Gold and Silver

The popularity of yellow gold as a metal for jewellery use is well documented going back many thousands of years. Originally famed for its lustre and and its "malleability" gold's appeal grew quickly over time with use as decoration and articles of adornment. Gold is also an attractive colour on many skin types, durable and generally non-allergenic in its higher alloys. in some countries 22ct and even fine gold is used for jewellery, however it is widely accepted that it is too soft at those high purities, particularly where diamonds or other stone are being set into it. Fine gold is alloyed with various other metals to increase it hardness and durability amongst other things. There is a common myth that 9ct gold is harder than 18ct and will wear better, it is not true. Generally 18ct and 9ct's hardness are about the same although 9ct may exhibit slightly better resistance to bending but the higher purity of 18ct makes it a much preferred metal for long term use.

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Rose gold shares the same attributes as yellow gold in respect of its durability and non-allergenic nature and comes as a beautiful soft shade of "pink" metal through the addition of copper to gold. It is stunning metal on its own, and also looks particularly attractive when used as a contrast or highlight metal with one of the white metals.
 

9ct gold is a very commonly used alloy of gold for general jewellery - bracelets, bangles, earrings, pendants, dress rings etc. Due to it lower purity (375 parts per thousand) and density it is understandably a lot less expensive than 18ct and so in New Zealand is the most worn gold. It is lighter in colour and weight than 18ct and quite hard wearing but it is a little more prone to tarnishing when in contact with acidic compounds that may be present in the skin, air or in a spa pool for example (however this can always be polished off by a jeweller). 9ct gold is alloyed to the same colours as 18ct gold (white and rose being the most common options) and so the same beautiful combinations of gold colour are achievable in multi-colour jewellery pieces. As a general rule 9ct is not recommended for engagements as 18ct will wear better but it is fine for mens wedding rings as these tend to be heavier and so will stand up to more wear and tear.