Precious Metals Guide: How to Choose the Right Metal for Your Jewellery

Not sure which metal is best for your custom jewellery? You're in good company. Whether you're dreaming up a bespoke engagement ring, reworking a cherished heirloom, or creating a meaningful gift for someone special, the metal you choose will shape more than just the look — it defines the feel, the function, and the story behind your piece.

In this guide, I walk you through the different metals I work with — from their unique personalities and symbolism to how they wear over time. Think of it as part inspiration, part education, and entirely in service of helping you find the right fit for your life, your values, and your style.

 

Silver: Sleek, Soulful & Effortlessly Cool

If you love clean lines, timeless design, and something that quietly holds meaning, silver may just be your soulmate.

Sterling Silver: Bright, Durable & Everyday-Friendly

Sterling Silver (92.5% pure silver) is one of the most beloved choices for handcrafted jewellery here in Aotearoa and beyond.

• Why you’ll love it: It's strong, affordable, and endlessly wearable.

• Perfect for: Daily rings, statement pendants, gifts with heart.

• Care tips: Gently polish with a soft cloth when it tarnishes (it will — but it’s easy to fix).

Symbolism: Silver has long been associated with the moon, clarity, and intuition. It’s reflective — literally and metaphorically — encouraging self-awareness and emotional insight. Often linked to feminine energy and the rhythms of nature, it’s a metal that supports connection, balance, and inner calm.

Sterling silver is ideal if you want something that goes with everything, feels contemporary yet classic, and tells your story with quiet confidence.

Fine Silver: Soft, Pure & Poetic

Fine Silver (99.9% pure) is softer and more luminous than sterling. It’s all about purity — perfect for delicate pieces with sentimental weight.

• Why you’ll love it: That soft glow, the gentle feel, the symbolism of simplicity.

• Perfect for: Keepsakes, earrings, or pendants that aren’t worn every day.

• Care tips: Treat it gently and store separately to avoid dings or scratches.

Fine silver carries a similar symbolic resonance — purity, clarity, and spiritual connection. It’s ideal when your piece is more about meaning than muscle — a quiet reminder of someone or something dear.

Bronze: Warm, Raw & Rich with Character

If you love bold forms, earthy tones, and a bit of rustic charm, bronze might just be your match.

• Why you’ll love it: Affordable, full of personality, and perfectly imperfect.

• Perfect for: Chunky rings, sculptural forms, and contrasting metalwork.

• Care tips: It may patina (darken) over time — many love this natural evolution. Avoid wearing it in water or when washing your hands.

Symbolism: Bronze has a long-standing association with strength, endurance, tradition, and transformation. It’s rich in historical symbolism — linked to heroism, wealth, judgment, and grounded wisdom.

Bronze suits you if you lean into texture, love a lived-in look, and want jewellery that feels connected to the natural world.

Gold: Timeless, Glowing & Full of Meaning

If you love heirlooms, rich colour, and traditional beauty with personal meaning, gold is a natural choice.

Gold comes in different purities (or carats), each with its own character. The higher the carat, the purer (and softer) the gold.

9ct Gold

• Lighter in colour, tougher in wear — a practical yet beautiful choice.

• Ideal for everyday jewellery, especially if you like a subtle shine.

14ct Gold

• A warm balance between durability and depth of colour.

• Works beautifully in both classic and modern designs.

18ct Gold

• Rich, radiant, and luxurious.

• Best for sentimental pieces that are designed to last generations — like engagement rings or heirlooms-in-the-making.

Symbolism: Gold has always symbolised wealth, strength, power, and love. Associated with the sun and masculine energy, it also reflects divine connection, inner wisdom, and enduring value. Whether you go for yellow, white, or rose, gold adds a richness that feels as meaningful as it looks.

Care tips: Gold alloys are relatively low-maintenance. Just avoid harsh chemicals, and store pieces separately to protect their finish.

If you're looking for warmth, tradition, and something to pass down, gold will never go out of style.

Platinum: Understated Luxury that Lasts a Lifetime

If you love cool tones, clean lines, and jewellery that’s as strong as your story — platinum is a powerhouse.

• Why you’ll love it: It’s incredibly durable, naturally hypoallergenic, and won’t tarnish over time.

• Perfect for: Wedding bands, engagement rings, or any piece that gets a lot of wear.

• Care tips: Just a quick clean now and then to keep it looking fresh.

Symbolism: Platinum is the ultimate in resilience and rarity. It’s associated with commitment, enduring love, exclusivity, and strength. Its bright, untarnishing surface represents purity, clarity, and the kind of love that stands the test of time.

If your jewellery is meant to last a lifetime (or three), platinum is worth considering.

Still Not Sure? Let’s Chat.

Choosing the right metal isn’t just about looks — it’s about your lifestyle, your values, and the legacy you want your piece to carry.

📞 Book a free 30-minute consultation. We’ll chat about your ideas, your habits (are you gardening in your rings? No judgment!), and what will work best for the way you live.
There’s no pressure — just a warm conversation about what’s possible.