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Metal Guide

The metal you choose shapes how your ring looks, feels, and ages. Here is everything you need to know.

Platinum

Our Recommendation

The 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.