The metal that suits you best is also, quite simply, the metal you prefer.  Read on for some basic information about each of your metal options or feel free to contact us via email.   One of our knowledgable consultants will help you select the metal that's right for you.

Gold & White Gold

Gold is a favourite metal of jewelers because of its beauty and malleability.  It is timeless. 

Gold content is measured in karats and the higher the karat, the greater its gold content and price.  With the exception of pure gold, gold is alloyed (i.e. mixed) with one or more metals such as copper, silver, zinc and nickel to reduce its cost and alter its hardness and color.  The K number specifies how many parts, by weight, of pure gold is contained in 24 parts of the alloy.  The amount of pure gold in the various karat options are as follows:

10k = 41.7% pure gold (10/24)

12k = 50.0% pure gold (12/24)

14k = 58.3% pure gold (14/24)

18k = 75.0% pure gold (18/24)

22k = 91.7% pure gold (22/24)

24k = 100% pure gold (24/24)

These percentages of pure gold are true whether it is white or yellow gold we are speaking of.

What gives white gold its white colour is the fact that, in the final stages of its manufacturing, it is plated with rhodium, a shiny hard & durable white metal.  (In time, the plating may wear and this is why it is not unusual to hear of individuals re-plating their white gold rings every 12 - 18 months, depending on wear).  White gold can enhance colorless diamonds while the reflection of yellow gold can help mask the tint of yellowish diamonds by making the diamond look brighter. 

The two most common weights of gold are 14K & 18K.

14K or 18K?

18K rings are 3/4 pure gold while 14K rings are just over 1/2 pure gold.

Because of their higher gold content, the 18K rings are more expensive.  They are also less likely to cause allergic reactions than 14K rings because less metals are used in them. 
 
14K rings, because of their higher 'other metal' content are more affordable.  And, again because of their make up, they are often stronger and wear better. 

In our experience, engaged couples choose the gold weight that their budgets and their lifestyles dictate. 

Platinum

Platinum is a very rare, pure and highly durable precious metal.  With one platinum mine for every 10 gold mines in the world, it is easy to understand why the laws of supply and demand have made platinum a more expensive metal option than gold.  It's comparitive purity is another reason its price is higher than gold.  In most parts of the world, platinum must have a 95% platinum composition for it to be considered platinum while gold must be only 75% pure gold to be labelled 18K.  The density of the metal content in platinum makes it a highly durable, wearable, strong band or setting choice. 

Platinum or White Gold?