TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveCollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal Modern
With gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
A Chris Ploof ring featuring diamonds set in Modern Electrum with a milgrain row pattern ($1,325). Modern Electrum, made by Italy-based metal company Legor, is a recreation of the naturally occurring alloy—electrum—that was used by the ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks and Turks.
Leominster, Mass.—Chris Ploof’s latest collection, “Modern Electrum,” is the first jewelry line to feature a newly created alloy by the same name.
Modern Electrum is a modern interpretation of electrum, a naturally occurring blend of gold and silver that was used in the ancient world.
The Egyptians used electrum atop their pyramids and obelisks, and electrum coins were traded by the Turks, Greeks, and Romans until the Romans banned its use in the 1st century AD in favor of pure gold and pure silver.
These electrum coins can be found in museums today.
The modern alloy was created and patented by Italy-based metal company Legor, who was tasked by Diamonds de Canada with recreating the historical alloy.
In the process, metallurgists discovered that the original composition also included platinum group metals.
Modern Electrum is composed of gold, silver, palladium, and platinum.
It does not use nickel or copper and is a non-tarnishing metal.
It is priced at $650 an ounce.
This competes with other precious metals as gold reached $4,540, platinum hit $1,960, and silver sat at $76 as of press time.
Modern Electrum is a modern interpretation of electrum, a naturally occurring blend of gold and silver that was used in the ancient world.
The Egyptians used electrum atop their pyramids and obelisks, and electrum coins were traded by the Turks, Greeks, and Romans until the Romans banned its use in the 1st century AD in favor of pure gold and pure silver.
These electrum coins can be found in museums today.
The modern alloy was created and patented by Italy-based metal company Legor, who was tasked by Diamonds de Canada with recreating the historical alloy.
In the process, metallurgists discovered that the original composition also included platinum group metals.
Modern Electrum is composed of gold, silver, palladium, and platinum.
It does not use nickel or copper and is a non-tarnishing metal.
It is priced at $650 an ounce.
This competes with other precious metals as gold reached $4,540, platinum hit $1,960, and silver sat at $76 as of press time.
The “Jiangyin” ring with diamonds from Diamonds de Canada in Modern Electrum ($1,527)
The “Reliquary” pendant in Modern Electrum ($1,065)
A Modern Electrum ring featuring a ridged center groove ($993)
The “Yanone” pendant in Modern Electrum ($695)
The “Parth” ring made in Modern Electrum cut on an antique rose engine lathe ($1,078)
Ploof was chosen as the first American designer to create jewelry with Modern Electrum for his metalsmithing skills, the brand said.
“I have always been a metal lover, but the story of Modern Electrum, with its incredible properties and its unique provenance, really excites me,” said Ploof.
“Legor’s new alloy recreates the ancient alloy with a proprietary blend of silver, gold, and platinum metals like palladium. It does not tarnish, corrode, or rust. It has a beautiful warmth to it and an energy that is palpable.”
Ploof continued, “This new collection offers the right price at the right time, without sacrificing preciousness, beauty, or value.”
The Modern Electrum collection retails from $935 to $2,195.
It includes rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants in Modern Electrum, with some styles accented by Diamonds de Canada’s diamonds from the Gahcho Kué mine that have a natural florescence.
Diamonds de Canada CEO Benjamin King said, “Natural diamonds with a naturally occurring ancient alloy combine to create a meaningful story for the modern consumer, offering attractive new price points and a cachet as brilliant as the diamonds themselves.”
Ploof also noted that he’s already seen consumers’ positive response to the collection.
Ploof’s Modern Electrum collection is slated to debut during Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week.
It will be exhibited at the CBG Show from May 26-27 at Ceasars Palace in the “Curated Designer Project” area.
It can also be seen at JCK from May 29 to June 1 in the Endless Designs booth #10055.
Modern Electrum, the alloy, will be available to other manufacturers in the future.
While Ploof’s collection uses the alloy with a white finish, it was developed with specific electroplating cycles and can also be finished in yellow.
For more information on the alloy, visit the Legor website.
To learn more about Ploof and see his forging work, watch his YouTube series produced by Severine Ferrari of Engagement 101, “Conversations with Chris Ploof,” here.
More on Collections
The Latest
Policies & IssuesOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-GrabsThe alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ CampaignIn the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMOFGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 06, 2026
JIS Fall Returns to MiamiThe 2026 edition will feature presentations on alternative materials and design trends, as well as pop-up activations on the show floor.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
