Jewellery Metals Guide
What Does Carat Mean in Jewellery?
When talking about gold jewellery, carat refers to how much pure gold is contained in the metal. This is different from the carat weight of a diamond or gemstone, which measures weight rather than purity.
In the UK, gold purity is usually written as ct, while in other countries you may also see K. Gold jewellery is commonly stamped with a hallmark that shows its purity, often in a discreet place such as the inside of a ring band, on a clasp, or on the back of a pendant. The higher the carat, the greater the proportion of pure gold in the piece. This usually means a richer colour and higher value, while lower carat golds tend to be stronger, more durable, and better suited to everyday wear.
9ct Gold
Hallmark: 375
9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold, with the remaining 62.5% made up of other metals such as silver, copper, or zinc. These added alloys strengthen the gold, making it a practical and durable choice for jewellery that is worn regularly.
14ct Gold
Hallmark: 585
14ct gold is made up of 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% alloy metals. This gives it a richer gold tone than 9ct gold while still offering very good strength and durability for regular wear.
Hallmark: 750
18ct gold contains 75% pure gold, making it one of the most premium and sought-after choices in fine jewellery. The remaining 25% is made up of alloy metals, which help improve strength while preserving the rich appearance of the gold.
Hallmark: 916
22ct gold contains 91.6% pure gold, making it one of the purest forms of gold used in jewellery. Only a small amount of alloy is added, usually to improve the metal’s strength and wearability.
Metal Guide
Every jewellery metal has its own unique character, from colour and shine to weight, durability, and care requirements. Whether you prefer the timeless richness of gold, the bright elegance of sterling silver, or the premium strength of platinum, understanding the differences can help you choose a piece that suits both your style and your everyday wear.
9ct Gold
9ct gold is a durable alloy made from 37.5% pure gold combined with 62.5% strengthening metals. This blend gives it a soft, understated gold tone while making it more resistant to scratching and wear than higher-purity gold.
Its excellent durability makes it one of the most practical choices for jewellery worn every day, including rings, chains, pendants, and bracelets. As it contains a lower proportion of pure gold, 9ct gold is also one of the most affordable ways to enjoy genuine gold jewellery without compromising on quality.
For customers looking for a balance of beauty, resilience, and value, 9ct gold remains a timeless and dependable choice. It offers the prestige of real gold with the added benefit of strength, making it ideal for pieces designed to be loved and worn often.
14ct Gold
14ct gold contains 58.5% pure gold, giving it a noticeably richer tone than 9ct gold while still offering excellent durability. It is a popular choice for those who want a more luxurious colour without moving to the higher softness and price of 18ct gold.
Its balance of strength, purity, and appearance makes it ideal for jewellery that is worn frequently. 14ct gold works beautifully across rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, offering a premium finish that still feels practical for everyday life.
For many, 14ct gold is the perfect middle ground. It delivers more of the warmth and prestige associated with fine gold jewellery while remaining durable enough for regular wear and lasting enjoyment.
18ct Gold
18ct gold is made from 75% pure gold, giving it a rich colour, luxurious feel, and elevated finish. Its high gold content creates a depth of tone that is especially beautiful in yellow gold and rose gold jewellery.
This is a classic fine jewellery choice for pieces that are designed to be treasured for years to come. 18ct gold feels more premium than lower carat options and is often chosen for meaningful jewellery such as engagement rings, wedding bands, and special gifts.
Although it is slightly softer than 9ct or 14ct gold, it still offers good durability when worn and cared for properly. For those seeking a more luxurious gold with timeless appeal, 18ct gold is an exceptional choice.
22ct Gold
22ct gold contains 91.6% pure gold, giving it a deeply rich, vibrant yellow colour that stands out beautifully. Its very high gold content makes it one of the most luxurious forms of gold used in jewellery.
This purity gives 22ct gold a distinctive warmth and softness that is especially prized in traditional and statement designs. It is often chosen for jewellery that celebrates heritage, craftsmanship, and occasion dressing.
As 22ct gold is softer than lower carat alloys, it is best suited to pieces that are worn with a little more care. For those who love the look of highly pure gold, 22ct offers unmatched richness and elegance.
Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest and most prestigious metals used in jewellery. Naturally white in colour, it has a bright, elegant appearance that does not require plating to maintain its tone.
Highly durable and dense, platinum is especially valued for fine jewellery and bridal pieces because of its strength and longevity. It is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it an excellent option for sensitive skin. Over time, platinum develops a soft patina that many people love for its understated, sophisticated character.
Because of its purity, weight, and rarity, platinum is often considered the ultimate luxury jewellery metal. It is ideal for pieces intended to last a lifetime and be passed on for generations.
Sterling Silver
Our sterling silver is purity stamped 925, meaning it is made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy metals. This small addition strengthens the silver, helping it hold its shape while maintaining the bright, beautiful finish sterling silver is known for.
Sterling silver is loved for its cool, luminous tone and classic versatility. It pairs effortlessly with both everyday outfits and occasionwear, making it one of the most popular choices in jewellery. It is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and timeless in style, whether in delicate minimal pieces or more statement designs.
With the right care, sterling silver retains its shine beautifully over time. It offers the look and feel of precious metal jewellery at an accessible price point, making it a perfect option for gifting, layering, and daily wear.
Gold Vermeil
Crafted for both beauty and longevity, our gold vermeil jewellery features a generous layer of 18ct gold over solid sterling silver. Vermeil uses a precious silver base, giving each piece a more luxurious feel and a higher-quality finish.
Gold vermeil offers the rich look of gold jewellery with the comfort and value of sterling silver underneath. It has a radiant, high-end appearance that makes it ideal for customers who love the warmth of gold but want a lighter, more accessible alternative to solid gold.
Because it combines precious metals with a thicker gold layer, gold vermeil is a popular choice for elegant everyday jewellery. With proper care, it can maintain its beautiful finish for a long time, making it a refined and versatile addition to any collection.