Gold karats
- Content
- 75% gold
- Hallmark
- 750
- Warm and traditional
- Makes I–J diamonds look whiter
- Low maintenance
Pure gold (24K) is too soft for jewellery, so it is alloyed with other metals.
| Karat | Gold content | Hallmark | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14K | 58.5% | 585 | Harder, more scratch-resistant, lower price; ideal for daily wear |
| 18K | 75% | 750 | Richer colour, slightly softer, higher price; classic fine jewellery |
14K
Gold content58.5%
Hallmark585
FeelHarder, more scratch-resistant, lower price; ideal for daily wear
18K
Gold content75%
Hallmark750
FeelRicher colour, slightly softer, higher price; classic fine jewellery
Gold colours
| Colour | How it's made | Look | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow gold | Gold with silver and copper | Warm, traditional; makes I–J diamonds look whiter | Low maintenance |
| White gold | Gold with white metals, plated with rhodium | Bright white; makes colourless diamonds pop | Rhodium re-plating every 1–2 years for daily wear |
| Rose gold | Gold with more copper | Pink, romantic, vintage | Durable; colour deepens slightly over time |
Yellow gold
How it's madeGold with silver and copper
LookWarm, traditional; makes I–J diamonds look whiter
CareLow maintenance
White gold
How it's madeGold with white metals, plated with rhodium
LookBright white; makes colourless diamonds pop
CareRhodium re-plating every 1–2 years for daily wear
Rose gold
How it's madeGold with more copper
LookPink, romantic, vintage
CareDurable; colour deepens slightly over time
Sterling silver
92.5% silver (hallmark 925). Bright white and affordable, but softer than gold and it tarnishes. Best for fashion pieces, earrings and pendants rather than rings worn every day for decades.
Quick picks
- Engagement ring for daily wear: 14K or 18K gold.
- Brightest white look: white gold with a D–H diamond.
- Best value look: yellow or rose gold with an I–J diamond.
- Matching wedding band: choose the same metal and karat so they wear evenly.
- Sensitive skin: choose 18K yellow gold, which contains less alloy. Avoid nickel-containing white gold if you know you react to nickel.