Best Metals for Jewellery

Which metals are the best for jewellery ?Those that don't irritate, rust, corrode or tarnish.

Not all metals contain iron which causes the metals to rust, but they can corrode or tarnish in other oxidizing reactions (Metals may also react in the presence of acids or harsh industrial chemicals). To prevent oxidation and breakdown of metal products you can choose hypoallergenic metals that are “rust/corrosion/tarnish-proof” and won't tarnish over time. Three basic types of metals fall into this category:

1) Stainless steel

Though Stainless steel types, such as 304 or 316, are a mix of elements, and most contain some amount of iron, which easily oxidizes to form rust, many stainless steel alloys also contain a high percentage of chromium – at least 18 percent – which is even more reactive than iron. The chromium oxidizes quickly (faster than iron) to form a protective layer of chromium oxide on the metal surface. This oxide layer resists corrosion, while at the same time prevents oxygen from reaching the underlying steel which will have combined with iron to rush if chromium was not there. Other elements in the alloy, such as nickel and molybdenum, add to its rust-resistance.

2) Aluminum metal

Aluminum alloys contain almost no iron and without iron, the metal can’t actually rust, but it does oxidize. Aluminum reacts with oxygen to form aluminum oxide, which remains tightly packed on the surface. The hard aluminum oxide layer m is quite resistant to further corrosion and protects the underlying metal.

3) Platinum

In normal conditions, platinum does not react with atmospheric gases and thus doesn't rust, tarnish or corrode. However Platinum does does get corroded by halogens, cyanides, sulfur, and caustic alkalis in stimulated conditions or high temperatures.

Surprising truths about metals you thought will have been in this list but they were not.

Gold - it can tarnish. As it is pure and contains no iron, it cannot rust, and it does not react with oxygen.

Gold is a pure substance that is very resistant to chemical reactions. However as pure gold or 24 karat gold is too soft to be used in jewelry, it is usually alloyed with other base metals such as silver, copper, zinc, and nickel to make gold jewelry because the alloys increase the hardness of the metal and helps the metal gain a higher polish and brighter luster . Usually the highest purity of gold in which ornaments can be made is 22K because 24K gold is too soft to make ornaments. It is these other base metals alloyed with gold that actually reacts with or to oxygen, sulfur and moisture and at times discolors or tarnishes (which appears as murkiness of the reflective surface) and makes your gold jewelry black. But usually the higher the percentage of gold in the alloy, it is less likely for the gold jewelry to discolor or become black. A surprising cause of tarnishing is food items with high levels of acidity or sulfur compounds. Some items that can aid in tarnishing are onions, fruit juices, spices and pickled items.

Silver - it will tarnish.Silver is resistant to corrosion, however, it tarnishes when exposed to sulfur compounds because a layer of black, insoluble silver sulfide is formed on the surface and the shiny silver dulls.