Gold, bronze and silver

Jewellery - Gold, Silver & Bronze

Seeing as the London 2012 Olympics is kicking off at the end of the week (Friday the 27th), I thought I'd write something regarding metallic elements which are also popular within the craft of jewellery making. Gold, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, titanium, silver, tungsten carbide, stainless steal and rhodium. Gold and silver probably being more desirable to both athletes and those that enjoy wearing jewellery without the competition!

With thousands of athletes and sports people doing their final preparation before competing for first position in their field for that precious and rewarding gold medal, I'm going to see what makes gold more valuable than the others. I'll also look at some of the ways of how gold is used when worn.

Gold is generally more expensive than other metals (aside from platinum) as it is a very conductive, malleable (meaning easier to shape using tools such as a hammer) and the most chemically non-reactive metal. This means that it is very durable, will not discolour and not get effected by weathering, moisture and so forth. Throughout history gold has always been known to hold value, and even historically known to physically back the currencies we still use to this day – money! It's hard not to imagine the powerful leaders such as Pharaohs in Egyptian dynasties without elaborate gold being adorned upon them. Gold is also a good metal to alloy with others.

David Roberts Vintage Ring

Many people have different preferences for their preferred metal in the field of jewellery. Gold is usually more popular for both men and women's wedding rings over the other metals, whereas silver is quite common for engagement rings. Although, there is no rule and it all comes down to opinion. It is also used in pendants, bracelets, anklets, watches, necklaces, broaches, chains, earrings, tie pins, cuff links and a variety of other forms.

And of course, once the ring has been forged then a design can be engraved into the metal to give it a personal feel. Precious stones such as diamonds or gems are also used to decorate the piece and make it even more beautiful.

Handmade Jewellery

Jewellery has been around for many thousands of years and has usually left clues on how our cultures and certain eras functioned, worked and recognised one another as well as showed a glimpse of how they wined and dined. Made from a variety of materials, gemstones, crystals or precious metallic elements and with various meanings put behind each piece it is not suprising that jewellery has always been popular and well sort after. Made, sold, bought and worn for many different reasons - from aesthetic beauty, spiritual meaning, self expression through to following different fashions and sometimes to be a symbol of financial or military power, jewellery will always be an iconic accessory when we adorn ourselves through our lifetimes.

Silver Swan pendant.

Handmade or bespoke jewellery has always been an interest of mine. With the history behind different materials, cultures and traditions always leaving a magical resonance on my mind when looking at bracelets, necklaces, pendants and so forth. When thinking of the reasoning behind the creation of a piece and knowing that someone else's own persona and energy has been crafted into it, for me, gives it real character and can be quite inspiring – Especially when choosing for another. When the jeweller has been gifted with their trade through passed down family tradition, and still places great care with their great relative's nuances and methods into the jewellery I am always impressed and want to find out more.