Zamak, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, or Sterling Silver: Which Should You Choose?

Confused about which materials to use for your jewelry projects? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! At Sun Enterprises, we offer a wide range of chains, charms, and components in different materials. Each has its own benefits, drawbacks, and ideal use cases.

Here’s a simple guide to help you choose:

Zamak: Lightweight & Affordable

What is it?
Zamak is an alloy made from zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and copper.

Pros:

Zamak is more affordable than stainless steel as well as being about 15–20% lighter than steel, making it great for large earrings or intricate charm designs. It's also easily castable into detailed shapes, making it perfect for small charms.

Cons:

Zamak is less durable in wet or harsh conditions and can tarnish or corrode with moisture or salt exposure.

Best for:

Zamak is best for beginners testing new designs or hobbyists creating non-critical or lightweight components. It can also be used for jewellery components that are not intended for heavy, long-term wear.

Aluminum: Ultra-Light & Corrosion-Resistant

What is it?
Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal, widely available and affordable.

Pros:

Aluminum is even lighter than Zamak which makes it great for large-scale projects like bracelets, necklaces, or keychains. It is also resistant to corrosion, making it longer lasting than another material like zamak. Finally, it's budget-friendly, which makes it perfect for experimentation.

Cons:

Despite all the positive things, aluminum is less stress-resistant than Zamak which can lead to breaks or dents in the design. It also tends to tarnish faster than other materials, tinting it away from it's original colour. Finally, aluminum products can leave stains as well as a metallic scent on skin when worn for long periods of time.

Best for:

Aluminum's downsides make it an ideal material for beginners learning jewelry-making who want to test new designs without a big investment. It also is perfect for larger pieces where weight matters most. 

Stainless Steel: Strong & Reliable

What is it?
A durable, chromium-rich metal that resists tarnishing and wear.

Pros:

Stainless steel is stronger and longer-lasting than Zamak or aluminum, meaning that it balances the line between affordability and durability. It is also resistant to corrosion due to it's zinc-free, high chromium content.

Cons:

Despite this, stainless steel is still prone to discoloration with prolonged exposure to chlorine, salt water, high humidity, or skin oils. 

A tip we have is to keep stainless steel jewelry looking new, you should remove it before showering, swimming, or using beauty products, as well as maintain a regular cleaning schedule. 

Best for:

Stainless steel is perfect for everyday jewelry that needs to withstand regular wear and tear. For jewellery makers, it offers affordability alongside the confidence to create jewellery that you can sell or wear long-term.

Sterling Silver 925: Timeless & Hypoallergenic

What is it?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% copper for strength (hence “925”).

Pros:

Sterling silver is considered one of the highest quality material for jewellery making. It is highly durable and resists scratching and deformation. This, alongside its brilliant shine makes it a timeless material that's perfect for intricate and long-lasting designs. Further, it is naturally hypoallergenic, perfect for sensitive skin.

Cons:

Sterling silver's positives makes it a higher costing material than other metals.

Best for:

Sterling silver is perfect for heirloom-quality or luxury pieces which must retain their lasting brilliance and elegance. It is also highly recommended for customers with sensitive skin or allergies who still want to wear beautiful jewellery.

Quick Comparison

Still not sure which material fits your needs best? Our team is always here to help you! Feel free to message while putting together your new jewellery collection to make your experience as seamless as possible.