Your Guide To Metals For Jewellery Making

Choosing the right metal is one of the most important decisions when making or buying jewelry. There are different types of metals used in jewelry.

Some are precious, like 14k gold and sterling silver.

Others are more affordable, such as stainless steel and gold-plated metal.

Each type has its own unique qualities. If you are a jewelry designer, a retailer, or a jewelry lover, knowing about different metals is important. It can help you make better choices for your jewelry collection.

At Tonglin Jewelry, we specialize in high-quality metal jewelry manufacturing. As a factory, we offer full customization and strict quality checks. We also provide a wide range of metals for wholesale and ODM orders. Here’s your ultimate guide to the most popular metals for jewelry making.

1. 925 Silver: Classic, Elegant, and Reliable

925 silver, also known as sterling silver, is a classic choice for fine jewelry. It contains 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals, usually copper, for strength.

Pros:

• Beautiful white shine
• Good for sensitive skin
• Easy to polish and repair

Cons:

• Prone to tarnishing over time
• Slightly soft compared to other metals

At Tonglin Jewelry, our sterling silver pieces go through anti-tarnish plating, ensuring durability and long-lasting brilliance. We also provide custom 925 silver jewelry for brands and retailers looking to expand their product lines.

2. Fine Silver: Pure but Delicate

Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver. It’s softer than sterling silver, making it less suitable for pieces exposed to daily wear and tear.

Best For:

• Wire wrapped jewelry
• Earrings or pendants with less handling

Tip: For long-term wear, sterling silver may be a better choice.

3. White Metals: Affordable and Durable

White metals include materials like stainless steel, titanium, and base metal alloys. These are strong, resistant to corrosion, and often used in fashion jewelry.

Advantages:

• Great for large-scale production
• Budget-friendly
• Long-lasting finish

Tonglin Jewelry provides stainless steel and white metal designs. These designs keep quality high and production costs low. They are ideal for small businesses or dropshipping suppliers.

4. Gold-Plated Jewelry: Stylish Without the Cost

Gold plated jewelry consists of a base metal coated with a thin layer of gold. It offers the look of gold at a lower price point.

Common base metals: brass, copper, stainless steel

Gold thickness: measured in microns

Pros:

• Fashionable
• Affordable
• Available in different tones like yellow, rose, or white gold

Cons:

• Gold layer may wear off over time

At Tonglin Jewelry, we use advanced electroplating techniques in our in-house plating facility. Each product is fully inspected to ensure a flawless finish.

5. Gold Filled: Higher Quality, Longer Wear

Gold filled jewelry contains a much thicker layer of gold mechanically bonded to the base metal. It is more durable and hypoallergenic than gold plated.

Benefits:

• Can last years with proper care
• Resists tarnish better
• Great for daily wear

It’s a good choice for customers looking for a long-term investment without the full cost of solid gold. We offer wholesale gold filled pieces customized for your target market.

6. Solid Gold: Premium and Timeless

Solid gold is the most precious option. Available in various purities (10k, 14k, 18k), it doesn’t tarnish and retains value over time.

Why 14k gold is popular:

• Perfect balance of durability and shine
• Suitable for rings, necklaces, and bracelets

Tonglin Jewelry crafts custom solid gold pieces in yellow, white, and rose gold. Our CAD design team ensures that every piece meets your expectations.

We also provide services to recycle your old gold. We can remake it into modern designs. This is a sustainable and meaningful choice for our clients.

7. Rose Gold: Warm, Romantic, and Trendy

Rose gold has gained massive popularity in the last decade. It’s made by mixing gold with copper to give a warm pink tone.

Best for:

• Engagement rings
• Modern, fashionable collections
• Custom pieces for women

We carefully control our rose gold plating. We use real-time data tracking during production to ensure the color stays consistent.

8. White Gold and Platinum: Luxurious Choices

White gold is alloyed with white metals and often plated with rhodium for a bright finish. Platinum, on the other hand, is naturally white and more durable but comes at a higher cost.

White Gold:

• Classic look
• Ideal for engagement rings

Platinum:

• Hypoallergenic
• Heavier and more durable

Tonglin Jewelry supports both white gold and platinum custom orders. We verify metal purity before shipping to meet the highest standards.

Why Choose Tonglin Jewelry?

Here’s what makes us stand out as your jewelry manufacturing partner:

• Own Factory: From CAD to casting, plating, and polishing, everything is done in-house.
• Strict Quality Control: Each piece is inspected before delivery to eliminate defects like scratches, dents, or misaligned stones.
• Diverse Metal Options: We offer 925 silver, gold plated, gold filled, stainless steel, solid gold, and more.
• Sustainable Practices: We help clients recycle old gold to reduce waste.
• Custom Orders: Fully personalized pieces for brands and retailers.
• Global B2B Service: We support small businesses, wholesalers, and jewelry dropshipping suppliers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right metal depends on your needs—budget, target audience, and product type. When you make a silver charm bracelet, a gold engagement ring, or a stainless steel fashion line, the material matters.

With Tonglin Jewelry, you can count on expert guidance, quality materials, and efficient production. Let us help you turn your jewelry ideas into reality.