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Little-known metals are making their way into the jewelry world, either because of their uniqueness or the fact that they boast superior qualities that make them better choices than what’s there, not to mention the possibility of these alternative metals being cheaper.
Some of these metals and metal alloys also promise excellent finishes; in this article, we look at two of these metals – white Ultrium and extreme silver – what makes them different from each other, or how do they compare?
What is white Ultrium?
While Ultrium has gained popularity in recent days, and though it’s been around for quite some time now, specifically, from the 1980s or even the 1880s, it seems to be one of the metal options that an increasing number of jewelry makers are using. So, what is it?
Well, White Ultrium is one of the lesser-known metal options that is often used to make class rings.
It has been around since the 1980s, and it’s regarded as a high-quality non-precious metal. Its popularity comes from the fact that this metal alloy boasts a nice shine like what’s seen in white gold and silver. But unlike gold or sterling silver, White Ultrium is abrasion-resistant.
And as cued above, White Ultrium is quite popular because it’s an affordable non-precious metal.
But, White Ultrium is not a new kind of metal that was recently discovered or is not quite known. White Ultrium is a metal alloy, and the name is a generic or the trade name that is used to refer to the non-magnetic version of the austenitic-grade stainless steel. Thanks to its properties, it is considered the best possible alternative for white gold.
White Ultrium is also known as Vanadium, Celestrium, White Lazon, or Siladium, and all these are metals similar to stainless steel. And to reiterate, it is a non-precious metal.
What you may not know about this stainless steel alloy is that it’s now one of the most popular options that are used to make class rings – it is affordable, durable, and resistant to abrasion.
Is Ultrium a good metal?
When it comes to good quality, reliable, and affordable metals that can be used in jewelry making, specifically in making class rings, Ultrium or Austenitic stainless steel is a great choice.
The only catch is that this metal is not malleable but errs on the brittle side of metals, which means that the metal tends to be hard to bend, and once crafted into a ring, for example, it would be almost impossible to resize it.
But if you get the size right, rings made of White Ultrium are long-lasting, durable, and the perfect option for people whose lifestyles lead to hard-wearing of their jewelry.
Pros and cons of White Ultrium
Pros
- Durable and lasts a really long time
- Scratch-resistant
- Elegant white finish
- It makes great class rings
- It looks just like white gold, but for much less
Cons
- It cannot be resized
What is an extreme silver alloy?
Extreme Silver is an alloy of silver, palladium, and platinum, among other metals.
It’s called Extreme Silver because the highest metal, by composition, in the alloy is silver at 54%, followed by 25% Palladium and 3% platinum.
As you already know, silver alloys are metals that contain silver along with at least one or more metals.
The alloying of silver is important because silver is a very soft precious metal, and it cannot be used on its own to create jewelry.
Silver also tends to be very reactive to the air, and alloying tends to reduce its reactiveness, making it a more suitable option for use in making jewelry and other silver-based metallic elements.
Is Extreme Silver alloy a good metal?
This silver alloy, made of palladium and platinum along with other metals, is durable, has a stunning, white, lustrous finish, it’s durable and pretty much tarnish-resistant.
These features translate to durable and high-quality pieces of jewelry, hence the use of Extreme Silver alloy for class rings, among other types of jewelry.
Pros and cons of extreme silver
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Durable
- Versatile
- Resistant to tarnish
- Can be resized
- Elegant finish
Cons
- A bit pricey
White Ultrium Vs. Extreme Silver- Which One Is Better?
When it comes to the creation of unique class rings, for instance, companies focused on the creation of high-quality class rings to meet the needs of different customers have taken to use of alternative metals and metal alloys that are not only cheaper than the precious metals but also boast more desirable qualities.
Now, White Ultrium and Extreme Silver are two of the common options used by these companies, and they are recommended in the same measure.
They are both stunning, with lustrous white finishes, although they may also have antique finishes.
These metal alloys have some differences, though, which means that some factors will pull you in one direction rather than the other.
The price of the rings is one of the things that will determine what option you choose. If you are shopping on a budget, for example, White Ultrium would be a preferable option because stainless steel is a cheap metal and also durable.
White Ultrium is imperfect, though, and you won’t be able to get it resized if you grow, which also means that it’s ideal for someone who’s not actively growing. There is also the fact that some of the alloys in White Ultrium may spark allergies.
Extreme Silver Alloy, on the other hand, is pricier than White Ultrium.
But it boasts more desirable qualities, including tarnish resistance, versatility in terms of designs and styles; it can be resized; it’s also hypoallergenic, durable, and lustrous.
So, if you don’t mind spending more on quality, the Extreme Silver Alloy (it’s alloyed with expensive metals like platinum and palladium) might be a better choice for you.
Conclusion
The choice you make between White Ultrium and Extreme Silver depends on what you need – quality or affordability. But at the end of the day, Extreme Silver would be a preferable choice for you.
