Types of Metals

18 carat white gold is made from 75% pure gold blended with alloy metals such as silver and palladium.

On its own this mix creates a pale grey or slightly yellow tone, so the surface is finished with a plating of rhodium. Rhodium is a bright white metal, similar in appearance to platinum, which gives white gold its crisp, luminous look.

Over time the rhodium plating will naturally wear away, revealing the warmer tones beneath. To maintain its colour, we recommend re-plating on average once a year, although the frequency depends on how much wear your ring receives. At Purely Diamonds we offer a re-plating and polishing service for £35 per ring.

If you prefer a metal that retains its natural whiteness without the need for re-plating, platinum may be a more cost-effective long-term choice.

18 carat yellow gold is composed of 75% pure gold mixed with alloy metals such as copper and zinc.

This blend enhances the strength of the metal while preserving its naturally rich golden colour.

Unlike white gold, yellow gold does not require any plating. Its warm hue is inherent and will not fade, although a professional polish will always bring out its brightest shine. Durable and timeless, yellow gold remains a classic choice for jewellery that never goes out of style.

18 carat rose gold is created from 75% pure gold mixed with around 21% copper and a small amount of silver.

The addition of copper gives the metal its distinctive blush tone, ranging from soft pink to a deeper rose hue.

Rose gold has grown in popularity for its romantic and modern look. Its feminine warmth makes it a beautiful alternative to traditional white or yellow metals, while still offering the same durability and long-lasting quality as other 18 carat alloys.

9 carat white gold is made from 37.5% pure gold combined with alloy metals such as silver and palladium.

As with 18ct white gold, the natural colour is a light grey with a hint of yellow, so the surface is finished with rhodium plating to give it a bright white appearance.

Over time the rhodium layer will wear and the warmer tones beneath may show through. To keep its crisp colour, we recommend re-plating around once a year, depending on wear. At Purely Diamonds we provide a professional re-plating and polishing service for £35 per ring.

9ct white gold is a more affordable alternative to 18ct, offering the same look with a slightly different composition.

9 carat yellow gold is made from 37.5% pure gold blended with alloy metals such as copper and silver.

This lower gold content makes it a more affordable option than 18ct, while still offering strength and durability.

Unlike white gold, yellow gold does not require rhodium plating. Its warm tone is natural and long-lasting, although a professional polish will always enhance its shine.

9ct yellow gold has a paler appearance than 18ct yellow gold, due to the lower proportion of pure gold in the mix, but it remains a classic and versatile choice for everyday wear.

9 carat rose gold is composed of 37.5% pure gold mixed with copper and silver alloys.

The addition of copper gives the metal its soft blush tone, ranging from gentle pink to a richer rose colour.

With its romantic warmth and distinctive look, 9ct rose gold is a beautiful alternative to traditional white or yellow metals. It offers the same durability as other 9ct alloys, with a slightly lighter shade than 18ct rose gold due to the lower gold content.

At Purely Diamonds we use only ‘950’ platinum, which means it is 95% pure and alloyed with just 5% metals such as cobalt or ruthenium.

Platinum is one of the rarest and most precious metals in the world. Its scarcity makes it more valuable than gold or palladium, while its natural bright white sheen ensures it never needs rhodium plating to maintain its colour. With a higher purity level than gold (95% compared with 75%), platinum is also hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

Known for its density and durability, platinum feels heavier on the hand and is exceptionally hardwearing. Like all precious metals it can scratch, but in platinum a scratch simply moves the metal rather than wearing it away, meaning none of its volume is lost. Over time it develops a soft natural patina, which many people appreciate, although a professional polish will restore its original high shine if desired.

For those seeking the most luxurious and enduring choice, platinum remains the ultimate precious metal for fine jewellery.