Why Humans Have Trusted Gold and Silver for Thousands of Years
There is a metal that is the most electrically and thermally conductive metal on Earth, one of the most reflective substances known to man, it's naturally antimicrobial, and is used in medical and industrial fields for its purity and conductivity.
Silver.
There's another metal that does not rust, corrode, or tarnish, is one of the least chemically reactive metals on Earth, buried for thousands of years can still emerge bright and unchanged, and has been used as currency for thousands of years.
Gold.
Now compare that to lead (a neurotoxin), cadmium (a toxic heavy metal), nickel (one of the top causes of metal allergies worldwide), cyanide-based industrial chemicals (one of the most fast-acting poisons known)...
That is what costume jewelry is made from. Fast fashion. Plated jewelry.
And you wear it on your largest organ. Your skin. Your skin that can pass these chemicals directly into your bloodstream.
It. Matters.
...
When most people think about gold and silver, they think about beauty or rarity.
But the real reason these metals have mattered for thousands of years is much more interesting than that.
Gold and silver are extraordinary materials.
They are incredibly stable, incredibly useful, and remarkably compatible with the human body. That combination is rare in the natural world — and it’s the reason these metals have been trusted by humans for thousands of years.
Silver and Gold Are Technological Metals
Silver is the most electrically conductive metal on Earth.
Gold isn’t far behind, and unlike most metals it doesn’t corrode or oxidize, which is why it’s used in electronics, satellites, medical devices, and high-reliability technology.
The same metals used in fine jewelry are also used in the most advanced technology we have.
That’s not a coincidence.
They’re just that good.
Silver Is Naturally Antimicrobial
Long before modern medicine understood bacteria, people noticed something fascinating: water stored in silver stayed fresher longer.
Today we know why.
Silver ions can disrupt bacterial growth, which is why silver is still used in modern medicine in things like wound dressings and antimicrobial treatments.
Humans didn’t value silver for thousands of years by accident.
They observed its properties long before they understood the chemistry behind them.
Gold and Silver Don’t Fight the Human Body
A lot of cheap jewelry leaves marks on the skin.
Green rings. Black stains. Irritation.
That happens because many metals are reactive — they oxidize, corrode, or break down when they encounter moisture, sweat, or air.
Gold and high-quality silver are different.
They are chemically stable and relatively non-reactive, which is why they’ve been trusted for jewelry for millennia.
They sit comfortably on the body instead of constantly reacting with it.
Jewelry Is Still a Store of Value
In many parts of the world, people don’t buy plated jewelry at all.
They buy real metal.
In countries like India, high-karat gold jewelry is often treated as both adornment and financial security. Families buy gold jewelry as a long-term store of value, and gold can even be purchased through some banks and financial institutions.
Jewelry isn’t just decoration.
In many cultures, it’s portable wealth.
Why I Work With These Metals
When I sit down at my bench, I’m choosing the materials I want to spend my time with — and the materials I want to put out into the world.
I would much rather come home with a little bit of silver dust or gold dust on my clothes than spend my days working with reactive, low-quality metals that break down and shed who-knows-what.
Metalsmithing always creates a little dust. That’s just part of the work.
But I want that dust to come from metals that humans have trusted for thousands of years — metals that are stable, durable, and valuable.
In a small way, every piece I make is a vote for what I want more of in the world:
materials that last,
materials that matter,
and materials worthy of being worn for generations.
I want this for you, too. Jewelry should help us express ourselves and bolster our lives, not poison us.
If metal matters to you too, choose pieces made from materials worthy of being worn for a lifetime.
See what’s new in the studio →
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Metals
Why does cheap jewelry turn your skin green?
Many inexpensive jewelry pieces contain copper or copper alloys. When copper reacts with sweat, oxygen, and skin oils, it forms copper salts that can leave green marks on the skin. This reaction is harmless but indicates that the metal is chemically reactive.
What metals cause jewelry allergies?
Nickel is one of the most common causes of jewelry-related skin allergies worldwide. It is frequently used in inexpensive jewelry alloys and can trigger itching, redness, or irritation when it comes into contact with the skin.
Why is gold used in electronics?
Gold conducts electricity very well and does not corrode or oxidize. Because of this stability, it is used in electronics, satellites, and medical devices where reliable electrical connections are critical.
How is silver used in medicine?
Silver has natural antimicrobial properties. Silver ions can inhibit the growth of bacteria, which is why silver is used in wound dressings, burn treatments, medical coatings, and some water purification systems.
Why is cyanide used in metal plating?
Cyanide-based solutions have historically been used in gold and silver electroplating because they keep the metal dissolved in solution and allow it to deposit evenly onto a surface. These chemicals are extremely toxic in industrial form and require strict safety controls in plating facilities. And I think we all trust large manufacturers, right?
Is all plated jewelry toxic?
No. Plated jewelry itself is not inherently toxic. However, some inexpensive plated jewelry uses reactive base metals underneath the plating. Once the thin plated layer wears down, those underlying metals can react with skin or cause irritation for some people.
