LG AURELIA JEWELLERY GUIDES
Jewellery Metal Guide
Discover the differences between yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, sterling silver, stainless steel and other precious metals, including gold purity, hallmarking and jewellery care.
UNDERSTANDING JEWELLERY METALS
Choosing the right metal
The metal used in a piece of jewellery influences its colour, appearance, durability, care requirements and price. Some customers are drawn to the traditional warmth of yellow gold, while others prefer the clean finish of white gold or sterling silver.
There is no single “best” jewellery metal. The right choice depends on the look you prefer, how frequently you plan to wear the piece, your budget and the type of jewellery you are choosing.
CLASSIC & TIMELESS
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is recognised for its warm, rich colour and is one of the most traditional choices for fine jewellery. Pure gold is naturally yellow, but jewellery is normally created by combining gold with other metals to produce an alloy suitable for everyday wear.
Yellow gold is available in different levels of purity, including 9ct, 14ct and 18ct. Higher carat gold contains a greater proportion of pure gold and can offer a richer gold appearance, while the exact colour and properties of any piece can vary depending on its alloy.
Appearance
Warm, rich and traditional
Popular for
Rings, chains, bracelets, earrings and fine jewellery
Available in
Commonly 9ct, 14ct and 18ct
CLEAN & CONTEMPORARY
White Gold
White gold is created by combining gold with lighter-coloured alloy metals to produce a cooler appearance than traditional yellow gold. It is particularly popular for diamond jewellery, engagement rings and modern fine jewellery designs.
Many white gold pieces are finished with rhodium plating. Rhodium creates a bright, reflective white surface and can enhance the polished appearance of the jewellery. Over time this finish may wear naturally, particularly on frequently worn rings, and professional replating can restore the original bright appearance.
Appearance
Bright, cool and contemporary
Popular for
Diamond jewellery, engagement rings and wedding rings
Care note
Rhodium-plated pieces may eventually require replating
WARM & DISTINCTIVE
Rose Gold
Rose gold combines gold with alloy metals including copper, giving the finished jewellery its recognisable warm pink and rose-toned appearance.
Its softer colour offers an alternative to traditional yellow or white metals and works particularly well in both contemporary and vintage-inspired jewellery designs. The precise shade of rose gold can vary according to the composition of the alloy.
Appearance
Warm pink and rose tones
Popular for
Rings, bracelets, necklaces and romantic designs
Style
Distinctive with both modern and vintage-inspired pieces
BRIGHT & VERSATILE
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% silver, with the remaining percentage made from other metals that help provide the strength required for jewellery.
Its bright, cool finish makes sterling silver an extremely versatile choice for necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. Silver can naturally tarnish when exposed to air, moisture and certain chemicals, but this does not mean that the jewellery is damaged. Appropriate cleaning and polishing can restore its brightness.
Fineness
92.5% silver — commonly marked 925
Appearance
Bright, polished and cool-toned
Care note
Natural tarnishing can usually be removed by polishing
MODERN & PRACTICAL
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is valued for its strength, modern appearance and resistance to corrosion. Its clean metallic finish makes it especially popular for contemporary jewellery and men's designs.
Compared with many precious metals, stainless steel generally requires relatively little maintenance and is well suited to pieces designed for frequent wear. Exact properties can vary depending on the grade and construction used by the manufacturer.
Appearance
Clean, modern and contemporary
Popular for
Men's rings, bracelets, chains and everyday jewellery
Care
Generally low maintenance
UNDERSTANDING GOLD
What do 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold mean?
Gold carat describes the proportion of pure gold contained within the alloy. Pure gold is 24 carat. Jewellery commonly uses lower carat alloys because combining gold with other metals changes its colour, strength and suitability for different jewellery designs.
9ct
9ct Gold
37.5% pure gold · 375 fineness
A popular choice for everyday gold jewellery, offering genuine gold content while remaining accessible across a wide range of designs.
Shop 9ct Gold →
14ct
14ct Gold
58.5% pure gold · 585 fineness
14ct gold sits between 9ct and 18ct in gold content, providing a balance between precious metal content and everyday practicality.
Shop 14ct Gold →
18ct
18ct Gold
75% pure gold · 750 fineness
With a higher pure gold content, 18ct gold is widely used for premium and fine jewellery, including engagement and wedding designs.
Shop 18ct Gold →
Does higher carat always mean better?
Not necessarily. Higher carat gold contains more pure gold, but the right choice depends on the jewellery, intended use, preferred colour and budget. Each purity has its own advantages.
ANOTHER PRECIOUS METAL
What about platinum?
Platinum is a naturally white precious metal known for its density, refined appearance and use in fine jewellery. It is particularly associated with engagement rings and wedding jewellery.
Unlike white gold, platinum is naturally white and does not rely on rhodium plating to achieve its colour. Its appearance can develop a natural surface patina over time, which some wearers value as part of the character of the jewellery.
AT A GLANCE
Compare jewellery metals
| Metal | Appearance | Typical choice for | Care consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Gold | Warm and traditional | Fine jewellery, chains, rings and everyday gold | Periodic cleaning and inspection |
| White Gold | Cool and bright | Diamonds, engagement and wedding jewellery | Rhodium plating may need renewing over time |
| Rose Gold | Warm pink tone | Contemporary and romantic jewellery | Clean gently and avoid harsh chemicals |
| Sterling Silver | Bright white-silver | Everyday jewellery and gifting | May naturally tarnish and require polishing |
| Stainless Steel | Modern metallic finish | Men's jewellery and regular wear | Generally low maintenance |
| Platinum | Naturally white | Fine, engagement and wedding jewellery | May develop a natural surface patina |
FIND YOUR FINISH
Which jewellery metal should I choose?
For a classic gold look
Yellow gold offers the traditional warm colour most commonly associated with gold jewellery.
For a bright contemporary finish
White gold, platinum and sterling silver all provide cooler-toned alternatives with their own individual characteristics.
For something distinctive
Rose gold offers a warm pink tone that stands apart from both traditional yellow and white metals.
For practical everyday styling
Sterling silver and stainless steel provide versatile options across a wide variety of everyday jewellery designs.
AUTHENTICITY & FINENESS
Understanding jewellery hallmarks
Hallmarks can provide important information about precious metal jewellery, including its metal fineness and independent assay information where applicable.
Numbers such as 375, 585, 750 and 925 are commonly associated with the fineness of gold and sterling silver.
JEWELLERY CARE
Caring for your jewellery
01
Store carefully
Keep jewellery in a dry, clean location and separate pieces where possible to reduce scratching and tangling.
02
Avoid harsh chemicals
Remove jewellery before exposure to household cleaning products, chlorine and other strong chemicals.
03
Apply products first
Allow perfume, cosmetics, moisturisers and other products to dry before putting jewellery on.
04
Clean appropriately
Different metals and gemstones can require different cleaning methods, so always consider the complete piece before cleaning.
A note on metal sensitivities
Jewellery alloys can contain different combinations of metals. Customers with known metal sensitivities should check the specific material information for an individual product before purchasing.
EXPLORE LG AURELIA
Ready to find your metal?
Explore jewellery across yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, sterling silver, stainless steel and different gold purities.