The metal you choose shapes how your jewellery looks, feels and wears over time. Here is a straightforward guide to gold carats, colours and platinum — plus how to read a UK hallmark.
What does “carat” mean for gold?
For gold, the carat (ct) measures purity out of 24 parts. Pure gold is too soft for most jewellery, so it is mixed with other metals to add strength and create different colours.
- 24ct – 99.9% gold; very soft and rarely used for fine jewellery
- 22ct – 91.6% gold; rich colour, still relatively soft
- 18ct – 75% gold; the luxury standard, with deep colour and good durability
- 14ct – 58.5% gold; a practical balance of colour, strength and value
- 9ct – 37.5% gold; the most affordable and very hard-wearing
Yellow, white or rose?
The colour of gold depends on the metals it is alloyed with. Yellow gold keeps its classic warmth. Rose gold gains its blush from copper. White gold is alloyed with white metals and usually finished with rhodium plating for a bright, mirror-white look; this finish can be renewed from time to time.
Why choose platinum?
Our 950 platinum is 95% pure. It is naturally white, so it never needs replating, and it is denser and heavier than gold. Rather than wearing away, platinum develops a soft patina that can be polished back to a high shine — which is why it is so popular for engagement rings that hold precious stones.
Reading a UK hallmark
In the UK, precious metal items above certain weights must be independently tested and hallmarked by an Assay Office. A hallmark typically includes:
- The sponsor’s mark – identifying the maker or retailer
- The fineness mark – 375 (9ct), 585 (14ct), 750 (18ct), 916 (22ct), 999 (24ct) or 950 for platinum
- The Assay Office mark – such as London’s leopard’s head
A hallmark is your guarantee that the metal is exactly what it claims to be.
Which metal is right for you?
For an engagement ring worn every day, platinum or 18ct gold is ideal. For stacking rings and everyday earrings, 14ct and 9ct gold offer excellent durability at a lower price. Whatever you choose, every Hatton Diamond piece is hallmarked in the UK. Explore our materials to learn more.
