Jewellery Materials & Care

A practical, academically grounded guide that teaches you how to identify jewellery metals at home. Learn to distinguish stainless steel, zinc alloy, silver, copper, gold and iron using simple tests such as weight, hardness, magnetism, sound and surface clues.

Zinc alloy, nickel, and iron may look similar at first glance, but they behave very differently in jewellery. Zinc alloy is lightweight and versatile, nickel is bright but often allergenic, and iron is heavy and prone to rust. Understanding these differences helps buyers recognise quality, avoid irritation, and choose pieces that last.

Authenticity in silver jewellery isn’t just about the metal — it’s shaped by how pieces are sourced, presented, and supported. As online marketplaces expand, the seller’s behaviour, clarity, and packaging standards become part of the trust equation. Temu’s UK launch in April 2023 introduced a fast, ultra‑low‑cost model with mixed quality control, while traditional MOQ‑based platforms like Alibaba still offer more stable supplier relationships. Understanding these differences helps buyers and small brands navigate the modern silver market with clearer expectations.