Aluminium is light and the most abundant of metallic elements. Aluminium does not rust and varies from silvery to dull grey, depending on the surface harshness. Valued for its versatility, the metal has become increasingly popular within the fashion market for both formal and informal wear. As aluminium does not occur uncombined in nature like gold and copper, it was unknown as a metal until the 1820's. Slowly, refining was perfected until commercially viable methods were invented at the end of the 1880's. Until then, aluminium was in very limited supply, rivalling gold in value. The metal derives its name from alumen, the Latin name for alum.

Aluminium brooch by Jo Hayes-Ward