Precious Metal Marking: Why Each Metal Behaves Differently

You can’t use the same settings for gold, silver, and platinum. Each precious metal has distinct thermal and optical properties that fundamentally change how the laser interacts with the surface.

Gold (14K, 18K, 24K)

• Thermal conductivity: High — gold dissipates heat rapidly
• Melting point: 1,064°C (pure); lower for alloys
• Laser absorption: Moderate at 1064nm; improves with surface roughness
• Typical mark: Dark annealing mark on polished gold; can achieve light foaming marks with specific parameters
• Key challenge: Overheating causes surface melting and discoloration; use lower power and faster speeds

Silver (925 Sterling, Fine Silver)

• Thermal conductivity: Highest of all precious metals — extremely rapid heat dissipation
• Melting point: 961°C (pure)
• Laser absorption: Lower than gold at 1064nm; polished silver reflects more energy
• Typical mark: Light foaming or shallow engraving; annealing marks are less contrasting than on gold
• Key challenge: Silver tarnishes — laser marks can accelerate tarnishing in the heat-affected zone

Platinum (950)

• Thermal conductivity: Lower than gold or silver — heat stays localized
• Melting point: 1,768°C — highest of the precious metals
• Laser absorption: Good at 1064nm
• Typical mark: Dark, high-contrast annealing mark
• Key challenge: High melting point requires more power; risk of surface roughening

Titanium

• Thermal conductivity: Low — heat concentrates at the mark point
• Melting point: 1,668°C
• Laser absorption: Excellent at 1064nm
• Typical mark: Dark annealing mark; MOPA lasers can produce vibrant color effects (see below)
• Key challenge: Heat concentration can cause over-marking; careful power control essential

Want to see what laser marks look like on different precious metals? [View our jewelry marking gallery →]