A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Cremation Jewelry Metals

One of the highest quality silvers obtainable, sterling silver is a fantastic alternative to gold or costume pieces. Silver itself is a pure, precious metal with a high sheen and an almost white color.

Sterling silver is a silver alloy, meaning it is a mixture of silver and other metals, specifically, 92.5% pure silver, with the remainder most often being copper or nickel. This particular blend of silver is commonly called 925 Sterling Silver^[5].

Like any alloy, many kinds of silver alloys exist. These are only limited by which types of metals are used as their base make up. However, sterling silver typically refers specifically to 925 sterling silver, as other types of silver refer to different concentrations of it, such as fine 999 silver, which is a 99.9% silver ingot.^[6]

The term ‘silver plated’ refers to a piece made from a base metal, such as copper or stainless steel, that is then covered in a thin layer of sterling silver through the use of chemicals and electric currents.

This process, called electroplating, binds the sterling silver coating to the base metal, covering it completely and giving it the look of silver.

Gold itself, though eye catching and desirable, is often expensive and inaccessible. An inexpensive alternative is gold plated jewelry, which is a base metal, often copper, stainless steel, or even sterling silver, that is covered in a layer of gold only several microns thick. This allows for an inexpensive piece, like the gold plated “I” keepsake jewelry, to have the look of an expensive one to the untrained eye.

Gold-plating also works great for decorations that don’t have to deal with high amounts of wear and tear. The gold layer maintains its high sheen, and the base metal provides extra durability to the general structure of the piece.

Gold plating can be applied over many different types of metal, however, sterling silver (referred to as vermeil in this application) and stainless steel are our preferred bases. These two metals provide a massive increase in the durability of a piece while reducing its cost significantly and maintaining its appearance.

Gold plating is achieved using one of the following three methods:

Gold plated jewelry is a good fit for people who want a piece of cremation jewelry that they will wear on limited occasions, maybe once or twice a year. If you are not allergic to base metals such as nickel and are on a tight budget, gold plated works well. It should not be bought if you are planning on wearing it everyday.

Solid yellow gold is the most commonly seen gold color in terms of jewelry, as it is the simplest to produce and has an attractive color and sheen to it. Solid gold cremation jewelry is actually made from a gold alloy, as pure gold is far too soft for such an application, and would be easily damaged, or even broken after only minimal use.

A typical 14K yellow gold jewelry piece, like this 14K gold ribboned heart remembrance urn pendant, is made up of approximately 58% pure gold, with the rest being any combination of copper and zinc. This mixture improves the durability of the piece, and improves the color and sheen that gold already possesses.^[12]

Gold, in its various forms, has been worn as jewelry for thousands of years, with some of the earliest known pieces dating back to 4000 B.C.E. Although it serves different purposes in different cultures, gold jewelry has always been a standard of fashion and accessories alike, due to its impeccable shine and colouration.

A gold karat is denoted on jewelry with the letter ‘K’ and refers to how much gold content the jewelry piece has. The gold karat rating system works as follows:

Both 18K and 14K gold is ideal for jewelry creation, while 10K gold makes jewelry affordable to buyers on a stricter budget. If interested in the purity rating of a piece, this is expressed as a percentage and may be stamped with a number. For instance, a 22-karat piece will have 22 out of 24 parts gold which is 91.7% gold and will be stamped with a 917.

Solid gold jewelry is a fantastic option for those who want a more traditional, classic, or timeless look and feel. 18K gold jewelry is great for those who have a nickel allergy as it contains none and comes with that classic yellow appearance that is associated with high-value jewelry.

14K gold jewelry is better for those who want a good mix of durability, value, and purity as it has that classic gold appearance that is attractive, not too yellow, but also affordable. 10K gold jewelry is better for those who prefer a more subtle yellow appearance and who want an extremely affordable and durable piece.

White gold, so named for its near white finish and exceptionally high sheen, is a gold alloy consisting of pure gold and one or more of several lightly colored metals. A typical 14K white gold urn necklace contains around 58% pure gold, while the remainder usually contains nickel, silver or palladium, a white silvery precious metal.

It is because of this mixture of lightly colored metals, coupled with a rhodium coating, that white gold can achieve such a high gloss finish as seen here on this 14K white gold majesty cylinder keepsake.^[13]

White gold itself was created in 1710 by German alchemists Johan Frierich Bottger and Ehrenfried Walther Von Tschirnhaus, however, the white gold we know today wasn’t introduced until some time in the 1920’s.^[14] The popularity of white gold jewelry continues to soar today as fashion accessories, engagement rings and wedding attire among both men and women.

While sterling silver and white gold are very similar in their coloring, as both have a similar silver to gray coloring, their compositions are where they differ. White gold is made primarily of 24K gold, mixed with other metals which may include nickel, palladium, platinum, zinc, copper and even silver.

Sterling silver contains no gold, and is made almost entirely of silver, mixed with small amounts of copper and zinc.

A 14K white gold piece is a good fit for people who like the classic look of silver but want a much more hardy piece that can stand up to everyday wear. It is perfect for those who prefer a contemporary look that is versatile and can compliment many types of outfits and styles.

It is also more affordable than platinum and the neutral silver coloring makes gemstones pop beautifully.

Known as being the most romantic of golds due to its pinkish hue, rose gold is a gold alloy composed of a combination of gold, sterling silver, and copper to give it its signature colouration. For example, 14K rose gold contains around 58% pure gold, with the other two metals varying in amount to fill the other 42% and obtain the desired intensity of red colouration from the copper.

Rose gold can be polished to an exceedingly high gloss finish and is a suitable style for both men and women.^[15]

Rose gold originates in early 19th century Russia and was originally known as Russian gold. It was popularized by none other than the famous jeweller, Carl Faberge, who first made use of it in his world-renowned Faberge Eggs.

Rose gold continued to rise and fall in popularity over the next several decades, reaching its peak when it was used by Cartier in their now infamous Trinity Ring, which was three intertwined bands, each a different colouration of gold.^[16]

The most common Karats of rose gold are 18K and 14K, though pieces of as little as 10K do exist as well. The number of karats is chosen based on the resulting colouration desired by the jeweler working with the gold, as less gold allows for more copper to be added, intensifying its reddish hues.

While rose gold is seen less often, it is a good fit for those who want a more romantic look. It is very appealing to those who like vintage-inspired jewelry pieces and it can be combined beautifully with yellow and white gold to create a unique jewelry set.

Keep in mind that rose gold does contain copper, so it is not considered a hypoallergenic option.

Growing in popularity over the last few years, stainless steel is something you might recognize more so in your kitchen cutlery drawer than in your jewelry collection. Stainless steel is a metal alloy, a mixture made primarily of iron and small amounts of carbon and several other metals.

Changing the concentration of other metals in the mixture produces various types of stainless steel, called grades, which each possess their own features and properties.

Stainless steel jewelry didn’t hit the markets until 1847, as it was only discovered just over 30 years earlier and primarily used for commercial purposes. Even after its inception into the fashion industry, the first stainless steel jewelry came in the form of men’s watches and continued on being marketed towards the male populace.

By the time the 1980’s rolled in, stainless steel rings and bracelets were readily available, as well as earrings and other pieces.^[17]

Stainless steel is a good fit for those who want jewelry that looks like silver but is more durable, scratch-proof, and affordable. Those who have sensitive skin, are allergic to common metals, or work in a physical labor job, fit stainless steel jewelry well.

It can stand up to wear and tear and is lead-free, nickel-free, and cadmium-free. It can also have beautiful gemstones inlaid to it that shine due to the silver-like sheen as seen on this millennium cremation pendant.

Almost as timeless as gold or silver, brass was an early discovery in human history, although it was difficult for humans to make. Brass is composed primarily of a mixture of varying ratios of copper and zinc, and periodically has other metals mixed in to promote various characteristics over others.

Brass jewelry has been around for centuries, dating back as early as 500 BC, as it is an extremely versatile metal and could be formed into a multitude of shapes and patterns. Bearing this in mind, it’s no wonder the gold-like metal has maintained its position in the modern fashion market.^[18]

Brass can be made into all kinds of jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, pendants, and even cultural pieces like the brass coils of east Burma.^[19] There are three classifications of brass, each with their own characteristics, and all usable by jewelers in different ways.

Alpha brass is best when worked cold, where Alpha-Beta brass, and Beta brass are best worked hot, Beta brass being ideal for the process of lost wax casting.^[20]

Brass is a fantastic option for individuals who like a lot of detail in their jewelry. Brass is quite malleable, so jewelers are able to make intricate designs with ease. This is why you see a lot of leaf, cherub, bird, pet, and urn designs that are made out of brass.

As one of the most widely used metals, copper has a fair bit of history behind it, dating back almost ten thousand years ago. It is a pure metal, not unlike silver and gold, with a high sheen and reddish-brown coloring.

It can be used as standalone jewelry but is also commonly used as a base metal for electroplating.

When it comes to jewelry, copper is almost always used in an alloy form as it can hold up well over time and is extremely durable. If you are looking for a less expensive jewelry option, one made from copper alloy is a fantastic buy as it can hold up to daily wear and tear.

However, it is important to note that you will need to routinely clean it as copper oxidizes when it interacts with oxygen, which is what causes that green tint on your skin. Copper is generally mixed either with zinc or tin, or is used in conjunction with brass and bronze alloys.

Copper jewelry is ideal for those looking for an inexpensive yet unique, rustic look. Additionally, it is great for anyone who wants a diverse collection, as copper can be formed into a multitude of shapes and patterns.

Titanium, another pure metal, is also widely used for its strength and corrosion resistance. This dark silver colored metal can be polished to a very high sheen, and lasts for years, even without any proper care or treatment.

As jewelry, it serves as a long lasting, eye catching piece that is highly resistant to damage and deformation.

Titanium first made its mark on humanity through engineering during WWII, as its exceptional durability, resistance to the elements and incomparable light weight made aircraft and naval vessels that turned the tide of many battles.

Afterward, it was deemed fit for use in the construction of shuttlecraft, and now makes up 85% of the materials used for missions into outer space. It was only very recently that it was finally folded into the jewelry market and has maintained a firm foothold there ever since.^[22]

Titanium is a great fit for men as the designs are bolder in nature and have a more masculine appeal associated with them. It also helps that titanium is extremely lightweight, so it is perfect for men who do not want to be wearing a heavy piece.

However, titanium is also a great fit for anyone who wants a more contemporary piece that stands out in design.