When metals were first used to make decorative items they were used in their pure and natural state and it was only when smelting was invented were we able to remove metals from their ore. Metals in their natural state are soft and because of this they are quite difficult to use. To enable metals to be used more effectively a process was invented allowing them to be combined and in doing this allowing their characteristics to be changed.
Alloying, as it is called, allows metals to become stronger, harder and can change the colour, melting point and malleability. Metals make excellent jewelry due to their malleability, ductile and tensile qualities and their quality of being able to be polished to achieve a shiny surface. Malleability allows the metal to be stretched in all directions either by stamping, rolling or hammering (gold can be hammered in to a sheet that is thinner than foil).
Ductility allows the metal to be pulled into wire achieving longer and thinner wire as you draw it out. If the metal you are using to produce a piece of jewelry has been heated to a certain temperature, dependent on the type of metal, its tensile strength will prevent it from cracking or snapping, this is called annealing.
Precious metals are gold, platinum and silver and these are chemically stable which makes them nice to work with. They resist tarnishing, are very beautiful to look at, versatile, hard wearing and reasonably rare which makes them more valuable. Base metals such as copper, zinc and tin are less popular, but still have their own place in the world of jewelry.
Source by Dr. Mark Clayson
Metals Used In Jewelry
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