Fine gold, silver, platinum and palladium continue to demand high prices in the market. Many jewelry manufacturers in the United States and other countries are now looking into alternative, cheaper metals to manufacture jewelry. Most of these metals are non-traditional and unregulated metals and formulations. Examples of these non-traditional metals include various types of steels, such as tungsten and cobalt-based steels, titanium alloys, palladium and platinum 585 and 420 alloys, non-sterling colored silver alloys, colored brass alloys, and low karat (1K to 6K) yellow, pink and white-gold alloys. This paper will discuss the pros and cons of casting, fabrication, ways to improve chemical/tarnish resistance properties, hallmarking issues, etc. for these alloys. The paper will also discuss and compare various mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strengths, microstructure and the costs involved to make jewelry from the above metals.

Author: Ajit Menon