GOLD FOR YOUR WEDDING RING

Pure gold is a rich yellow-gold colour. One of the characteristics of gold is that in its purest state, it is a very soft metal. As a result, to increase its durability and strength, gold is mixed with other more durable metals such as silver, copper and zinc - the result is termed an alloy. Gold is measured in karats, which is split into 24 parts - hence 24kt gold is pure gold. Hence 18kt gold contains 18/24 parts gold (75% gold), while 14kt gold contains 14/24 parts gold (approximately 58% gold). The price of gold, increases in proportion to its karat weight.

n the 1920s white gold was developed as an alternative to platinum. White gold is produced by increasing the proportions of the silver coloured alloys. The higher the percentage of silver alloy, the whiter the gold. Generally speaking, white gold has a warmer tinge than platinum.

Also known as red or pink gold. This metal is produced by increasing the proportions of the copper in the gold alloy. Rose gold has a very warm, but subtle colour, which may intensify a little over time as the copper naturally tarnishes.

Platinum is pale grey white in colour and is one of the most hard wearing and durable of all metals. Platinum does not wear down as gold does, so, over the course of a lifetime, it will remain virtually the same weight and size. Platinum is almost twice as heavy as gold, and much rarer than gold. In fact platinum is one of the most expensive of all metals. Platinum is an almost pure metal, being 90-95% pure and as a result of its purity, it is naturally hypo-allergenic, meaning that it is ideal for sensitive skin. Platinum also never needs plating unlike White Gold which is usually rhodium plated which wears off over time.