Metal Guide
Find Out About The Precious Metals We Use To Create Your Jewellery
After Diamonds jewellery is a precious investment that requires proper care and attention to keep it looking as stunning as the day you bought it.
To ensure your jewellery remains in excellent condition, we recommend cleaning it regularly, storing it properly, and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
We're committed to helping you keep your jewellery looking its best for years to come. Click the link below to learn more about our expert guides and tips for caring for your precious jewellery and ensuring it stays beautiful for a lifetime.
Metals Compared:
Comparing Precious Metals
Choosing the Right Metal for Your Jewellery:
When it comes to selecting the perfect metal for your jewellery, there are several factors to consider, including the colour, durability, and price of the metal.
The four most popular precious metals used in fine jewellery are yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum. We have prepared a comparison of each to help you choose the best metal for your needs.
Yellow Gold: Yellow gold is a classic choice for jewellery and has been used for centuries. This warm, rich colour is created by mixing pure gold with other metals, such as copper and silver. Yellow gold is durable and does not tarnish, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear. It is also relatively affordable compared to other precious metals, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery pieces.
White Gold: White gold is a popular alternative to yellow gold and has a silvery-white appearance. It is made by mixing pure gold with white metals, such as palladium and silver. White gold is durable and resistant to scratches, making it a great choice for everyday wear. However, it does require occasional maintenance to maintain its shine and brightness.
Rose Gold: Rose gold is a unique and romantic choice for jewellery, with its warm pink hue created by adding copper to pure gold. It is durable and long lasting, making it a great choice for engagement rings and other jewellery pieces. However, rose gold may not be as versatile as yellow or white gold due to its unique colour.
Platinum: Platinum is a premium precious metal that is durable, hypoallergenic, and naturally white in colour. It is one of the most expensive precious metals, but its durability and rarity make it an excellent choice for high-end jewellery. Platinum is also very dense and heavy, which adds to its luxurious feel.
Each precious metal has its own unique properties and advantages, making them suitable for different types of jewellery and personal styles. We offer a range of jewellery pieces in all of these precious metals, and our knowledgeable team is always available to help you choose the perfect metal for your needs. Whether you prefer the warmth of yellow gold, the elegance of white gold, the romance of rose gold, or the luxury of platinum, we have the perfect piece of jewellery for you.
Choosing the Right Metal for Your Jewellery
Both platinum and gold are beautiful and popular choices for jewellery. Platinum is more durable, naturally white, and hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for engagement rings and other high-end jewellery. Gold, on the other hand, comes in a variety of colours, is more affordable, and is a great choice for everyday jewellery. Ultimately, the choice between platinum and gold comes down to personal preference and budget. Whatever your choice may be, we offer a wide range of high-quality pieces in both platinum and gold to suit any style and occasion.
Comparing 9k and 18k Gold: Which is Right for You?
Gold is a popular choice for jewellery due to its beauty, durability, and rarity. However, not all gold is created equal. The purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24k being the purest form of gold. 24k gold is rarely used in jewellery because it is soft and susceptible to damage in normal wear.
9K And 18K Gold Compared
9k Gold: 9k gold contains 37.5% pure gold and is mixed with other metals, such as copper and silver, to create a stronger and more durable alloy. 9k gold is a popular choice for everyday jewellery as it is more affordable than higher-karat gold and can withstand everyday wear and tear.
One of the major benefits of 9k gold is its durability. The addition of other metals makes the alloy stronger and less prone to bending or scratching.
18k Gold: 18k gold contains 75% pure gold and is mixed with other metals, such as copper and silver, to create a more durable and wearable alloy. 18k gold is considered a high-quality choice for fine jewellery due to its high gold content.
One of the benefits of 18k gold is its purity. The higher percentage of pure gold gives 18k gold a rich, warm colour that is highly sought after in fine jewellery. Additionally, 18k gold is less likely to cause allergic reactions than lower karat gold as it contains a lower proportion of base metals.
Both 9k and 18k gold have their benefits depending on your needs and preferences. If you're looking for an affordable and durable option for everyday jewellery, 9k gold is an excellent choice. If you're looking for a higher quality and more luxurious option for fine jewellery, 18k gold is the way to go.
Ultimately, choosing between 9k and 18k gold comes down to your style and budget. We offer a range of both 9k and 18k gold jewellery, all of which have been carefully crafted to ensure the highest quality and beauty.
Platinum vs Gold: What's the Difference?
Platinum and gold are the most popular precious metals in fine jewellery. Both metals have unique qualities that make them appealing to different consumers. Here is a comparison of platinum and gold to help you decide which metal is right for you:
Durability: Platinum is a denser and stronger metal than gold, making it more durable and resistant to scratches and damage. Conversely, gold is a softer metal and is more prone to scratching and bending.
Colour: Platinum is naturally white and has a cool, silvery hue that complements diamonds and other gemstones. Gold, on the other hand, comes in a variety of colours, including yellow, white, and rose. Yellow gold is the most popular and traditional option for jewellery.
Purity: Platinum is a very pure metal and is typically 95-98% pure, while gold is often alloyed with other metals to make it stronger and more durable. Gold is measured in karats, with 24-karat gold being the purest form of the metal. Most jewellery sold in the UK uses either 9 or 18k gold.
Value: Platinum is rarer than gold and is typically more expensive.
Hypoallergenic: Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. Lower karat gold may contain allergens, which can cause skin irritation. In the UK, even 9k gold does not contain nickel which can cause allergic reactions, but some people are sensitive to the copper used in gold alloys.
Silver vs Gold or Platinum
Comparing Silver, Gold, and Platinum: Which Precious Metal is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing precious metals for your jewellery, there are three popular options: silver, gold, and platinum. Each metal has its own unique characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks that are worth considering before making a decision.
Silver is an affordable and popular option for jewellery due to its lustrous and shiny appearance. However, silver is not always the best choice for everyday wear because it is not as durable as gold or platinum. Silver jewellery can easily scratch, bend, or tarnish over time, making it less suitable for long-term use.
Gold is a timeless and classic metal that has been used in jewellery for centuries. The purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24 karats being the purest form of gold. While pure gold is soft and malleable, it is often alloyed with other metals like copper or silver to improve its durability and strength. Most gold jewellery sold in the UK will be either 9 or 18k. Gold jewellery is highly versatile and can be worn with any outfit, making it a popular choice for both casual and formal occasions.
Platinum is a durable and luxurious metal that is often associated with high-end jewellery. Platinum is heavier and denser than gold and highly resistant to wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for engagement rings and other jewellery pieces that are worn daily. Platinum is also naturally white, which means it will not tarnish or fade over time or need recoating, as is the case with white gold, and it is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
When choosing a precious metal for your jewellery, consider your personal style, budget, and the intended use of the jewellery. While silver may be an affordable option, it may not be the most durable or long-lasting choice. Gold is a classic and versatile choice, while platinum offers durability and luxury.
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