Precious Metal Jewelry

Often, precious metals are one of two major components in traditional jewelry – gems being the second component. And, of course, a precious metal may be the only component in a jewelry piece.

The three precious metals used in jewelry are gold, platinum and silver. Although each is characteristically quite distinct from the other two, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the trio share four important characteristics that make them uber-suitable for jewelry.

It is, says the GIA, physical and psychological allure, workability, durability, and rarity that make gold, platinum and silver prefect for use in jewelry. Moreover, the unusual combination of these characteristics set these raw materials apart from other metals.