How to Choose Jewelry Materials: The SYMARA Ultimate Guide to Metals & Gemstones

Let’s be honest—the world of jewelry can be overwhelming. Between marketing slogans and technical jargon, it’s hard to find a straight answer. Is “white gold” really white? Will my rose gold ring fade?

At SYMARA, we believe your choice should be rooted in clarity, not confusion. This guide isn’t a spec sheet; it’s the candid conversation we have at our workbench. We’re pulling back the curtain on the glorious strengths and honest realities of every material. Our goal? To help you choose a piece that doesn’t just look beautiful, but feels truly right for your life.

In This Article:

1. Quick Decision Guide
2. Part 1: Precious Metals – Choosing Your Foundation
3. Part 2: Modern Metals – Built for Daily Life
4. Part 3: Gemstones – The Soul of the Piece
5. Part 4: How to Choose – The SYMARA Philosophy
6. Part 5: Caring for Your Investment – Expert Advice

📌 Quick Decision Guide

Short on time? Start here:

• Seeking maximum durability & heirloom value? → Dive into Platinum and 14K/18K Gold.
• Have sensitive skin? → Focus on Platinum, Palladium, and Surgical Stainless Steel.
• Love brilliant sparkle? → Jump to Diamond vs. Moissanite.
• Want the full picture? → We recommend reading from the start.

Part 1: Precious Metals – Choosing Your Foundation

These are the classics for a reason. They carry weight, history, and intrinsic value.

Platinum (Pt950): The Quiet Heavyweight

You don’t just see platinum; you feel it. That substantial weight on your finger is its first, quiet hello. It’s naturally white and hypoallergenic, so it never needs plating to be itself.

We prize it most for security. Its incredible density makes it the ultimate guardian for precious stones—prongs hold firm like no other metal.

Yes, it will develop fine scratches called a patina. But in our workshop, we see this differently. Those scratches don’t remove metal; they displace it, creating a soft, luminous glow over decades. It’s not wear; it’s a record of your story. We often tell clients that a platinum piece doesn’t just get older, it gets wiser.

SYMARA NOTE: Ideal for the “buy it once” heirloom, like an engagement ring. Expect a living patina, not a permanent polish.

Gold: It’s All About the Mix

Pure 24K gold is too soft. So we alloy it. That “Karat” number tells you how much pure gold is inside. The rest? That’s where the character—and the durability—comes from.

• 18K Gold (750): The Luxury Feel. With 75% pure gold, this is the peak of richness. It has a depth and warmth to its luster that we adore for special, statement pieces. The trade-off? It’s softer and may show fine scratches more readily, which we like to think of as gentle proof of a life well-lived.
• 14K Gold (585): The Daily Workhorse. At 58.5% gold, this is our smart, resilient champion for jewelry you never take off. The higher alloy content makes it significantly harder. For a ring meant for daily adventures, 14K gold is our steadfast recommendation.

The Color Question: White & Rose Gold

• White Gold: Here’s a key fact straight from the polishing bench: white gold is not naturally bright white. It’s a gold alloy with a pale yellow hue. We plate it with rhodium for that iconic silvery shine. That rhodium will wear off with daily wear, revealing the warm, beautiful gold beneath. This isn’t a flaw; it’s normal. We see re-plating as a simple service, like refreshing a favorite pair of shoes.
• Rose Gold: That beautiful blush comes from copper. More copper means a stronger, pinker, and wonderfully durable alloy. Its color is stable and flattering on all skin tones.

Sterling Silver (925): The Accessible Canvas

Silver is the artist’s first sketch—malleable, honest, and full of potential. We insist on solid sterling silver.

The catch? It tarnishes. But we view this as a dialogue, not a downside. A quick polish with a dedicated cloth brings back its shine in moments. Many come to love the soft, antique look it develops over time.

Part 2: Modern Metals – Purpose-Built for Daily Life

These metals come from technology and medicine, offering unique benefits.

Titanium & Tungsten Carbide: The Indestructibles

For the “wear it and forget it” crowd. Titanium is phenomenally light and strong. Tungsten carbide is incredibly heavy and scratch-resistant.

Our non-negotiable caveat: they cannot be resized traditionally. Your size must be committed.

Surgical Stainless Steel (316L): The Uncomplicated Hero

This is the reliable staple. Hypoallergenic, corrosion-proof, and tough. It’s the perfect metal for minimalist chains or trendy pieces you wear through anything.

Think of it as the perfect white t-shirt in your jewelry box—always in style, always ready.

Part 3: Gemstones – The Soul of the Piece

The stone is the personality.

Diamond vs. Moissanite: A Matter of Light

• Diamond is the benchmark for a reason. Its brilliance is a complex, fiery dance of white light. Its supreme hardness (a 10) means it will look the same for generations. When we select a diamond, we’re obsessed with the cut—it’s what unlocks that inner fire.
• Moissanite is a spectacular alternative with a different soul. It throws more rainbow-colored fire (“dispersion”). It’s exceptionally hard and offers incredible value. Our advice? Don’t see it as a “fake.” See it as a distinct, modern choice for maximum sparkle.

Colored Gemstones: Living Color

• Sapphire & Ruby (Corundum): With a hardness of 9, these are your best friends for colored daily wear. A sapphire can be a stunning pink, yellow, or velvety blue.
• Emerald: We handle these with kid gloves. Their beautiful inclusions (“jardin“) make them more fragile. We always recommend protective settings. An emerald is a commitment to care, repaid in unparalleled beauty.
• Pearl: Organic and delicate. They love your skin’s oils but hate perfume and chlorine. Never submerge them.

Part 4: How to Choose – The SYMARA Philosophy

We translate specs into decisions by asking:

1. What is this piece’s “job“? (Daily uniform or special occasion?)
2. What’s your lifestyle? (Active, office-based, hands-on?)
3. Do you have skin sensitivities?
4. What feeling are you after? (Substantial legacy, lightweight modern, warm vintage?)

Your answers point the way. For example, a nurse who needs hypoallergenic, durable earrings for daily wear might be guided toward platinum studs. The active lifestyle leads to platinum or 14K gold. Sensitive skin steers toward platinum or surgical steel. It’s about the best material for you.

Part 5: Caring for Your Investment – Expert Advice

• The Golden Rule: Last On, First Off. Perfume, lotion, and chlorine are jewelry’s biggest enemies.
• Cleaning: A soft toothbrush, warm water, and a drop of mild dish soap is safe for most pieces. For pearls, just a soft, damp cloth.
• Storage: Keep pieces separate in a soft-lined box. Diamonds can scratch anything, even each other.
• The Annual Check-Up: Bring your pieces to us for professional inspection and cleaning. We’ll tighten stones, check for wear, and give a professional clean. It’s preventative care, and it’s essential.

Choosing jewelry is the beginning of a story. The material is the paper it’s written on—some are resilient parchment, others are delicate vellum. At SYMARA, we’re here to help you select not just a page, but the entire volume that will hold your narrative.

Ready to begin your chapter?

Explore SYMARA Collections:

• Drawn to Platinum’s Legacy? → [View Our Platinum Collection]
• Love 14K Gold’s Resilience? → [Browse the Everyday Edit]
• Captivated by Moissanite’s Fire? → [Discover the Moissanite Gallery]