Which Metal is Right For My Eternity Ring?

The metal of your eternity ring affects not just how it looks, but how it wears over decades of everyday use. Here is a guide to the most common choices and what each offers.                                                        
                  
Platinum

Platinum is the gold standard — quite literally — for fine jewellery. It is exceptionally durable, naturally white, and hypoallergenic. Unlike white gold, platinum does not need to be replated to maintain its colour.                
                  
Over time, platinum develops a soft patina — a slight satin finish that many people find beautifully characterful. If you prefer a high mirror polish, a jeweller can restore it easily.                                               
For vintage rings, platinum was the metal of choice from the Edwardian era through to the mid-twentieth century, which is why so many antique eternity rings are found in platinum today.                                            
                  
Yellow Gold

Yellow gold has been used in jewellery for millennia and remains as popular as ever. It is warm, timeless, and suits a wide range of skin tones beautifully.

Gold is measured in carats. 18ct gold (75% pure gold) offers a good balance of
richness and durability. 14ct gold (58.5% pure gold) often originates from America and 9ct gold is harder and more affordable, though slightly less lustrous.                                   
                  
Vintage yellow gold rings often have a depth of colour — particularly in 18ct and 22ct pieces — that is difficult to replicate in modern alloys.
                                                                                
Rose Gold                                                                     
   
Rose gold has enjoyed a considerable revival in recent years, though it has been used in fine jewellery since the nineteenth century. Its warm, pinkish hue is flattering on most skin tones and pairs beautifully with both diamonds and coloured stones.

Vintage rose gold pieces — particularly from the Victorian and Edwardian eras — are particularly sought after for their softness and romance.
                                                                                
White Gold                                                                    
   
White gold is yellow gold alloyed with white metals and then plated with rhodium to give it a bright, silvery finish. It used to be a more affordable alternative to platinum, but as gold prices have risen so much in the last 12 months, that's no longer the case.                                                      
Bear in mind that the rhodium plating will wear over time and the ring will need replating every few years to maintain its white appearance.
                                                                                
Which to Choose?

For longevity and low maintenance, platinum is hard to beat. For warmth and character, yellow or rose gold. For a bright and contemporary look, white gold works well.                                                                              
All of our rings are described with their metal type and carat weight, so you always know exactly what you are getting.