Choosing the Right Metal for Your Jewelry: Gold Purity, Colors, and Benefits
Whether you're designing a custom engagement ring or picking your next signature piece, choosing the right metal is just as important as selecting the perfect stone. At Diamonds on Baylis, we believe the metal should suit not only your style—but your lifestyle too. From the timeless elegance of yellow gold to the modern brilliance of platinum, each metal we use brings unique qualities to your jewellery.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular metals we work with—sterling silver, white gold, platinum, rose gold, and yellow gold—explaining their purities, tones, durability, and what makes each one shine.
Quick Comparison: Which Metal Is Right for You?
Sterling Silver
• Purity: 92.5% silver
• Tone: Bright white
• Durability: Moderate
• Best For: Affordable daily wear, modern and classic styles
White Gold
• Purity: 9k (37.5%) or 18k (75%) pure gold
• Tone: Silvery white (cooler in 9k, warmer in 18k)
• Durability: High in 9k, Medium in 18k
• Best For: Contemporary styles, durable everyday wear
Platinum
• Purity: 95% platinum
• Tone: Naturally white
• Durability: Very high
• Best For: Luxury lovers, sensitive skin, heirloom-quality pieces
Rose Gold
• Purity: 9k (37.5%) or 18k (75%) pure gold (alloy mostly copper)
• Tone: Pinkish (stronger pink in 9k, softer rose in 18k)
• Durability: High in 9k, Medium in 18k
• Best For: Romantic or vintage-inspired designs
Yellow Gold
• Purity: 9k (37.5%) or 18k (75%) pure gold (alloy copper & silver)
• Tone: Lighter yellow in 9k, richer in 18k
• Durability: High in 9k, Medium in 18k
• Best For: Traditional, timeless jewellery styles
Sterling Silver
• Purity: 92.5% silver mixed with 7.5% copper or other alloys
• Tone: Bright white
• Durability: Moderate; can scratch and tarnish over time
• Best For: Affordable daily wear, modern or classic styles
• Consideration: Requires occasional polishing to remove tarnish
White Gold
• Purity: Available in 9k (37.5%) and 18k (75%) gold
• Tone: Silvery white (cooler in 9k, warmer in 18k)
• Durability: 9k is harder and more resistant to wear; 18k has a softer, more luxurious feel
• Best For: Contemporary looks, engagement rings, versatile styling
• Considerations:
– Typically requires rhodium plating to maintain its bright finish; this wears off over time and may need reapplication
– Some suppliers may use nickel as an alloy, which can cause allergic reactions; at Diamonds on Baylis, we never use nickel in our white gold, ensuring it is hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin
Platinum
• Purity: 95% platinum mixed with 5% other metals (often ruthenium or iridium)
• Tone: Natural white
• Durability: Very high—dense and wear-resistant
• Best For: Heirloom pieces, sensitive skin, luxury lovers
• Consideration: Heavier and more expensive than gold alloys
Rose Gold
• Purity: Available in 9k (37.5%) and 18k (75%) gold
• Tone: Pinkish hue (stronger in 9k, softer and warmer in 18k)
• Durability: 9k is harder and suitable for daily wear; 18k is softer but more radiant
• Best For: Romantic, vintage-inspired designs
• Consideration: High copper content gives strength but may oxidise slightly over time, creating a deeper patina
Yellow Gold
• Purity: Available in 9k (37.5%) and 18k (75%) gold
• Tone: Pale yellow in 9k; rich golden hue in 18k
• Durability: 9k is harder and suited for daily wear; 18k is softer but prized for its premium colour
• Best For: Classic, timeless styles
• Consideration: Like all high-purity gold, 18k is softer and may show scratches more readily with heavy wear
Why Choose Diamonds on Baylis?
At Diamonds on Baylis, we understand that the metal you choose is just as meaningful as the stone you wear. That’s why we offer a thoughtful selection of premium alloys to suit your taste, lifestyle, and budget.
Whether you prefer the cool elegance of platinum or the romantic warmth of rose gold, our experienced team will guide you through every option. Each piece is handcrafted with care and precision, ensuring that your jewellery not only looks beautiful but feels right for you.
Visit us in-store or explore our custom services to find (or create!) a piece that reflects your style and tells your story—one timeless metal at a time.
Visit Us or Start Your Custom Piece Today
Let us help you design something that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and story. Explore our in-store collections or get in touch to book a personalised consultation.
Want to make sure your jewellery stays as brilliant as the day it was made? Don’t miss our Jewellery Care Guide for expert tips on cleaning, storing, and protecting your favourite pieces.
