Choosing the right metal is just as important as choosing the right diamond. Each metal has its own character, durability and maintenance requirements. Here is everything you need to know to make the right decision for your lifestyle and your style.
Classic · Warm · Timeless
Yellow gold is the most traditional and historically significant metal in jewellery. Its warm, rich tone has been prized for thousands of years and remains one of the most popular choices for rings and wedding bands today. Yellow gold is the purest form of gold jewellery – the higher the carat, the deeper and richer the colour. Yellow gold pairs beautifully with warmer skin tones and suits vintage, classic and nature-inspired designs. It is also the most hypoallergenic of the gold options, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
18ct is most popular for fine jewellery – 75% pure gold
Higher carat = softer metal. 18ct balances purity and strength
Does not fade or require replating. Complimentary cleans included for life
Yellow gold flatters a warmer diamond, so it can free up budget for cut or carat.
Modern · Sleek · Versatile
White gold is yellow gold alloyed with white metals such as palladium or nickel, then finished with a rhodium plating that gives it its bright, white appearance. It has become one of the most popular metals for rings, offering the luxurious look of platinum at a more accessible price point. White gold complements cooler skin tones and suits contemporary, minimalist designs particularly well. It also makes diamonds appear brighter and whiter, which is why it is often the preferred choice for diamond rings.
18ct white gold is the most popular for fine jewellery
Rhodium coating adds hardness and scratch resistance
Rhodium plating wears every 1-2 years and is available as a separate service. Complimentary cleans included for life
Rhodium replating is a separate service and isn’t included in our complimentary cleaning.
Romantic · Distinctive · Flattering
Rose gold gets its distinctive warm pink hue from a blend of gold and copper. It has surged in popularity over the past decade and is now one of the most requested metals for rings and fine jewellery. Its unique, romantic tone flatters virtually every skin colour and pairs beautifully with both diamonds and coloured gemstones. Rose gold is slightly harder than yellow or white gold due to the copper content, making it a durable everyday choice. It does not require rhodium plating and its colour does not fade – in fact, it may deepen slightly with age, giving it a beautiful patina over time.
18ct rose gold has a softer, more subtle pink tone
Copper content makes it one of the most durable gold options
No replating required. Complimentary cleans included for life
The warmth of rose gold makes a diamond read brighter and whiter by contrast.
Premium · Rare · Enduring
Platinum is the most premium metal used in fine jewellery – rarer than gold, heavier, and significantly more durable. Its naturally white colour never fades or requires replating, making it the ultimate low-maintenance choice for jewellery worn every day for a lifetime. Platinum is also the most hypoallergenic metal available, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. Platinum holds diamond settings more securely than gold due to its density and strength. While it can develop a natural patina over time, many people find this adds to its beauty and character. It can be polished back to a high shine at any time.
95% pure platinum – significantly purer than gold alloys
The most durable metal for fine jewellery. Metal displaces rather than wears away
No replating ever required. Complimentary cleans included for life
If you’re setting a stone above 1ct or you work with your hands, platinum is worth the additional spend.
At Zed n Zed Jewellers, we believe that the metals in your jewellery should meet the same standards of quality and integrity as the diamonds we set in them. All gold and platinum used in our pieces is sourced through reputable, established supply chains with a commitment to responsible mining and ethical practice.
The gold and platinum we use is sourced from suppliers who adhere to responsible mining standards – minimising environmental impact and ensuring fair and safe conditions throughout the supply chain.
We are happy to answer any questions about the origin of your metals. If you have specific sustainability requirements for your piece, speak with our team and we will do everything we can to accommodate them.
One of the most sustainable choices you can make is to invest in jewellery built to endure. Every piece we handcraft is made to the highest standard – designed not for a season, but for a lifetime.
At a Glance
| Metal | Colour | Durability | Maintenance | Hypoallergenic | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Gold 18ct | Warm yellow | Very good | Low | Yes | $$ |
| White Gold 18ct | Bright white | Very good | Moderate | Usually | $$ |
| Rose Gold 18ct | Warm pink | Excellent | Low | Usually | $$ |
| Platinum | Cool white | Exceptional | Very low | Yes | $$$ |
All jewellery purchased from Zed n Zed Jewellers is eligible for complimentary professional cleaning in-store, unlimited and for the life of the piece. Simply bring your jewellery in at any time – no appointment necessary. Please note that rhodium replating for white gold is available as a separate service and is not included in the complimentary cleaning offer.
