Which Metal Is The Right One For Me?

Which Metal Is The Right Choice For My Jewellery? 

Looking to purchase some jewellery but don't know which metal is right for you? Take a look at our handy guide on the most popular metals below.
 

Platinum

Platinum is a natural occurring white metal and one of the most rarest, durable and hard wearing metals you can wear for its strength and durability on a daily basis. It doesn't rust, corrode tarnish or change colour. It's highly resistant to stress and withstands both extreme heat & cold. It is dense, malleable (moves easily) but at the same time very strong. If you or your partner is heavy handed or prone to knocking their jewellery then platinum might be the better option for you. It is also ideal for allergy sufferers as it doesn't contain any nickel. The only disadvantage to platinum is that its scarcity & exclusivity come at a price. Expect to pay 25-30% more than for gold, this is due to the rarity and the density (weight) Platinum is a lot heavier than gold and precious metals are priced on weight. Platinum has a grey undertone so will dull down within a few months of wear however will not lose any metal if knocked or scratched like gold, and when polished it will be restored to a new condition. If you prefer the idea of platinum for durability but want the added shine that white gold brings, there is a process called palnic plating where a thin rhodium coating is placed on the metal for extra shine. Palnic plating can be used individually or alongside rhodium. This palladium-based (pal-) plating contains traces of nickel (-nic) in the solution which allows the plating to better adhere to the metal. This normally lasts around 12-18 months dependant on how you look after it. For example, If you are a hairdresser or constantly subjecting the ring to certain chemicals and water it will wear away a lot faster. 

White Gold

White Gold wont rust, tarnish or corrode. It is much more malleable than platinum, so it is easier to work into fine, intricate designs.
White gold accentuates the sparkle and brilliance of diamonds as it doesn't reflect through to the stones. The purity of gold is measured in Karatage. 9k white gold is 37.5% gold and 65% other white alloys. 18k white gold is 75% gold and 25% other white alloys, this makes 9k gold stronger as gold is naturally a soft metal. White gold is pure gold generally alloyed with palladium zinc or nickel. These alloys in white gold make it stronger and more durable for jewellery. White gold jewellery (mainly rings) can become scratched when worn on a daily basis, and wear away the rhodium coating over time leaving a yellowish hue. You will need to have this re-rhodiumed to keep its white appearance however this is a very simple & quick process. 18K white gold over time has become one of the more popular choices for diamond set jewellery for its brightness and shine.  

Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold, or simply gold, is a precious metal that occurs naturally. Its a very soft metal and its purest form makes it bend easily and out of shape. Jewellers tend to mix it with harder alloy metals to make the gold more durable and keep its shape. Yellow gold has a natural warm glow and suits those with a warmer skin tone. Diamonds & gemstones set in yellow gold tend to stand out more due to the contrast and is considered more traditional compared to white gold but this is a personal preference to the buyer.   

Rose Gold

Rose Gold is a pretty and delicate blend of of pure 24k yellow gold, copper and silver. The copper and silver help to strangthen the pure gold giving it its strength and colour. Its versatility means it can be worn with both white and yellow gold to give dynamic style. Rose gold has become more popular in the recent years for its soft and romantic warm hues, and is more rare to buy in jewellery than yellow and white gold. The warm rich colours of Rose gold will never fade or tarnish. Perfect for for those who want something unique, elegant, contemporary and feminine. While rose gold is beautiful, it is not suitable for everyone. due to the copper content it might not be suitable for people who suffer with allergies.
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