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The metal you choose shapes how your jewellery looks, how well it wears and what it costs. Zarna Jewels makes every piece in 9K, 14K or 18K gold, in yellow, white or rose, or in 925 sterling silver. This guide explains what each one means so you can choose with confidence.
Gold purity: what 9K, 14K and 18K mean
Pure gold (24 karat) is too soft for jewellery that is worn every day, so it is mixed with other metals, called alloys, to make it stronger and to create white and rose colours. The karat number tells you how many parts out of 24 are pure gold.
| Gold | Pure gold | Fineness mark | Durability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18K | 75% | 750 | Good | The richest colour; fine jewellery and engagement rings |
| 14K | 58.3% | 585 | Very good | Everyday rings that balance colour and strength |
| 9K | 37.5% | 375 | Excellent | Hard-wearing, affordable gold jewellery; the traditional choice in the UK and Australia |
The lower the karat, the more alloy and the harder the metal, but also the paler the yellow. All three are solid gold, not plated, and all three are BIS hallmarking grades.
Yellow gold
Yellow gold is pure gold alloyed with metals such as copper and zinc. It is warm, traditional and easy to resize and repair, and it makes near-colourless diamonds look whiter. Shop yellow gold.
White gold
White gold is gold alloyed with white metals, then usually plated with rhodium for a bright, silvery finish. Over the years the rhodium can wear, letting the slightly warmer colour of the gold show through; re-plating restores it. White gold suits modern designs and colourless diamonds. Shop white gold.
Rose gold
Rose gold gets its soft pink colour from copper in the alloy. It is durable, flattering on most skin tones, and its colour does not fade. Shop rose gold.
925 sterling silver
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals, usually copper, which is why it is stamped 925. It has a bright white shine and is the most affordable choice, but it is softer than gold and tarnishes over time, so it needs a little more care. Shop 925 silver.
Which metal should I choose?
- For an engagement ring worn every day: 14K gold is a popular balance of colour and strength; 18K if you want the richest colour.
- For the best value in gold: 9K.
- For fashion pieces and gifts on a budget: 925 sterling silver.
- For a wedding set: match the metal and colour of the wedding band to the engagement ring so they wear evenly.
- For sensitive skin: some white gold alloys contain nickel. Tell us if you have an allergy and we will advise.
Purity and hallmarks
Precious metal purity is confirmed by hallmarking. Read our hallmarking guide to see what the marks on your jewellery mean.
Caring for each metal
Take rings off for swimming, cleaning and the gym, store pieces separately so they do not scratch each other, and clean gold and silver gently with warm, soapy water. Our jewellery care guide has step-by-step instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is 9K gold real gold?
Yes. 9K gold is solid gold containing 37.5% pure gold, alloyed for strength, and is stamped 375. It is harder wearing than 14K or 18K, with a paler yellow colour, and it is the traditional entry-level gold in the UK and Australia.
Why 9K and not 9K?
9K (375) and 9K (417) are close in colour and wear. 9K is a recognised purity for hallmarking in India, the UK and Australia, so every gold piece we make can carry a hallmark with its fineness; that is why we make our most affordable gold in 9K.
Is 14K or 18K better for an engagement ring?
14K is harder and more scratch resistant, which suits daily wear; 18K has more gold and a richer colour. Both are excellent choices.
Does white gold turn yellow?
The rhodium plating on white gold can wear thin over the years, showing a slightly warmer tone. Re-plating restores the bright white finish.
Does sterling silver tarnish?
Yes, slowly, when it reacts with air and moisture. Store it in a pouch and polish it with a silver cloth to keep it bright.
