Metal Guide — Choosing the Right Metal for Your Jewellery
Your jewellery’s metal affects not only its appearance, but also its comfort, durability, and how you care for it. Here’s a complete guide to the most common metals used in fine jewellery — along with care tips to help keep them beautiful for years to come.
Platinum — Timeless, Pure, Everlasting
Best for: Engagement rings, wedding bands, heirlooms
Why choose it: Naturally white, doesn’t fade, extremely durable, hypoallergenic
Platinum is prized for its rich weight and its ability to hold stones securely. It won’t tarnish, discolour, or need re-plating — a true low-maintenance luxury metal.
Care Tips:
Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush
For deep cleaning, use a non-abrasive jewellery solution
Occasional polishing helps restore its original shine
Gold (Yellow / White / Rose) — Versatile, Classic, Elegant
Best for: Everyday wear, stacking rings, traditional pieces
Why choose it: Timeless appearance, multiple colour options, great customisation
Gold is alloyed with other metals to create white, yellow, or rose tones. White gold is usually rhodium-plated for a bright finish.
Care Tips:
Clean with gentle soap and lukewarm water
White gold may require rhodium re-plating every 1–2 years
Store separately to avoid scratches from harder metals
Sterling Silver — Bright, Affordable, Stylish
Best for: Fashion pieces, gifts, lightweight jewellery
Why choose it: Brilliant shine, budget-friendly, perfect for trendy styles
Sterling silver (92.5% silver) is softer than gold or platinum, making it better for occasional wear or bold designs.
Care Tips:
Polish regularly with a silver cloth to prevent tarnish
Store in an airtight pouch to reduce oxidation
Avoid exposure to perfumes, chlorine, or humidity
Titanium — Lightweight, Durable, Hypoallergenic
Best for: Men’s bands, sporty lifestyles
Why choose it: Ultra-light, comfortable, corrosion-resistant
Titanium is virtually indestructible under daily wear, but it can’t be resized. Its natural grey finish can be anodised for colour options.
Care Tips:
Wipe with a soft, damp cloth
Avoid abrasive cleaning — surface can dull over time
Store separately to prevent scuffing from harder metals
Tungsten Carbide — Scratch-Resistant, Modern, Bold
Best for: Ultra-durable rings, low-maintenance styles
Why choose it: Extremely hard, mirror-polished, affordable
Tungsten won’t scratch, but it can crack under strong impact. It’s heavy, glossy, and perfect for a contemporary aesthetic.
Care Tips:
Clean with soap and water — no ultrasonic cleaner needed
Avoid dropping it on hard surfaces (can fracture)
Store in a fabric pouch to maintain finish
Tantalum — Unique, Industrial, Skin-Safe
Best for: Tech-inspired jewellery, matte finishes
Why choose it: Rare, hypoallergenic, sleek grey-blue tones
Tantalum is heavier than titanium, naturally resistant to scratches, and often coated for a matte black finish.
Care Tips:
Wipe with a soft cloth after wear
Clean with warm water and a gentle cleanser if needed
Store separately to avoid rubbing against textured metals