Workability, Durability, and Metal Memory

Most jewelry metals are workable, which means jewelry makers can fashion them into almost any shape, and they retain that shape. A workable metal is both malleable and ductile. Malleable metals can be shaped or bent without breaking. Ductile metals can be drawn into wire or hammered into sheets. All three precious metals are both malleable and ductile, gold more so than platinum and silver.

Gold, silver, and platinum are also durable, meaning they’re strong and long-wearing. They’re resistant to impact, too. They also resist corrosion, meaning they stand up well when they’re exposed to chemicals in the environment. Silver does tarnish, however. Tarnish is a mild form of corrosion. A disadvantage that makes base metals unsuitable for jewelry use is that they don’t resist corrosion very well.

If a metal has “metal memory,” it tends to return toward its previous shape. Of the three precious metals, platinum has the least metal memory. Once platinum is bent, it tends to stay in position. This lack of metal memory means that platinum has superior holding power. Gold and silver have more metal memory than platinum.

Costantino Rota
Precious metals can be formed into intricate designs that are strong and retain their shape. With care, this gold necklace might last many generations.