Metal Guide
The metal you choose shapes how your ring looks, feels, and ages. Here is everything you need to know.
Platinum
Our RecommendationThe rarest and most prestigious of the precious metals. Platinum's natural whiteness never requires rhodium plating and will not turn yellow over time. It is hypoallergenic and the most secure metal for stone settings — prongs do not wear as quickly as with gold alloys. Costs approximately 50% more than 18k gold.
Purity
95% pure
Colour
Naturally white, never fades
Hardness
Harder than gold, extremely durable
Best for
Everyday wear, heirloom pieces, fair or cool skin tones, allergy sufferers
Care
Re-polish every few years. Does not lose metal when scratched — scratches displace rather than remove material.
18k White Gold
18k white gold is yellow gold alloyed with white metals (typically palladium or nickel) and finished with rhodium plating to achieve a bright white appearance. Over time, the rhodium wears and a slight yellow tint may appear at the edges — this is normal and corrected with re-plating. An excellent, practical choice.
Purity
75% pure gold
Colour
White (rhodium plated)
Hardness
Durable, slightly harder than platinum due to alloy
Best for
Those who want platinum's appearance without the price premium
Care
Rhodium plating wears over time. Re-plate every 1–2 years to maintain bright white appearance.
18k Yellow Gold
18k yellow gold is 75% pure gold alloyed with copper and silver for durability. It is the most traditional metal for fine jewellery and the warmest in appearance. Yellow gold complements coloured stones — sapphires, emeralds, and rubies — exceptionally well, and pairs naturally with vintage-inspired settings.
Purity
75% pure gold
Colour
Warm golden
Hardness
Less hard than white gold alloys; prongs require monitoring
Best for
Coloured gemstones, vintage aesthetic, warm or dark skin tones, those who prefer classic jewellery
Care
Clean regularly. Check prong integrity annually. Does not require plating.
18k Rose Gold
18k rose gold is gold alloyed with copper to achieve its distinctive pink warmth. It has become increasingly popular over the past decade for its romantic, modern quality. The copper content makes it marginally more durable than yellow gold. Rose gold is exceptionally flattering across all skin tones — arguably the most universally flattering metal choice.
Purity
75% pure gold
Colour
Pink/warm rose
Hardness
Slightly harder than yellow gold (copper content)
Best for
Contemporary brides, those who appreciate a romantic aesthetic, all skin tones
Care
Clean regularly. Copper content means some individuals with sensitive skin may notice minor reactions.
14k Gold (any colour)
14k gold contains 58.5% pure gold, compared to 75% for 18k. It is more durable and less expensive, and is the most common choice in the United States. The colour appears slightly less rich than 18k. For those with active lifestyles or those who prefer maximum durability, 14k is an excellent practical choice.
Purity
58.5% pure gold
Colour
White, yellow, or rose
Hardness
More durable than 18k due to higher alloy content
Best for
Active lifestyles, US market preference, maximum durability at a lower price point
Care
Same as 18k equivalent.