Behind the Bling: Jewelry Metal Tips

Hey there, friends! If you've run into Sierra lately, she may seem extra cheerful. It's probably because we went to her hometown, Baltimore, for a wedding last weekend, and she's full of Maryland blue crab.

When we get home from trips, I like to make a digital album and look through all the photos we took. When looking through the album, one picture got me thinking. It's the one I took below.

As usual, Sierra got many compliments during the wedding (and rightly so—she looked great). One accessory stuck out, which was the Lingua Nigra earrings she wore.

Looking at the picture got me thinking about all the times I've worked a shift at our shop, and a customer asked me about jewelry metals or care tips. Often, I look like a deer in headlights, but I've been getting better with time. However, writing this blog should make me even better at answering those questions.

So yes, this blog post is a cheat sheet for me to use in the future, but I'm sure it will help you too! How about this? I'll also throw in some style tips for Fall (don't worry, they've all been approved by Sierra).

*Note: We mention hypoallergenic materials below. It's important to note that "hypoallergenic" doesn't mean "allergy-proof." Some individuals may still experience reactions to metals that are generally considered hypoallergenic. It's always best to consult a dermatologist or allergist before choosing jewelry.

Brass Jewelry

Why We Love It

Brass has this beautiful, warm hue reminiscent of fall leaves. It's affordable, durable, and has a vintage charm that's hard to resist.

Natural Care Tips

To keep your brass pieces shining, occasionally clean them with a paste made from equal parts lemon juice and baking soda. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Style Tips

This warm-toned metal is perfect for the season since it's reminiscent of Fall colors. Pair brass bangles or earrings with earth-toned outfits for a harmonious look.

Featured Collection

Check out the unique artisan-made pieces from Rover & Kin that beautifully showcase the allure of brass.

Gold-Filled Jewelry

Why We Love It

Gold-filled jewelry offers the beauty of gold without the hefty price tag. It's durable, tarnish-resistant, and hypoallergenic (depending on the base material, such as sterling silver).

Care Tips

Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid chlorine and continuously remove it before swimming.

Style Tip

The shine of gold-filled jewelry complements deep Autumn colors like burgundy and forest green (See Sierra's dress above). Consider a gold-filled necklace with a deep V-neck sweater and dress.

Featured Collection

For a touch of elegance, explore the curated pieces from Milk Moon.

Sterling Silver

Why We Love It

Sterling silver is timeless and versatile. It's hypoallergenic and can range from bright and shiny to beautifully oxidized. It gets extra points for being my favorite material.

Care Tips

Store in a cool, dry place. Use a silver polishing cloth for cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals.

Style Tip

The relaxed, timeless appeal of sterling silver works beautifully with monochromatic outfits. Think of a chunky sterling silver ring with a cozy gray knit.

Featured Collection

L.Greenwalt Jewelry offers handcrafted pieces that bring out the best in sterling silver.

Gold Plated

Why We Love It

Get the luxurious look of gold at a fraction of the cost. Gold-plated jewelry is perfect for trendy pieces you want to experiment with.

Care Tips

Avoid perfumes and lotions. Clean with a soft polishing cloth and store separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches.

Style Tip

One of the great things about a Fall wardrobe is that small luxurious touches like gold-plated pieces always fit in. They're perfect for adding sparkle to evening outfits or elevating a simple jeans-and-tee combo.

Featured Collection

The elegant designs from Lingua Nigra highlight the sophistication of gold-plated pieces.

Stainless Steel

Why We Love It

Stainless steel is known for its strength and resistance to tarnish, making it a long-lasting choice—especially for men's jewelry. It's a low-reactivity metal and is less likely to cause allergic reactions, so it's often used in body jewelry for piercings.

Care Tip

Clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Avoid harsh chemicals, and store in a dry place, preferably in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches.

Style Tip

Fall is the season for layers and textures. Consider stacking stainless steel bracelets with a relaxed turtleneck and blazer combo. Its natural shine gives it a modern and sleek appearance, suitable for casual and formal wear.

Featured Collection

Pax Paris is an excellent start for stainless steel pieces that effortlessly blend modern aesthetics with timeless charm.

Conclusion

This Fall, as you cozy up in your favorite sweater, consider adding a touch of sparkle with these timeless jewelry materials. Whether you're drawn to the warmth of brass or the shine of sterling silver, New Origin Shop has something for every jewelry enthusiast. 

Need more tips? Catch us on Instagram and all of our socials (@neworiginshop)