Jewelry Metals Guide
Learn About the Metals Used in Our Jewelry
The metal you choose is just as important as the gemstone it holds. Every jewelry metal offers its own unique beauty, durability, and characteristics. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of sterling silver, the warm glow of gold fill, or the vibrant colors of niobium, understanding your jewelry helps you make an informed purchase and care for your pieces for years to come.
At BeJeweled, we're committed to clearly identifying the materials used in every piece of jewelry we sell. Explore our guides below to learn more about each metal and discover which one is right for you.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver has been treasured for centuries for its brilliant white luster, durability, and timeless beauty. Made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% strengthening alloys, sterling silver is one of the most popular precious metals used in fine jewelry.
Learn about:
- What 925 sterling silver means
- How to clean sterling silver
- Why sterling silver tarnishes
- How to store sterling silver jewelry
- Caring for sterling silver
Explore our Sterling Silver FAQ →
Gold Fill
Gold fill jewelry combines the beauty of genuine gold with exceptional durability. Unlike gold plating, gold fill features a thick layer of real gold that is permanently bonded to a base metal, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear.
Learn about:
- How gold fill is made
- How it compares to gold plated jewelry
- Durability and care
- Why it's a favorite for artisan jewelry
Gold Plated
Gold plated jewelry offers the luxurious appearance of gold at an affordable price. A layer of genuine gold is bonded to another metal, creating beautiful jewelry available in a wide variety of styles.
Learn about:
- What gold plated means
- Common base metals used beneath the gold
- Gold plating thickness
- How to care for gold plated jewelry
- When jewelry can be professionally replated
Niobium
Niobium is a remarkable hypoallergenic metal that is naturally resistant to corrosion and does not require plating. Through an anodizing process, niobium can display brilliant colors without using dyes or paints.
Learn about:
- Why niobium is hypoallergenic
- How anodized colors are created
- Caring for niobium jewelry
- Why artists love working with niobium
Alchemia
Alchemia is a proprietary blend of base metals developed by renowned jewelry designer Charles Albert. Its rich golden color offers the look of gold without plating and contains no nickel, lead, or cadmium, making it an excellent option for many people with sensitive skin.
Learn about:
- What Alchemia is made from
- How it differs from gold plated jewelry
- Caring for Alchemia jewelry
- Why it has become a favorite among artisan jewelry lovers
Which Jewelry Metal Is Right for You?
Each jewelry metal offers its own unique advantages.
| Metal | Best Known For |
|---|---|
| Sterling Silver | Timeless beauty, precious metal, everyday versatility |
| Gold Fill | Thick layer of genuine gold with excellent durability |
| Gold Plated | Affordable golden finish made with real gold |
| Niobium | Hypoallergenic, colorful, lightweight |
| Alchemia | Warm golden color without plating, nickel-free |
Whether you prefer classic sterling silver, the rich warmth of gold, or colorful contemporary metals like niobium, you'll find beautifully crafted jewelry designed to last for years with proper care.
Our Commitment to Quality
At BeJeweled, we carefully select jewelry from talented artisans and established designers who use quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship. We believe customers deserve to know exactly what their jewelry is made of, which is why we clearly identify the metals used in our product descriptions whenever possible.
We hope these guides help you better understand the materials in your jewelry and give you confidence in choosing pieces you'll enjoy for years to come.