Material

Choosing the best jewellery material for everyday wear depends on balancing the look and feel of a piece against your skin. For most people, gold and silver remain the favourite options, timeless precious metals that hold their shine and resist tarnishing.

If you prefer something lighter or more contemporary, ceramic and other eco-friendly jewellery materials like leather and silk can also be excellent options. Ceramic jewellery is scratch resistant, and when paired with our Australian grown saltwater pearls brings a warmth that elevates everyday style.

At Pearls of Australia, we focus on everyday wear as well as sustainability. Our pearls are ethically cultivated in pristine marine waterways, making them an ideal choice for conscious customers seeking sustainable jewellery materials that can be worn daily without losing their lustre.

When durability is the priority, look for dense, stable precious metals. Gold is one of the strongest everyday metals because it is resistant to tarnish, especially in higher purities like 18ct gold. Sterling silver is also durable, though it make need an occasional polish and rhodium plating to keep its surface looking bright.

For those wanting the look of gold but with sterling silver as its base metal, then we suggest opting for gold vermeil pearl jewellery. Our modern ceramic jewellery pieces are becoming increasingly popular as well. These pieces are lightweight and scratch resistant. Neoprene jewellery is also a durable choice for pearl jewellery.

Australian South Sea and Akoya pearls are more resilient than many people expect. When paired with precious metals or modern materials like ceramic and neoprene, they offer longevity while still feeling elevated. This makes pearls jewellery an excellent contender for anyone seeking both beauty and strength in the materials they wear every day.

The best metal depends on your needs.

Gold remains the most universally trusted option thanks to its natural resistance to tarnish and options in tones from yellow, to white and rose gold.

Silver provides a bright, contemporary look at a more accessible price point, making it perfect for everyday jewellery.

When selecting metals for pieces like pearl pendants, earrings or rings, you'll want to focus on metals that complement the organic beauty of pearls. Both gold and silver pair beautifully with Australian pearls.

For customers seeking responsible jewellery choices, we love to share that our pearl jewellery is a sustainable choice, as we use recycled precious metals as well as our own pearls grown at our Cygnet Bay and Broken Bay pearl farms - sustainably cultivated through environmentally respectful aquaculture.

These options ensure you're choosing materials that are not only long-lasting but also kind to our planet.