Whether you’re buying a gift for a loved one or treating yourself to a luxurious high jewellery collection, one of the first things you will want to decide on is the metal colour and finish. Although many have their preferred metal and stick with just one tone, you might be at the start of your jewellery journey, or perhaps, are opting for the mixed metal look. The precious metal you decide on will depend on a range of factors including the other pieces you wear, your daily lifestyle, your fashion preferences and tastes and any other sentimental reasoning.
If you would like some advice or guidance on precious metals, get in touch with a David Morris expert or arrange a consultation in one of our worldwide boutiques.
What is a metal carat?
Not confused with the carat weight of a diamond, a metal carat is the quantity of pure gold contained in the metal, often abbreviated to ‘ct ‘ when on display or online. The level of purity is required to be stamped on the piece of jewellery, often very discreetly such as on the inside of a wedding band or on the back of a pendant necklace. Depending on your budget and preferences, there are several carats to consider when looking at precious metals.
- 9ct: crafted with 37.5% gold, the rest of the jewellery comprises other metal alloys.
- 14ct: 585 parts per thousand of pure gold. It is the preferred metal in America and mainland Europe however is not commonly used in the UK.
- 18ct: crafted with the highest content of pure gold found on the high street, 18ct metal is 750 parts per 1000 and it is hallmarked 750, making it the preferred option for engagement rings, wedding bands and eternity rings.
- 22ct: the purest form of gold available, 22ct gold is 750 parts per 1000 and it is hallmarked 750. The small percentage left over is usually mixed with copper or silver and is presented in a very yellow tone.
The different precious metals
Suitable for different situations and styles, the most common types of metals include gold, platinum, silver, rose gold and palladium, each one offering its own unique characteristics and aesthetics.
Yellow gold
Gold in its natural, untouched form is a rich yellow colour, but pure gold is too soft to be wearable and so must be mixed with other alloys so it can be formed into different products and designs.
Yellow gold doesn’t have any plating and is therefore the same colour throughout. This means it can be polished and restored thoroughly without the risk of removing its colour and retaining its quality for a lifetime.
Rose gold
Providing a unique and attractive aesthetic, this vintage-style metal is typically used for jewellery, homeware and timepieces. Its warm hue is crafted by alloying pure gold with copper, creating a colour which runs throughout and is not plated. Similar to yellow gold, rose gold is easily maintained and makes for the perfect sentimental gift.
White gold
Finished in a crisp, silver tone, white gold is created by yellow gold being mixed with whiter metals such as silver, palladium and zinc. Over the last few years, white gold alloyed with a high palladium content has become increasingly popular as this creates a hard-wearing, naturally white finish. Offering a classic, timeless finish, white gold is ideal for both occasion wear and everyday jewellery.
Platinum
Platinum is one of the most precious metals on the planet, as well as being extremely dense, malleable, and flexible. Platinum is also highly unreactive, which means it won’t tarnish over time and undergo polishing and restoring several times over. Platinum is a great option for wedding jewellery or pieces with high value or belief.
Palladium
Palladium, a member of the platinum group, is known for its exceptional durability. In the UK, it is available in two standard purities: 50% and 95%, identified by the hallmarks 500 and 950. Palladium is 40% lighter than platinum and 12% harder, making it a popular choice for men’s wedding bands.
How to choose your preferred precious metal
- Do you want to opt for one precious metal or a mixed metal look?
- Which metal type compliments your current jewellery collection?
- Do you have a personal style, fashion sense or look which one compliments more?
- What is your budget?
- How much do you want to have to maintain your jewellery?
- Consider your skin tone, hair colour and types of colours you typically wear
- Will you be layering your jewellery or are you purchasing a stand-alone, statement piece?
- Do you own any high jewellery gemstones and if so, which precious metal can be styled with those?
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