Argentium Silver (935, 960)
When hallmarked, the 93.5% grade is still classified as sterling silver and is stamped with 925. The 96% grade qualifies as Britannia UK standard and can be stamped with 960 to legally indicate its purity.
Brighter than white gold, sterling silver, and platinum, Argentium Silver is the whitest metal with the longest-lasting shine. With no plating to chip away or tarnish, Argentium’s natural white-silver color is the same throughout the entire piece.
Argentium is harder than sterling silver and its natural shiny tone and bright appearance means there is no need for it to be plated. Argentium silver is ideal for those with sensitive skin. It has less copper in the surface and no nickel content, resulting in hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial properties. Jewellery pieces and silverware that are made from argentium silver are naturally stronger, and more durable than sterling silver. It has a higher resistance to tarnishing and will not dent or scratch easily, so it’s particularly good for jewellery that will be worn daily. We only use top grade of Argentium: 935 PRO and 960 PRO - for luxury creations.
Both types of silver jewellery don’t require too much maintenance and care. It’s best to wear silver to keep it from oxidising with the air and if it comes into contact with water, dry it quickly to avoid stains.
18ct White Gold (750)
18ct white gold has the brightest, whitest jewellery finish. Finished with a plating of white Rhodium, 18ct white gold is actually very slightly tinted. After your finished jewellery has been polished, we apply a hard ultra-white Rhodium plating to the surface of jewellery (unless otherwise indicated). This Rhodium plating can wear to reveal the natural off-white colour of the natural metal beneath but can be easily and inexpensively re-finished. Rhodium is harder and more scratch resistant than some metals including Platinum and Palladium and provides a protective coating to your jewellery.
18ct white gold is 75% pure gold, denoted by a 750 stamp within your hallmark. For engagement rings other alloys include Silver (3%), Copper (12.5%) and Palladium (9.5%). For wedding rings this is Gold (75%) Silver (7.5%) Copper (3.5%) and Palladium (13%). Other metals added improve the hardness and colour of the metal. 18ct white gold remains one of the most popular metal choices for jewellery.
18ct Yellow Gold (750)
18ct yellow gold is 75% pure gold, hallmarked with a 750 stamp to denote this purity. For engagement rings, white gold settings are popular above yellow gold bands to complement diamond colour. 18ct yellow gold has recently risen again in popularity as alongside the ever popular white gold version of this metal.
18ct yellow gold is a blend of alloys. Engagement rings typically contain 75% gold, alloyed with Silver (16%) and Copper (9%)
18ct gold is harder wearing than 9ct gold. Many people assume that since pure gold is too soft for jewellery, alloys with more impurities will be harder. 18ct gold is actually harder than 9ct gold and is recommended for greater durability with better hypo-allergenic properties compared to 9ct gold.
18ct Rose Gold (750)
18ct rose gold possesses a warm copper colour and is a beautiful alternative to the popular white and yellow gold options.
Just like white and yellow versions, all 18ct rose gold is composed of 75% pure gold, alloyed with 4% Silver and 21% Copper giving the distinctive colour to this precious metal. You will see the same 750 hallmark that appears to denote the purity of this metal in each item we produce.
Rose gold works very well with both white and brown diamonds.
950 Platinum (950)
Platinum is considered the premium choice for jewellery. The colour of Platinum is naturally greyish-white and polishes to a beautifully mirrored finish, consistently coloured and hypo-allergenic.
Platinum can pick up wear and scratches over time. Wear builds to a natural patina and is quite easily re-furbished to restore the mirror polish. All of our Platinum is described as 950 Platinum which means it is composed of 95% pure Platinum alloyed with 5% Cobalt (engagement rings.) For wedding rings most of our Platinum is 95% Platinum alloyed with 5% Ruthenium. Cobalt and Ruthenium improve the hardness of Platinum.
Platinum is favoured by many buyers. It provides a naturally white metal, a third heavier than 18ct gold with a substantial feel. It is 100% hypo-allergenic and is less malleable than gold making it suitable for diamond setting. It creates a perfect mirror polish and stands out as the rarest and most desirable of the precious metals.
950 Palladium (950)
Palladium is a naturally white precious metal, much lighter in weight than both 18ct gold and Platinum. Palladium has become a popular metal choice in recent years following the introduction of the Palladium hallmark.
For heavier wedding rings, such as men's wedding rings, Palladium is very popular owing to the lower cost compared to Platinum.
Palladium engagement rings are less easily sized owing to embrittlement and this metal is more prone to manufacturing issues than other precious metal choices.