Hallmark

Confused over what metal to choose for your ring?

One of the most commonly question asked is the usually the difference between the metal choices. This could be important for whether you are choosing an engagement, wedding or eternity ring. Choosing your metal is just as crucial as choosing your ring as this could reflect the look as well as the price.

What are the metal choices you have?
We do 9k, 18k, platinum 950 and palladium 950.

What are the main differences with these metals?

9K and 18K gold - There are 24 parts to a gold alloy, with each being 1 karat. 9K gold contains 37.5% pure gold and 18k gold contains 75% pure gold with the rest alloyed with different metals. The higher the gold content, the higher the value of the item.

Cons - Gold is available in white, yellow and rose and the option of two and three tone is available.
Pros - As white gold is not pure white metal, they combine white metals with yellow gold, however this does not give it the white finish it requires therefore a coating of rhodium is added. Every few years white gold will need to be re-plated over time to maintain the whiteness in the metal once the rhodium wears off.

Platinum 950 - Thirty times rarer than gold, platinum 950 contain 95% pure platinum with extra alloys to harden the metal. It is the heaviest of the precious metals and is known to be 'the king of metals'.

Cons - As platinum is very dense, it does not lose metal when it is scratched on another surface unlike gold, platinum will displace instead. The metal requires low maintenance as it is made of pure white metal therefore it will not change colour, rust or corrode.
Pros - Platinum is a highly respected metal and is the most expensive out of all metals.

Palladium 950 - Palladium is a member of the platinum family however it is substantially lighter than platinum. Palladium is twenty times rarer than gold as is also the newest metals in the jewellery industry.

Cons - Like platinum the metal does not require any rhodium plating as it is 95% pure white metal. The price is also much cheaper compared to platinum if you require a ring with low maintenance.
Pros - Palladium is very light. As it is one of the newest metals, little testing has been done, not all retailers stock palladium and is less well known compared to gold and platinum.

I'm still unsure, how do I decide on whichmetal?

There are many factors to decide on what metal to choose. We personally believe budget is a good starting point to figure out what metal is suitable.
If it is to match your engagement ring then it is advisable to choose the same metal as your existing ring so the colour of the metal is the same tone. If you want to go for yellow, rose, two tone or three tone rings then you have an option of 9k or 18k gold. If you want a low maintenance ring to wear everyday without needing to rhodium plate it then palladium or platinum is the best option.

How can I confirm my ring metal?

It is required by law under the hallmarking Act 1973 for all rings sold in the UK to be hallmarked, this will confirm the metal. However, hallmarking is not simply an engraved number i.e PT950 on your ring, it is a recognised hallmark done by the Assay office. We hallmark all of our rings and they can be distinguished by:

Hallmarking

Which metal is best for scratch resistance?
All precious metal will end up scratching depending on your day to day wear. We advise to take off your ring if you are doing manual labour or working on any rough duties. To brighten up your ring to make it look sparkling brand new again, refinishing is available.