Metal Choices
If you are about to have a new engagement ring, wedding ring, pendant or a pair of earrings made, what metal are you going to choose?
Alongside the actual design, the colour of your jewellery piece is another way to show your style.
Okay, let’s talk about precious metals! When it comes to gold, almost always people will choose 18ct (750), but other options are 9ct (375) or less traditionally in Australia; 14ct (585). What do those numbers mean though you ask? These are the ct stamps you’ll see on jewellery. It is the parts per thousand of fine gold in the alloy. 750 for instance is 75% fine gold and the 25% remaining is the alloy. The alloying is where the metallurgist’s alchemy comes into play giving gold its different colours.
The three main gold colours available are; Yellow, Rose and White.
The first thing you should think of is what appeals to you the most. When you look at other jewellery pieces that you like, what colour are they generally? Is that the colour you envisage yourself wearing?
The next thing to think about is your skin tone. Which metal colour would go best with your skin tone? Of course this is highly subjective, but most people will get a feel for what they like looks good on their skin.
What about platinum?? What’s the difference between white gold and platinum?
Platinum is a different metal to white gold. It is a more dense metal meaning that it will weigh more than an equivalent white gold ring for example. It’s also a more naturally white metal and although white gold is a white metal, having 75% fine gold in it, it does naturally show a slight hue of yellow. This is why the majority of white gold jewellery is electroplated with a metal called Rhodium which is very white and bright. Rhodium does wear off though meaning that white gold jewellery will need servicing more often than platinum.
At the start of your custom jewellery project is when you should start to think about what colour suits you best.
The best place to have a chat about your next jewellery project is in person, that way we can measure finger sizes(for rings), look at sample colour golds and platinum and we can also talk about style. Please call for an appointment or book online https://gfjewellery.com.au/contacts/
My studio is located at:
Gavin Fisher Jewellery
(02) 9188 5254
1 Comment
Comments are closed.