During the Middle Ages, it was primarily used for dinnerware, such as plates and drinking vessels. Pewter had to be used for domestic household uses as it was much too soft for weapons or farm tools. Pewter can be cast very easily into intricate objects. This makes it an ideal metal for jewelry items. Base Metals Base metal is a jewelry term that applies to the metals which are plated with any electroplated finish.
Base metals are usually steel, brass, pewter or copper.
These can be cast, die-struck or formed and then electroplated to get the desired finish. Base metal jewelry items are designed to be inexpensive. Electroplated Finishes Electroplated finishes are available in many colors and compositions. The two most common colors in the jewelry trade are gold and white. This exists to make inexpensive base metals look like expensive metals, such as gold and silver.