Jewellery Metals for Engagement Rings
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The best Jewellery Metals for Engagement Rings
What Jewellery metals work for engagement rings?
The Jewellery metals options open to our customer can be confusing. So here is an insight into what available to you.
An important consideration for your design is the metal your choice will be down to colour preference, durability and budget.
Gold is an ideal metal for the fabrication of jewellery, not just because of its natural beauty and lustre, but because of its resistance to oxidation and corrosion. As the most malleable and ductile of the known metals, gold is easily worked, using techniques that range from simple hammering and carving to filigreeing, granulation and millgraining.
A gift of gold has become established as an important custom throughout the world, marking occasions such as anniversaries, weddings, Valentine’s Day, Christmas and birthdays. And, of course, it is an essential part of every woman’s wardrobe.
Naturally, gold is a soft malleable metal with a rich deep yellow colour. Although beautiful, it is really too soft to be used commercially, and so is mixed with other metals to increase its durability
9ct – 9-carat gold has the lowest tensile strength. When hallmarked its carries the UK standard mark “375” – which means that the metal is 37.5% gold
14ct – 14-carat gold is mostly known as an overseas standard. When hallmarked its carries the UK standard mark “585”- which means that the metal is 58.8% gold
18ct – 18-carat gold is a very popular choice for wedding and engagement rings. When hallmarked It carries the UK standard mark “750” which denotes 75% gold
22ct – 22-carat gold is quite soft as it has very high purity. When hallmarked It carries the UK standard mark “916” which denotes 91.6% gold
Jewellery Metals Chart
Jewellery Metals Details
Platinum?
Platinum is a rare, silvery-white metal that feels heavy and luxurious to the touch.
Platinum is the hardest metal?
It is the toughest and longest-lasting of all precious metals.
Will it scratch?
No. As Platinum is not plated or coated it is extremely hard metal. However, over time, the surface of platinum gets pushed around, and it develops minuscule bumps and ridges. These tiny markings are called patina which occurs over time. Patina is considered highly desirable in platinum jewellery because it gives the item a much-loved antique feel.
Is platinum expensive?
Yes, platinum is the most expensive of all precious metals.
What are its disadvantages?
The only disadvantage of platinum is its high cost, compared to other metals like gold.
What is yellow gold?
Gold is a rare and valuable precious metal that occurs naturally and has a rich, yellow colour.
Is yellow gold high quality?
Yes. Gold is, rare and valuable. Items made from gold don’t need to be coated with other metals.
9K gold VS 18K gold
Gold comes in many purities, but the two you’ll most popular for British engagement rings are 9K and 18K.
Why is gold mixed with alloys?
Pure gold is extremely soft and it can bend out of shape easily. Therefore, Gold Bullion is mixed with harder metals, like platinum, so that your engagement ring keeps its shape.
Which is better, 18K or 9K gold?
Both 9 carat and 18-carat gold are classed as luxury metals as such both are very desirable. Depending on your budget 9-carat gold is an exceptional precious metal for an engagement and wedding ring. If you can afford it, 18K gold is the best because of its value, it also feels heavy and luxurious to the touch and offers a richer, more saturated yellow colour, compared to 9k gold
