About Metals

What does gold karat mean?

Karat describes the proportion of pure gold in an alloy. Pure gold is soft, so jewelry gold is combined with other metals to adjust its strength, colour and working properties.

The gold purities you will commonly encounter include:

The remaining percentage consists of other metals. Their particular combination matters: two alloys with the same gold content can have different colours and physical properties.

14k vs. 18k gold

Both 14k and 18k gold can be beautiful choices for engagement and wedding rings.

14k gold offers a balance of gold content, practicality and price. In comparable yellow-gold alloys, it generally has a softer yellow colour than 18k and is often harder.

18k gold has a higher gold content and typically a richer yellow colour. It generally costs more than an equivalent 14k design and, depending on the alloy, may show wear differently.

Higher gold purity does not automatically mean a ring will be more durable. The alloy, band thickness, setting construction and how you wear the ring all contribute. We consider the metal as part of the design rather than choosing it in isolation.

Yellow, white and rose gold

Yellow gold

Yellow gold brings warmth to a ring and creates a distinct contrast with a white diamond. Its exact colour depends on the gold purity and alloy.

If you already wear yellow-gold jewelry, comparing 14k and 18k in person can help you decide whether you prefer a softer or richer tone.

White gold

White gold is gold alloyed with metals that lighten its colour. It is often finished with rhodium plating to create a bright white surface.

As that plating wears, the underlying alloy may show a warmer tone. Replating can restore the original appearance, although how often it is needed depends on the ring and how it is worn.

Rose gold

Rose gold gets its pink tone largely from copper in the alloy. Its colour can range from a subtle blush to a stronger rosy shade.

As with yellow and white gold, the final colour depends on the alloy. It is worth seeing a sample rather than choosing from a screen alone.

White gold vs. platinum

White gold and platinum can create a similar overall look, but they feel and age differently.

Platinum is naturally white and generally does not need rhodium plating to maintain that colour. It is also denser, so a comparable ring usually feels heavier on the hand.

Platinum can scratch and develop a soft surface patina with wear. Some people enjoy that finish; others prefer periodic professional polishing. Its natural colour does not make it maintenance-free.

White gold generally feels lighter and, when rhodium plated, has a bright white finish that may need refreshing over time.

We can quote your preferred design in both metals. The price difference depends on the design, alloy, metal weight, labour and current material costs, so there is no fixed rule that one will always cost a particular amount more.

Recycled gold at SB Studio

We use recycled gold in our jewelry. Recycled gold is recovered from existing materials and refined so it can be used again.

Once properly refined and alloyed, it can meet the same purity standards as newly mined gold. Choosing recycled gold does not mean choosing a lower-purity metal.

The recycled content available can depend on the supplier and components used in a particular design. If this is an important part of your decision, please raise it during your consultation so we can discuss the information available for your ring.

Choosing a polished or satin finish

A high-polish finish creates a shiny, reflective surface. A satin or brushed finish produces a softer appearance and can bring attention to the shape of the band.

Both finishes change with wear. Polished surfaces collect fine scratches, while satin surfaces can become shinier in areas of contact. This is part of how a worn ring develops character, and finishes can often be renewed professionally.

Comfort, sensitivities and long-term care

Tell us about any known metal sensitivities before choosing an alloy. The name “white gold” or “rose gold” alone does not identify every metal in its composition.

Consider your wedding band at the same time. The way the two rings sit together matters, particularly where their settings or surfaces touch.

Every precious-metal ring benefits from appropriate care and occasional inspection. We offer cleaning, inspections and resizing, and can discuss the services suitable for your design.