Precious Metal Guide
Jewellery has the power to bring you happiness and courage
Silver
Sterling Silver is measured as 925 parts per 1,000. Sterling 925 and Britannia (958pp 1,000)
are two types of silver that are softer than gold and can be easily cleaned at home.
While they are occasionally used in antique jewellery settings, they are more commonly seen
as stunning pieces of ''silverware''
Nowadays, they are favored by emerging silversmiths and can be found in breathtaking
replica creations.
Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold has several different carat options: 9, 14, 15 (pre-1932), 18, and 22
carat. These have been the go-to choices for centuries when it comes to jewellery.
They've been used not just for decorative adornment but also in armor and weapons.
Now, here's a fun fact:
before 1932, you could find jewellery made with 15ct gold. However, things changed when hallmarking standards were updated and that's when 14ct became the new standard
Pretty interesting stuff!
White Gold
White Gold also have the same carat banding as yellow gold (9, 14 or 18ct).
However to get the stunning alloy the yellow gold is mixed with nickel, manganese or palladium.
To give it that bright white finish it is then plated with rhodium. Over time the rhodium might wear off and your precious item might need a little replating action.
Fear not! This can easily be done at any jeweller or we can happily give you a price.
Rose Gold
Rose Gold, like white gold is also a mix of yellow gold and copper. It has the
same banding as White and Yellow gold - 9, 14 or 18ct and is currently a super trendy colour.
From jewellery to clothing accessories, pink gold adds a touch of sophistication and style to any outfit.
Platinum
900 or 950 For many years, silver has been used in jewellery. In antique jewellery, it
was often used for smaller items or settings because it was so expensive at the time.
Nowadays, silver is commonly used in many different types of jewellery.
In fact, the 950 accepted British standard has become a popular choice for modern pieces.
Palladium
900 or 950 In 2010, it became a statutory requirement for hallmarking in the UK.
However, this practice has been used in jewellery for many years.
The 950 accepted British standard is now widely followed in modern jewellery.
If you want to restore any of these metals to their original glory,
simply send them back to us for a professional clean.
Gold MM
Desired Metal | 10K White | 10K Yellow | 14K Yellow | 14K White | 18K Yellow | 18K White | Sterling Silver | 10% Id Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alloy | 0.759 | 0.726 | 0.643 | 0.666 | 0.539 | 0.574 | 0.802 | 0.390 |
Platinum | 1.946 | 1.862 | 1.648 | 1.708 | 1.383 | 1.471 | 2.057 | 1.000 |
Sterling | 0.946 | 0.905 | 0.801 | 0.830 | 0.672 | 0.715 | 1.000 | 0.486 |
18K White | 1.322 | 1.265 | 1.120 | 1.161 | 0.940 | 1.000 | 1.398 | 0.680 |
18K Yellow | 1.407 | 1.347 | 1.192 | 1.236 | 1.000 | 1.064 | 1.488 | 0.723 |
14K White | 1.139 | 1.090 | 0.965 | 1.000 | 0.809 | 0.861 | 1.204 | 0.585 |
14K Yellow | 1.181 | 1.130 | 1.000 | 1.036 | 0.839 | 0.893 | 1.248 | 0.607 |
10K White | 1.000 | 0.957 | 0.847 | 0.878 | 0.711 | 0.756 | 1.057 | 0.514 |
10K Yellow | 1.045 | 1.000 | 0.885 | 0.918 | 0.743 | 0.790 | 1.105 | 0.537 |