Understanding Gold and Platinum
Before You Choose

Why has yellow gold remained valuable for centuries?

You may wonder why yellow gold continues to dominate fine jewellery despite changing trends. Yellow gold is the natural state of gold, untouched by surface treatments or colour manipulation. This authenticity has made it the foundation of wealth and jewellery for thousands of years.

Pure gold is 24 karat, meaning 99.9 percent gold. Because pure gold is soft, it is alloyed for strength. Eighteen karat contains 75 percent gold, fourteen karat contains 58 percent, and nine karat contains 37.5 percent.

Yellow gold does not fade or peel. Its colour exists throughout the metal, meaning scratches do not remove colour, only material.

What is white gold really, and why does it change over time?

White gold is created by alloying gold with white metals such as palladium or nickel. Most fine white gold jewellery is either eighteen karat or fourteen karat.

To achieve its bright white finish, white gold is coated with rhodium. Rhodium enhances brilliance but wears gradually through friction, sweat, skin chemistry, and daily exposure.

When the rhodium wears, replating restores the finish completely. This is normal ownership behaviour, not a defect.

Why is rose gold structurally stronger than other gold tones?

Rose gold achieves its colour through a higher copper content while maintaining the same gold purity. An eighteen karat rose gold piece still contains 75 percent gold.

Copper increases hardness and resistance to deformation, making rose gold ideal for pavé settings and daily wear.

Rose gold does not require plating and retains its colour permanently.

Why is platinum considered the highest standard in jewellery?

Platinum jewellery is typically 95 percent pure. It is naturally white and does not rely on coatings or treatments.

Platinum does not wear away. When scratched, the metal displaces rather than loses mass, offering superior stone security.

Over time, platinum develops a soft satin patina that many collectors value.

Gold and Platinum Comparison