Comparing Metals

Platinum

Aesthetics

Platinum is a natural silvery white colour with a beautiful polished finish. It is also hypoallergenic, which makes it very suitable for jewellery.

Durability

Platinum jewellery is 95% pure platinum. It needs very little maintenance as it is harder and less malleable than gold. It does not tarnish and is resistant to corrosion.

Pricing

Platinum is the most valuable of the precious metals. This is because it is sought after due to its durability and beautiful appearance.

9ct / 18ct White Gold

Aesthetics

White gold has a similar appearance to platinum which makes it another great choice for jewellery. White gold is often rhodium plated, providing a brighter finish, however this may not be suitable for people with a nickel allergy. Non-plated 18ct or 9ct white gold varies slightly in colour due to variable gold content, with 9ct appearing whiter and brighter.

Durability

Non-plated 18ct white gold, although more precious, is softer than 9ct white gold, due to the higher gold content (75%). 9ct white gold is more durable. Rhodium plated white gold rings need to be re-plated every one to two years, to maintain their colour.

Pricing

White gold is more affordable than platinum. It does however require more maintenance, so may involve more costs longer term.

9ct / 18ct Yellow Gold

Aesthetics

Yellow gold possesses the rich colour that gold is well known for, with a gleaming finish. 18ct yellow gold has a brighter yellow/gold shade than 9ct yellow gold, due to the higher percentage gold content.

Durability

18ct yellow gold is 75% fine gold, (with 25% alloys that are added to strengthen the metal and make it suitable for everyday wear). 9ct yellow gold is 37.5% fine gold, which makes it more durable. 18ct yellow gold, although more precious, is softer than 9ct yellow gold, due to the higher gold content.

Pricing

Yellow gold is more affordable than platinum. It is of a similar value to white and rose gold.

9ct / 18ct Rose Gold

Aesthetics

Rose gold is a beautiful alloy of gold combined with copper. This creates a lustrous blush-pink tone. 9ct rose gold is pinker in comparison with 18ct rose gold, which appears more yellow.

Durability

18ct rose gold is 75% fine gold, (with 25% alloys that are added to strengthen the metal and make it suitable for everyday wear). 9ct rose gold is 37.5% fine gold, which makes it more durable. 18ct rose gold, although more precious, is softer than 9ct rose gold, due to the higher gold content.

Pricing

Rose gold is more affordable than platinum. It is of a similar value to white and yellow gold.

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