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Pewter Jewelry

Pewter jewelry is traditionally between 85 and 99 percent tin. The remainder of the metal alloy may consist of copper, antimony, or bismuth. These work as hardeners. Lower grades may make use of lead. This creates a bluish tint.

Modern pewter jewelry rarely utilizes lead, however. Older items which included lead are generally heavier and tarnish much more quickly. Newer pewter still may become tarnished. However, it is much easier to clean under this circumstance.

Pewter jewelry was significantly more popular in earlier times. The material was commonly used for church-related items the Middle Ages until the 18th or 19th century. Around this time, glass-making techniques developed. Many of the items originally created with pewter were now being created with glass. Today, this material is primarily used for decorative purposes only.

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