What Does It Mean If My Jewellery Is Porous or Brittle?
If you've ever brought a piece of gold or precious metal jewellery in for repair or assessment and heard the words “this metal is porous” or “this is a bit brittle,” you might have found yourself wondering—is it broken? Is it worth less? Should I be worried?
Let’s unpack what these terms really mean and what they say about your jewellery.
Understanding Porosity in Jewellery
Porosity refers to tiny holes or air pockets that sometimes form in metal during the casting or manufacturing process. These imperfections can be microscopic or more visible depending on the severity. Porosity is especially common in cast gold jewellery or pieces made using recycled metals if not properly refined.
Causes of Porosity:
Improper casting temperatures
Metal contamination or poor alloying
Incomplete melting or gas bubbles trapped in the metal
What It Means for Your Jewellery:
Strength: Porous metal is often weaker and more prone to cracking or breakage over time, especially under stress (like ring resizing or prong work).
Polish and Finish: Porosity can affect the final polish, making it appear pitted or uneven.
Repair Challenges: During soldering or setting stones, porous areas can absorb solder or heat unevenly, leading to further complications.
What About Brittleness?
Brittle metal behaves exactly how it sounds—it’s more likely to snap than bend. This isn't typical of well-alloyed gold, which should be somewhat malleable, but it can occur in older pieces or jewellery that has been repaired or resized multiple times.
Common Causes:
Excessive wear and tear
Poor-quality alloys or high copper content in lower-karat gold
Repeated heating or overworked areas from previous repairs
Age and metal fatigue in antique or heirloom jewellery
What It Means for Your Jewellery:
Cracking: Brittle metal is more prone to cracking, particularly around thin areas like claws, shanks, or links.
Risk During Repairs: Trying to manipulate brittle metal (like opening or resizing a ring) can cause it to snap, requiring additional work or reinforcement.
Does This Mean My Jewellery Is Broken or Worth Less?
Not necessarily. Jewellery that’s porous or brittle isn’t automatically “bad” or “worthless”—but it does need to be handled with care.
Value Perspective:
Porosity or brittleness doesn’t usually affect the intrinsic value of the metal (like the gold content), but it can impact the craftsmanship or long-term durability.
For heirloom or sentimental pieces, we focus more on restoration and preservation rather than replacement.
From a repair standpoint, we may advise alternative techniques or reinforcements to maintain the integrity of your jewellery.
What Can Be Done?
At Nowlan Jewellery Co., we’re experienced in working with all kinds of metals—new and old, strong and delicate. If your piece shows signs of porosity or brittleness, we’ll:
Assess whether it can be repaired or needs reinforcement
Recommend restoration options, like rebuilding prongs or replacing worn sections
Offer custom remake options if the original structure is too compromised
Our goal is always to preserve what’s precious—whether it’s a vintage family ring or a modern favourite that needs a bit of TLC.
Final Thoughts
Porous or brittle jewellery isn’t the end of the road—it just means your piece has a story, and it might need a bit of extra care. If you've been told your jewellery shows signs of wear, or you're unsure if it’s safe to keep wearing, drop in and let us take a look. We’re here to help you understand the condition of your jewellery and find the best way to keep it shining for years to come.