What is Pewter?


The basics of pewter as a precious metal.

0

In the last few years there has been a pleasant revival of popular interest in pewter, a two metal alloy consisting of 65-80% tin and 20-35% lead.

In early New England most of the pewter used was shipped from England, the chief pewter designer Paul Revere worked.

The one kind of pewter most used is called Brittania metal. It consists of 92% tin, 5% antimony, 3% copper - with no lead. You should consider making pewter purchases from a reliable jeweler or merchant if the items are to be used for food or drink.

A high tin content is necessary when making food vessels formed of pewter. If this isn't done the alloy will produce lead crystals as the molten metal cools - and these crystals can mix with food acids to corrode the metal, contaminate food, and cause lead poisoning.


Dr. Gerald Wykoff GG CSM

Dr. Gerald Wykoff is GG (Graduate Gemologist), a CSM (Certified Supreme Master gemcutter), educator, and author of several gemology books. He founded the American Society of Gemcutters in the 1980s and served for more than 10 years as the editor of its monthly magazine, American Gemcutter.

Related Articles

More Articles

Relationship Between the Price of Gold and the Price of Your Jewelry

Understanding how the price of an underlying jewelry metal, such as gold, impacts the price of your finished jewelry.
Read More

Underkarating Fraud in the Jewelry Trade

Underkarating is a fraudulent practice whereby a jeweler represents a piece of jewelry or gold as containing more precious metal...
Read More

Skin Discoloration by Gold and Other Jewelry Metals

Why your skin gets discolored by certain jewelry metals, and what you can do about it.
Read More
Jewelry Silver Contentcuff bracelet</a> by Navajo artist <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/pewter/"https://www.shopgarlands.com/collections/michael-perry">Michael Perry</a>, featuring a turquoise center stone and coral accents. Photo courtesy of <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/pewter/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/">liveauctioneers.com and <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/pewter/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/306/clars-auction-gallery/">Clars Auction Gallery</a>." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Jewelry Silver Content

For jewelry use, silver is often mixed with other metals. Learn how silver content varies between alloys and how to...
Read More

Latest Articles

More Articles
Classic Engagement Ring StonesPastel purple sapphire</a>, 1.08 cts, 5.8 mm, round cut, Sri Lanka. © <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/pewter/"https://www.thegemtrader.com/">The Gem Trader</a>. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Classic Engagement Ring Stones

Emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond are the most popular choices for classic engagement ring stones. Learn more about these traditional...
Read More
Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Is fei cui a better term for "pyroxene jade" than jadeite? Jeffery Bergman reviews Broken Bangle, a new book on...
Read More
Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry InformationJoel E. Arem</a>, PhD, FGA. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

One of the rarest of all facetable gems, cut cuprites can show magnificent deep red color. However, these beautiful stones...
Read More
Gemstone Radiation TreatmentPhoto courtesy of <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/pewter/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/">liveauctioneers.com and <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/pewter/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/1081/eros-auctions-inc/">Eros Auctions, Inc</a>." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Gemstone Radiation Treatment

Gemstone radiation is a common but little understood technique for altering colors. Learn how it works and what gems usually...
Read More

Never Stop Learning

When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.

Become a Member

Get Gemology Insights

Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!