Gold comes in different carats, which indicate the percentage of pure gold in the metal.
- 9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold, making it a more affordable option.
- 18ct gold contains 75% pure gold, offering a more luxurious choice.
To learn more about the differences between these carats, check out Jacomien’s explainer video.
Gold is also available in three distinct colours—yellow, rose, and white gold—which we’ll explore in more detail below.
A True Classic: Yellow gold has been the gold standard for jewellery for centuries. Its rich, warm tone is achieved through the addition of copper, zinc, and silver. This metal remains a timeless choice, particularly for engagement rings, where it continues to hold a special place in tradition.
Ease of Maintenance: Yellow gold is relatively easy to care for. With occasional cleaning and polishing, your yellow gold jewellery can maintain its bright and shiny appearance for years.
Enduring Appeal: While trends come and go, yellow gold’s appeal never fades. It’s a metal that will always be associated with elegance and luxury, offering a classic look that suits any occasion.
Why Choose Yellow Gold?
Yellow gold is the perfect metal for those who value tradition and timeless beauty. Its rich history and association with luxury make it an excellent choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, or any piece of fine jewellery.
Contemporary Elegance: White gold is a popular choice for those who prefer a sleek, modern look. It offers the luxurious feel of gold with a bright, white finish achieved through the addition of metals like nickel, palladium, or silver, and is often plated with rhodium for added shine and durability.
Maintenance: While white gold has a brilliant white hue, its rhodium plating can wear over time. To maintain its lustrous appearance, white gold jewellery may require re-plating every few years. However, with regular care, white gold remains a stunning option for any occasion.
Price/Maintenance Tip: If you're considering 18ct white gold, platinum is worth exploring as an alternative. It's more durable, requires less upkeep (no need for rhodium plating), and is currently priced similarly to white gold.
Why Choose White Gold?
White gold is perfect for those who want a modern, sophisticated look without the premium price tag of platinum. It’s ideal for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other pieces that require a versatile, elegant finish.
Its captivating rosy-red hue comes from the copper mixed with gold, giving it a romantic and vintage appeal that stands out from traditional yellow and white gold options.
Easily Maintainable: One of the most attractive features of rose gold is its low maintenance. With just occasional cleaning and polishing, your rose gold jewellery will maintain its soft, luxurious glow for years.
Versatile Appeal: Rose gold’s warm and subtle colour compliments a wide range of skin tones, making it a favourite for people of all complexions. Its versatility means it works beautifully with other metals and stones, allowing for endless design possibilities.
Durability: Thanks to its copper content, rose gold is strong and durable, ideal for everyday wear. It can handle the demands of daily life without losing its shine or shape.
Allergy-Friendly: For those with sensitive skin, rose gold is a great option. It is less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to costume jewellery made from brass or pure copper, making it a more comfortable and safe choice for many.
Why Choose Rose Gold?
Rose gold offers a unique combination of elegance, strength, and warmth. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring or a statement piece, this metal provides a romantic alternative to standard gold, without requiring intensive upkeep. Plus, its hypoallergenic properties make it a safe choice for sensitive skin.
Naturally White: Platinum is an exquisite choice for those who want a dazzlingly bright and white metal. Unlike white gold, which requires rhodium plating, platinum's natural colour remains vibrant without additional treatments.
Strength & Durability: Known for its strength, platinum is much rarer and heavier than gold, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a durable engagement ring or jewellery piece that can withstand daily wear.
Low Maintenance: Since platinum is not rhodium-plated, it requires much less maintenance than white gold. Its inherent hardness means it can handle excessive wear without needing frequent touch-ups, which is a significant advantage for those looking for a long-lasting investment.
Value & Hypoallergenic: Though platinum can be more expensive due to its rarity, it holds its value exceptionally well. With gold prices fluctuating, platinum is now often in the same price range as 18ct white gold, making it a strong contender for those looking to invest in a premium metal. Platinum is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it one of the safest options for individuals with sensitive skin.
Why Choose Platinum?
For those looking for a rare, long-lasting, and low-maintenance option, platinum is an ideal choice. Its durability and striking appearance make it worth the investment, especially for engagement rings and luxury jewellery.
Classic Appeal: Sterling silver is a good choice for fine jewellery due to its affordable price and timeless beauty. Made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper), sterling silver has a bright, white shine that makes it a alternative to more expensive precious metals used for luxury jewellery items like wedding rings or heirloom jewellery.
Care & Maintenance: Sterling silver requires regular care to avoid tarnishing, but with proper cleaning and storage, it will maintain its luster and elegance for years.
Sterling silver is an affordable option for everyday wear jewellery but it is not however an ideal metal type for engagement rings or wedding rings due to its softness.
Why Choose Sterling Silver?
For those who want a beautiful, versatile metal at a more affordable price point for everyday jewellery, sterling silver is an excellent choice. Its classic look and adaptability make it perfect for everyday pieces.
When it comes to selecting the right metal for your jewellery, it’s all about finding the balance between beauty, durability, and personal preference. Rose gold offers a romantic, versatile option, while platinum shines as the rare, hypoallergenic choice. Meanwhile, yellow gold remains the timeless classic, cherished for its warmth and enduring appeal. For those seeking a sleek, modern option, white gold offers elegance without compromising on style. Sterling silver, with its affordability and classic charm, presents a beautiful option for any jewellery lover looking for quality at a lower price point when purchasing everyday jewellery.
