Precious
Metal Guide
The metal you choose for a piece of jewellery affects far more than its colour. It influences durability, weight on the hand, suitability for sensitive skin, and what you can expect to invest. This guide walks you through every option we offer at Aardvark Jewellery.
The metal you choose for a piece of jewellery affects far more than its colour. It influences how durable it is, how heavy it feels on the hand, whether it suits sensitive skin, and what you can expect to invest. This guide walks you through the precious metals we work with at Aardvark Jewellery, so you can make a confident, informed choice.
Gold
Gold has been prized for thousands of years, and it remains the most popular precious metal for jewellery. In its purest form (24 carat), gold is too soft for everyday wear, so it is alloyed with other metals to improve its strength and alter its colour. The carat number tells you exactly how much pure gold the alloy contains.
We offer three gold purities, each with a different balance of richness, durability, and price:
9ct Gold
37.5% pure gold — the most affordable option. The higher proportion of alloy metals makes it harder and more resistant to scratches, but also makes it more brittle than other alloys. Its colour is a little lighter than higher-carat golds.
14ct Gold
58.5% pure gold — a popular middle ground that offers a richer colour than 9ct with excellent durability. It is widely used internationally and provides a good balance between quality and value.
18ct Gold
75% pure gold — the richest, most vibrant colour of the three. It has a warmer, deeper tone and is less likely to cause skin reactions because of its higher gold content. It is softer than 9ct or 14ct, but is more durable due to its lack of brittleness. It can pick up fine scratches more readily, but many people prefer the patina this creates over time.
The colour of gold depends on the metals mixed into the alloy:
Yellow Gold
Alloyed with silver and copper, retaining the classic warm golden hue. The higher the carat, the deeper the yellow.
White Gold
Alloyed with palladium and silver to produce a cool, silvery-white appearance. Most white gold jewellery is finished with a thin layer of rhodium plating to give it a bright, reflective surface. This plating can wear over time and may need reapplying every few years, depending on wear.
Rose Gold
Alloyed with a higher proportion of copper, giving it a distinctive warm, pinkish tone. Rose gold has grown in popularity for its romantic, contemporary look and tends to complement a wide range of skin tones.
Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest precious metals and has been a hallmark of fine jewellery for over a century. At Aardvark Jewellery, we work with 950 platinum, meaning the alloy is 95% pure platinum — significantly purer than even 18ct gold.
It is exceptionally durable and naturally white, so it never needs rhodium plating to maintain its colour. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for anyone with sensitive skin or metal allergies.
Platinum’s longevity means it is often the most cost-effective choice over a lifetime of wear. It does not lose material — it simply moves, developing a soft, satiny patina that many of our customers grow to love.
Platinum is denser than gold, so a platinum ring will feel noticeably heavier on the finger — something many people find reassuring and luxurious. Over time, platinum develops a soft, satiny patina rather than losing material. A quick polish from your jeweller will restore its original mirror finish whenever you like.
Because of its rarity, density, and the skill required to work with it, platinum carries a higher price point than gold. However, its longevity means it is often the most cost-effective choice over a lifetime of wear.
Metal Comparison at a Glance
Every metal has its own character. Here is a quick summary to help you compare:
Durability
Platinum and 18ct gold are the most durable. 9 and 14ct are harder and therefore more scratch resistant, but are slightly more brittle.
Weight
Platinum is the heaviest, followed by gold (which varies slightly by carat).
Hypoallergenic
Platinum is naturally hypoallergenic. Gold (especially 18ct) is also well tolerated and we never use alloys, such as nickel, that can cause a reaction.
Price Range
9ct gold is the most affordable, followed by 14ct, 18ct gold, and platinum at the top. Prices fluctuate with the precious metals market.
Maintenance
White gold may need periodic rhodium replating. Yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum require only occasional cleaning and polishing.
Caring for Your Metal
All precious metals benefit from a little care. Remove jewellery before using household chemicals, gardening, or exercising. Clean your pieces regularly with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and store them separately to avoid scratches.
For white gold, keep an eye on the rhodium plating — when it begins to look slightly yellow or dull, bring it to us for a quick replate. For platinum, a professional polish will restore the original finish in minutes.
For more detailed advice, see our complete jewellery care guide.
Key Takeaways
Gold is versatile — available in three carats and three colours to suit every style and budget.
Platinum is forever — the purest, most durable option that never needs replating.
White gold needs upkeep — rhodium plating wears over time and will need periodic reapplication.
Consider your lifestyle — durability, weight, and maintenance all matter for pieces you’ll wear every day.