Everyday Name Necklaces—Best Metals for Daily Wear & Tear
Updated December 22, 2022.
When it comes to sentimental, personal jewelry, the idea is to wear them every day without having to worry about constantly removing them during typical day-to-day activities in order to protect them. Jewelry, and the metals they're composed of, need to be water and sweat-resistant, as well as hypoallergenic. Noble metals step up to this task as they're able to maintain these qualities regardless of how often you wear them, thus making them perfect choices for an everyday name necklace.
What Are Noble Metals?
Noble metals are a group of metals that resist oxidation, dulling of color, and corrosion in moist air, and are not easily attacked by acids.
The 8 most common noble metals include Gold, Silver, Platinum, Rhodium, Iridium, Ruthenium, Osmium, and Palladium. We're all mostly accustomed to hearing about the first three because they're commonly used in making jewelry or other ornaments due to their inability to shift or move and their resistance to change when exposed to air. Gold, silver, and platinum have been tried and tested over many years, remaining the most popular choices in modern jewelry design. For instance, gold jewelry like the Personalized Cursive Name Necklace in 14k Gold is the go-to choice for a luxurious, elegant addition to any outfit.
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Alternatively, silver jewelry can help get that elegant look at a more affordable price.
Silver necklaces like this Paperclip Script Name Necklace in Sterling Silver are a great style choice for those who want a delicate look to express their unique personality.
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Gold
Gold is a noble metal resistant to oxidation and corrosion from moisture. It’s considered a precious metal for its rarity and high value, and this lustrous metal has long been appreciated for its beauty and glamor.
Gold hasn't been a prized metal for its association with wealth and status only, but it’s also the most malleable of all precious metals. Its durability and workable nature have made it a preferred metal for jewelry makers over the centuries. Gold can also be melted down and reformed into new gold pieces, making it reusable. Finally, its hypoallergenic characteristic, combined with its other qualities, makes it a prime choice for everyday-wear jewelry pieces, such as timeless gold name necklaces.
Additionally, gold necklaces like this Hollywood Small Name Necklace in 14k Gold are an excellent color choice for warmer skin tones and can be complemented by wearing clothing with warmer hues, such as rust, yellows, and oranges. Adding an earthy-colored gemstone to your gold name necklace will also compliment the metal perfectly.
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Silver
Similar to gold, silver is a noble metal and also malleable. Although not as hard as gold, silver can be alloyed with other metals to increase its toughness. Silver that's 99.9% pure is considered fine silver but is typically too soft to be used in jewelry making. That’s why fine silver is alloyed with copper to make sterling silver or 925 silver. This makes up the bulk of silver jewelry bought today due to its durability and radiant silver color.
Silver is also often a preferred choice as opposed to gold because it's more affordable while also being hypoallergenic, allowing you to wear your elegant silver name necklace every day with very low chances of having an allergic reaction.
Silver is an excellent choice for those with cooler skin tones, blue or green eyes, and darker hair colors. Necklaces made from this material, such as the Vertical Name Necklace in Cursive in Sterling Silver, also pair incredibly well with more vibrant colors such as deep reds, blues, pinks, and purples.
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Platinum
Platinum is one of the world's rarest metals. Platinum jewelry has a high level of purity that makes it naturally hypoallergenic and, thus, the perfect choice for people with sensitive skin.
Platinum is one of the strongest, most enduring, and densest metals, surpassing both gold and silver by a long shot, so rest assured that your jewelry piece will most likely last you a lifetime. Platinum offers a beautiful, natural white sheen which makes it much more resistant to visible signs of damage and allows it to retain its natural beauty for much longer.
Platinum pairs exquisitely with fair and light skin tones. To take that white sheen to an extravagant new level, wear clothes that reflect a winter color palette, such as navy blue, forest green, and charcoal. These same colors will work well if you're interested in adding a gemstone to your personal jewelry piece.
Conclusion
The classic debate of which noble metal to choose ultimately boils down to personal preference. Even if you have a skin tone that one of these metals complements more than the other, it’s about which one you prefer.
Also, wearing one of these noble metals doesn’t restrict you from wearing the others—you can wear both or all! It's also important to note that there are other durable (not noble) metal options, such as rose gold, stainless steel, and tungsten, to consider. These metals are just as unique and stunning and may suit you and your preferences more.
Whether you're looking for the best matching necklaces for you and your BFFs or name necklace gift choices for a teen girl, be sure to explore all metal options and pick the one that resonates best with you and who you're shopping for.
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