What metal is best?

When deciding on the best metal for your jewellery, you’ll want to consider a few key factors: durability, personal style, budget, and lifestyle. At Erin Cox Jewellery we usually work with 9ct or 18ct gold or platinum, so we’ll be exploring these options in further detail in this blog post.

For those of you purchasing a wedding band or piece of jewellery to wear daily alongside another piece, the decision may be a little easier. We recommend that any jewellery purchased to be worn alongside another piece should match to reduce the wear and tear. Different metals/carats of gold feature different properties and hardnesses so matching metals will reduce the potential wear over the years.

For anyone else, here’s a breakdown to help guide your decision-making process:

1. Durability

Wedding rings are designed to be worn daily, making durability essential—especially if you lead an active lifestyle or work with your hands. In contrast, cocktail rings are often reserved for special occasions, so the durability of the metal or gemstones may be less of a priority. Let’s explore the options…

  • Platinum: The most durable metal, ideal for those with a hands-on lifestyle. It’s resistant to scratches and tarnishing.

  • 18ct Gold: A strong metal with a good balance of durability and luxury. It’s suitable for everyday wear, but a little softer than platinum and 9ct gold. It’s also resistant to tarnishing.

  • 9ct Gold: The most affordable option we offer, 9ct gold is more resistant to scratches than 18ct gold but slightly more brittle and less resistant to tarnishing. However, it doesn’t tarnish as obviously as sterling silver and remains well-suited for everyday wear. In fact, regular use will naturally help maintain its polish and prevent tarnish.

 
 
 

2. Colour

Your personal taste in jewellery plays a huge role in deciding the metal. Think about the colours and finishes that best suit your style, skin tone or complements other jewellery you wear.

  • 18ct Yellow Gold: A classic and traditional choice. It offers a warm tone that complements warmer & darker skin tones and has a luxurious feel.

  • 9ct Yellow Gold: Similar to above but a paler golden, more brassy tone.

Above: 18ct yellow gold

Above: 9ct yellow gold

  • 18ct White Gold: A sleek choice with (when unplated) a gun-metal grey or grey-sandy tone. Please note, it is common for white gold to be rhodium plated to make it appear more bright white. At Erin Cox Jewellery we offer un-plated, palladium-rich white gold as standard which has a gun-metal grey tone which we love (especially on our men’s rings!). We believe in embracing it’s naturally beautiful colour, as who want’s to deal with the hassle & expense of periodical re-plating?!

  • 9ct White Gold: A sleek, modern choice with a warm-silvery finish. It looks a similar colour to silver but unplated has a slightly warmer, yellow-ish hue.

Above: Un-plated 18ct white gold

Above: Un-plated 9ct white gold

  • 9ct Rose Gold: Known for it’s pink, coppery tones. This metal works beautifully in contemporary styles!

  • 18ct Rose Gold: Revered for it warmth & romantic pinky-golden hue. It’s like if 18ct yellow gold and 9ct rose gold had a beautiful baby!

Above: Our ‘Yeo’ style molten band in a selection of warm toned golds

Above: Our ‘Wolf’ style molten band in a selection of cool toned precious metals

 

Platinum: Its naturally white appearance is ideal for those who want something understated yet elegant.

3. Budget

Your budget may impact the type of metal you can choose. Here is a quick low down…

  • Platinum: Premium in price but also in longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for durability.

  • 18ct Gold: More luxurious and higher in price due to its higher gold content. It’s a good choice for an upscale look that will last.

  • 9ct Gold: A more budget-friendly option that still offers durability but has less gold content and a lighter colour compared to 18ct.

4. Lifestyle

Consider how often you’ll wear your jewellery and what activities you engage in daily. If you have a manual job or lead an active lifestyle, you may prefer a harder metal like platinum.

5. Ethical Considerations

More and more people are thinking about the ethical and environmental impact of their jewellery. At Erin Cox Jewellery, we craft using eco (recycled) gold as standard and offer a collection of (and welcome commissions in) Fairtrade Gold. We want to ensure your jewellery reflects not just your style but also your values.

Final Thoughts

The ideal metal for your jewellery depends on your style, budget, and how you plan to wear it. Whether you choose the elegance of platinum, the warm glow of yellow gold, or the modern appeal of white or rose gold, your jewellery should encompass a balance of personal preference and practicality.

Would you like help narrowing down your choices further based on specific preferences? Contact us to discuss further…

Above: Platinum

Erin Cox