Choosing your metal
ECO CAST - THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICE.
Choosing the Right Metal
In jewellery, durability is often mistaken for scratch resistance. Every metal will mark over time — what matters is how it wears, ages, and responds to everyday life.
While lower-cost options can be appealing, they may require more maintenance long term. Understanding the trade-offs upfront helps avoid unnecessary repairs and disappointment later.
No metal is scratch, dent, or damage proof — regardless of price or preciousness. Durability is defined by how a metal absorbs and recovers from wear, alongside its cost and aesthetic qualities.
For engagement and wedding rings, we recommend 18k yellow, white, or rose gold, or platinum. These metals are best suited to withstand daily wear over a lifetime.
9k gold is a more affordable option and can perform well with proper care. However, for those with hands-on lifestyles, active occupations, or a tendency toward heavier wear, it may not be the ideal choice.
Plain wedding bands and signet rings in 9k gold are generally well suited for long-term wear.
Ultimately, the right choice for you comes down to understanding the differences and selecting a metal that aligns with your lifestyle.
We’ve created a comparative chart to help guide your decision.
If you’d like further advice, please contact sarah@windfalljewellery.com — we’re always happy to help.
| Metal | Purity | Colour | Durability | Tarnish / Corrosion | Weight | Price Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Silver (925) | 92.5% silver | Bright white | ★★☆☆☆ | High (tarnishes) | Light–medium | $ |
• Affordable • Bright white shine • Easy to work with |
• Tarnishes easily • Softer than gold & platinum • Requires regular maintenance |
| 9k Gold | 37.5% gold | Pale yellow / white / rose | ★★★☆☆ | Low | Light | $$ |
• Affordable gold option • More durable than sterling silver • Low risk of tarnishing |
• Lower gold content/value • Duller colour •Being the hardest gold option, 9K is the most likely and most common to have split or cracked ring bands and/or broken claws • Can contain more alloy metals (possible skin sensitivity) •If you have chosen 9K WHITE gold, this requires rhodium plating maintenance to maintain bright "white" colour and shininess |
| 14k Gold | 58.5% gold | Rich yellow / white / rose | ★★★★☆ | Very low | Medium | $$$ |
• Excellent balance of durability & beauty •Perfect option if you want something more durable than 9K gold, but either don't have the budget for 18k and/or you don't like the richness of colour of the 18K |
• More expensive but also more durable than 9K • Less rich in colour than 18k which some people prefer aesthetically •If you have chosen 14K WHITE gold, this requires rhodium plating maintenance to maintain bright "white" colour and shininess |
| 18k Gold | 75% gold | Deep, rich yellow | ★★★★★ | Very low | Medium–heavy | $$$$$ |
• Luxurious colour • Higher gold value • More Hypoallergenic •Best durability long term out of the gold options • Weightier/ Luxurious feel |
• More expensive • Being softer, it may show scratches more easily (but this is easily taken care of with general maintenance) •If you have chosen 18K WHITE gold, this requires rhodium plating maintenance to maintain bright "white" colour and shininess |
| Platinum | ~95% pure | Naturally white | ★★★★★ | None | Heavy | $$$$ |
• Extremely durable • Hypo-allergenic • No plating needed to maintain colour • Weightier/ Luxurious feel • Ideal for fine jewellery (most durable option for those that want that white/silver colour metal for their ring) |
• Due to being 95% pure and a precious metal, it is not within everyone's budget • Can develop patina over time |