Discover Precious Metals

Yellow Gold

. Precious. Timeless. Classic.

Yellow Gold is bright and warm and boats the famously rich, lustrous golden hue. Gold has precious significance and is highly prized throughout history. In the ancient world, Egyptians were the leading producers of Gold. They introduced gold in art and admired it as a divine and eternal metal. Similarly, the ancient Greek imagination revered that Gold was crafted from water and sunshine. Its beauty and radiance have been popular in jewellery and precious adornment for over 6000 years. Today, gold has become one of the most famous symbols of precious metals. Gold is considered one of the finest choices for creating a wide range of high-end and fine jewellery, especially Engagement rings and Wedding Rings.

Gold has some fantastic properties; it’s malleable and ductile, so it can efficiently be designed and crafted into various creative jewellery pieces. It can be polished to a glossy finish or given a matt, brushed, hammered or milgrain detailing to create your precious jewellery.

Pure gold, known as 24ct gold, is very soft and unsuitable for everyday jewellery. Pure gold is generally alloyed with other metals to enhance its hardness, strength and durability. In this alloying process, the proportion of gold to alloys is defined by the carat number, which measures the number of gold parts out of 24. In the UK, 18ct and 9ct gold are more commonly used to craft jewellery, but 22 and 14ct choices are still available.

22ct Yellow gold

22ct gold has 22 parts gold and 2 parts of other alloy metals, making up 24 parts.
Or, in simple terms, 91.6% gold and 8.4% other alloy metals. Because of 916 parts of gold per 1000, the Hallmarking stamp 916 is found in 22ct Jewellery.
Pure gold, silver, copper and a fraction of zinc are usually alloyed to create 22ct yellow Gold.
22ct Yellow gold has a luxurious, warm, bright yellow hue and is the purest gold carat available in jewellery. With the maximum content of pure gold, 22 carats are hypoallergenic. This carat of gold is very soft, and it is not recommended for a stone set or a piece of elaborate fine jewellery. 22ct is highly priced and is more appropriate for gold chains, plain jewellery or a plain wedding Ring.

18ct Yellow Gold

18ct gold has 18 parts, including gold and six parts of other alloy metals, making up 24 parts.
In simple terms, 75% gold and 25% other alloy metals because of 750 parts of gold per 1000, the Hallmarking stamp 750 found in 18ct Jewellery.
Pure gold, silver and copper are usually alloyed to create 18ct Yellow Gold.
18ct Gold is a more prosperous, warm, bright yellow hue than 14 or 9ct yellow gold. 18ct gold is a perfect balance between gold purity and strength. 18ct is solid, durable, and does not tarnish, corrode, or react with your skin. With the high percentage of gold, 18ct is a premium choice with a slightly higher price tag. This is an ideal gold carat for crafting precious fine jewellery pieces, engagement and wedding rings that must be worn daily and last for a lifetime! 18 Carat is generally used for jewellery across the UK.

14ct Yellow Gold

14ct gold has 14 parts gold and ten parts of other alloy metals, making up 24 parts.
Or, in simple terms, 58.5% gold and 41.5% other alloy metals, due to 585 parts of gold per 1000, the Hallmarking stamp 585 found in 14ct Jewellery.
Pure gold, silver and copper are usually alloyed to create 14ct Yellow Gold.
14 Carat gold yellow colour will hue between 18ct and 9ct gold. 14 carat makes a lovely selection of colours and costs between 18ct and 9ct Gold.

9ct Yellow Gold

9ct gold has 9 parts gold and 15 parts of other alloy metals, making up 24 parts.
Or, in simple terms, 37.5% gold and 62.5% other alloy metals. Because of 375 parts of gold per 1000, the Hallmarking stamp 375 is found in 9 Carat Jewellery.
Pure gold, silver and copper are usually alloyed to create 9ct Yellow Gold.
9ct gold is a little paler yellow colour when compared with 18ct or 14ct gold.

9CT has the lowest content of pure gold, which may compromise in strength, but brings great price advantage and is crowned as the most affordable gold carat in jewellery. Your jewellery may demand more attention and regular care, like professional cleaning and polish, to preserve its glory. 9ct gold is widely used for mid-range to budget jewellery across the UK.

White Gold

. Vivid. Modern. Contemporary.

White gold has a modern, contemporary appearance and provides an excellent backdrop for diamonds and gemstone-mounted designs. As white gold does not occur naturally, white gold is yellow gold alloyed with other metals such as palladium or silver to get its warm white gleaming hue. With the 1920s Art Deco fashion trend, white gold became ever-popular. White gold is a lovely alternative to other white metals such as platinum, palladium or silver. Today, white gold set the finest fashion standard and become the number one choice in modern-day jewellery and is regarded as the ‘traditional’ metal choice for engagement rings, wedding rings, eternity rings and fine jewellery. All White Golds are slightly grey or brownish grey. Thus, white gold jewellery is widely Rhodium plated as the industry standard. Rhodium is a platinum family metal that produces highly reflective and perfectly white sheen, generally lasting 1 to 2 years, depending on wear and tear.

Like yellow gold, white gold is alloyed to 18ct, 14ct, or 9ct purity. The proportion of gold to alloys is defined by the carat number, which measures the number of gold parts out of 24.

18ct White Gold

- 18ct white gold has 18 parts, including gold and six parts of other alloy metals, making up 24 parts.
- In simple terms, it is 75% gold and 25% other alloys, such as Palladium, Ruthenium and tace of silver; because of 750 parts of gold per 1000, the Hallmarking stamp 750 is found in 18ct Jewellery.
- Palladium is usually alloyed with pure gold to create 18ct White Gold.
- 18ct is the highest purity of white gold.
- 18ct white gold has a gun metal white colour, but as an industry-standard white gold, it is rhodium plated to obtain its brilliant white glossy sheen like platinum. There is no visual colour difference when you compare brand-new rhodium-plated 18 Carat with 14 or 9 Carat white gold jewellery.

14ct White Gold

- 14ct white has 14 parts gold and ten parts other alloy metals, making up 24 parts.
- Or, in simple terms, 58.5% gold and 41.5% other alloys such as Palladium, Ruthenium and tace of silver because of 585 parts of gold per 1000, the Hallmarking stamp 585 found in 14 Carat Jewellery.
- Pure gold, silver and palladium are usually alloyed to create 14ct White Gold.
- As jewellery standard, white gold is often rhodium plated to get its brilliant white glossy sheen like platinum. When comparing a brand-new rhodium-plated 14ct with 18 ct or 9ct white gold jewellery, there is no visual colour difference.

9ct White Gold

9ct white has 9 parts gold and 15 parts of other alloy metals, making up 24 parts.
Or, in simple terms, 37.5% gold and 62.5% other alloys such as Silver, Palladium and Ruthenium because of 375 parts of gold per 1000, the Hallmarking stamp 375 found in 9ct Jewellery.
With pure gold, silver is usually alloyed to create 9ct White Gold.

9ct white gold is a slightly yellowy-white colour compared to 18ct white gold. But as a jewellery standard, white gold is often rhodium plated to get its brilliant white glossy sheen like platinum. Generally, there is no visual colour difference when you compare brand-new rhodium-plated 9ct with 18ct or 14ct white gold jewellery. The lower content of gold may reflect some compromises in strength and a tendency to tarnish or corrode quickly. Your jewellery may demand more attention and regular caring, like professional polish and rhodium plating, to preserve its glory. 9ct gold is widely used for budget and mid-range jewellery across the UK.

Rose Gold

. Romantic. Fashionable. Trendy.

Often known as the “romantic metal”, the trendy Rose Gold first appeared in jewellery during the early 19th century. Rose gold is an admirable metal alloyed with pure gold and copper to create its charming rosy red hue. Rose gold gained popularity throughout the 1920s when Louis Cartier designed the “Trinity Ring” with yellow, white and rose gold. Just after the mid-1950s, rose gold became the favourite choice for jewellery designers. Today, Rose Gold is a trendy metal that adds a touch of love and romance to your jewellery. Rose gold is an exceptional choice for traditional designs that require distinguished detailing or to craft fashionable pieces or combined with two coloured rings to offset the more traditional white or yellow gold. As a trend here to stay, rose gold is in fashion as a stylish and elegant alternative to yellow and white gold.

Rose Gold (or Pink Gold) comes from pure gold and is alloyed with copper, Silver and Zinc. Rose Gold is available in 18ct and 9ct Purity like yellow gold and white gold. Based on carat purity, the rose colour and hardness may differ.

18ct Rose Gold

- 18ct rose gold has 18 parts of pure gold and six parts of copper-based alloys, making 24 parts.
- Or, in simple terms, 75% pure gold and 25% copper alloys because of 750 parts of gold per 1000, the Hallmarking stamp 750 found in 18ct Jewellery.
- Pure gold, copper and silver are usually alloyed to create 18ct Rose Gold.
- 18ct rose gold is the perfect balance between gold purity and strength.
- 18ct rose gold has a rosy yellow pronounced hue compared to 9ct rose gold. Lower rose gold carats have more copper content. The larger the ratio of copper, the richer the rose colouration will be.
- 18ct Gold is strong and durable and does not tarnish, corrode or react with your skin. With the high percentage of gold, 18ct is a premium choice. This is an ideal gold carat for crafting precious fine jewellery pieces, engagement and wedding rings that must be worn daily and last a lifetime!
- 18ct is commonly used for jewellery in the UK.

14ct Rose Gold

- 14ct rose has 14 parts, including gold and ten other alloy metals, making up 24 parts.
- Or, in simple terms, 58.5% gold and 41.5% other alloy metals. Because of 585 parts of gold per 1000, the Hallmarking stamp 585 was found in 14ct Jewellery.
- Pure gold, copper and silver are usually alloyed to create 14ct rose Gold.
- 14ct gold rose gold colour will balance between 18ct and 9ct gold, making a lovely choice for colour and cost between 18ct and 9ct Gold.

9ct Rose Gold

9ct rose gold has 9 parts pure gold and 15 parts copper-based alloy metals, making up 24 parts.
Or, in simple terms, 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% copper alloys. Because of 585 parts of gold per 1000, the Hallmarking stamp 585 was found in 9ct Jewellery.
Pure gold, copper and silver are usually alloyed to create 18ct Rose Gold.
9 Carat rose gold has a beautiful, rich rose-pink coloured hue compared with 18 Carat rose gold due to the larger ratio of copper alloys.

9ct has the lowest content of pure gold, which brings the price advantage and becomes an affordable gold carat in jewellery. 9ct gold is widely used for budget and mid-range jewellery as well. If you want its rich rose colour, then the 9ct is the best option.

Platinum

. Pure. Rare. Eternal.

Platinum is a scarce metal. It is dense, malleable, naturally hypoallergenic metal with a glossy white lustred shine. Platinum has a notable history, known to be found in ornamental treasures in ancient Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. The South American Inca Indians also used platinum to adorn their artefacts. The word platinum was derived from the Spanish term platina, meaning “little silver”. As a controversy, the Spanish people considered platinum far inferior to silver, and its value dropped during the 15th and 16th centuries. During the 1800’s its qualities are acknowledged and crowned back to precious metal.

Favoured by its remarkable strength, longevity, and beauty, platinum is today regarded as the prestigious choice to mount fine diamonds and valuable gemstones, especially in engagement and wedding rings. Platinum is very dense and feels noticeably heavier than other precious metals. Platinum is also a very malleable metal to craft your jewellery, one of the most resistant metals available, and will not be affected by salt water or chemicals. Due to its purity, exceptional resistance and hard-wearing nature, platinum become a practical and glamorous choice for everyday fine jewellery, especially diamond-mounted pieces. Platinum Designs are a luxurious choice as a family heirloom to pass down through generations.

Platinum is available in 950 or 500 purities. At Autumn and May, we only offer the most superior Platinum 950 fineness.

Platinum 950

Platinum jewellery is 95% pure platinum and 5% alloys like ruthenium (platinum family) and a trace of cobalt.
Or, in general terms, 950 pure platinum parts per 1000 parts, hence the Hallmarking stamp 950 found in Platinum Jewellery.
Palladium, rhodium, iridium, copper or titanium are the most common alloy metals mixed with platinum.
Platinum is dense, around 88% heavier than 9ct gold, 34% heavier than 18ct Gold and four times more potent than gold.
Only a few hundred tonnes of platinum are produced yearly around the Globe, and it is the most expensive of all precious metals in Jewellery.
Platinum is considered a noble metal and has remarkable corrosion resistance and hypoallergenic properties.
Platinum has a clean grey/blueish-white colour.
Platinum requires little maintenance as it does not tarnish or discolour and is far less malleable than Gold.
Do not require rhodium plating.

Palladium

. Modern. Nifty. Contemporary.

Palladium is an incredibly strong, rare, ductile, naturally hypoallergenic platinum family metal, thus sharing a lot of chemical properties with platinum. Palladium was discovered in 1803 by the British chemist and physicist William Hyde Wollaston, who later discovered Rhodium as well. Palladium is named after one of the largest asteroids, “Pallas”, discovered a year earlier. Palladium has a lustrous silvery-white sheen and has been used as a precious metal by Jewellery Designers since 1939. During World War II, palladium gained even more popularity in jewellery when platinum was declared a strategic metal. Palladium price has fluctuated over the years and sometimes was more expensive than platinum. The British Assay Office started Hallmarking Palladium in July 2009, which reflected the immense popularity and dramatic demand for Palladium Engagement and Wedding Rings.

Today, palladium become more fashionable and is gaining enormous admiration. Palladium is revered as an elegant, sophisticated precious metal and is even more beautiful when mounted with diamonds or precious gemstones; its natural white hue is an excellent backdrop for a diamond setting.

Platinum palladium is available in 950 or 500 purities. At Autumn and May, we only offer the most superior Palladium 950 fineness.

Palladium 950

Palladium Jewellery is 95% pure palladium, 5% alloys like ruthenium (platinum family), and a trace of copper.
Or, in general terms, 950 pure Palladium parts per 1000 parts, hence the Hallmarking stamp 950 found in Palladium Jewellery.
Palladium has a desirable, platinum-like appearance but is lighter and more affordable than platinum.
Palladium requires little maintenance as it does not tarnish or discolour and is far less malleable than Gold.
Palladium has an excellent greyish-white colour.
It is almost impossible to see any difference when you compare plain palladium and platinum Rings.
Do not require rhodium plating.

Sterling Silver

. Eminent. Traditional. Precious.

Silver is one of the oldest standing precious metals mined by pre-historic man to create objects, ornaments and jewellery. Silver has a lovely milky white, lustrous hue, which sparks the nickname “metal of the moon.” The word “silver” derived from the ancient Greek word “argyro”, “άργυρο”. Silver is known to be more precious and was more expensive than gold in Egypt during the fifteenth century BC. When “Sterling” was broadly recognised as a standard of English currency, the term “sterling” now referred to the highest purity of silver and became part of its common name – “Sterling Silver”. Silver is mined all around the world, although Peru is known to have the highest amount of silver available. Sterling silver is a relatively inexpensive precious metal and become a primary choice by contemporary designers.

925 Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other copper-based alloys.
Or 925 pure silver parts per 1000 parts; hence, the Hallmarking stamp 925 is found in Silver Jewellery.
The copper alloy enhances its hardness, strength and durability but causes the silver to tarnish over time.
The 925 standard determines whether the jewellery should be designated as “Sterling Silver” or pure silver, anything less than 92.5% do not qualify as sterling silver.
Sterling Silver is the least expensive precious metal.
Silver can be transformed into different purities, although most silver designs are exclusively made of sterling silver.
Fine silver has 999 parts of pure silver per 1000 parts. The fine silver does not tarnish but is incredibly soft to use in jewellery. Fine silver is mostly used as investment bullion or trade metal products.
Some Britannia silver has 958 parts of pure silver per 1000 parts.

Oxidised Silver

Oxidised silver jewellery is essentially darkened Sterling Silver. The surface has been carefully darkened through a chemical process called oxidisation. Unsurprisingly, the surface patina colour occurs when the silver jewellery is introduced to sulphides and creates a layer of silver sulphide on the surface, giving it a blackened look. An oxidised blackened finish is a surface highlight on the jewellery’s top layer. Over time, depending on the usage and wear-and-tear, the oxidisation may wear off, and the silver will shine through. Oxidised silver jewellery should be cared for separately and should not be cleaned with jewellery cleaning dips, harsh chemicals, or aggressive polishing, which may shred off the blackened detailing.

When cleaning is required, only use mild detergent and a soft toothbrush with minor rubbing. Oxidisation can be done any time in Autumn and May; contact us or ask a staff member.

Titanium

. Strong. Ultra-light. Hypoallergenic.

Titanium is a solid yet amazingly lightweight, naturally hypoallergenic metal with a gorgeous grey colour. Titanium was discovered in 1791 by the British mineralogist William Gregor and named after the Titans of Greek mythology. Titanium is resistant to corrosion in seawater, chlorine, or many other household chemicals, making it perfect for those with allergies and sensitivities and for wear in demanding environments. Titanium has the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metallic element, and its ultra-lightweight nature is one of its most unique characteristics. Titanium jewellery is more resilient to bending and scratching or won’t lose its shape compared to pieces made from other precious metals.

Jewellery Designers recognised its remarkable qualities and introduced it to their work in the 1990s. At Autumn and May, we only favour pure grades of titanium to craft our Designs. Experience taught us that the 99.2% pure grades of titanium have the best properties for creating jewellery. Titanium is particularly brilliant for everyday jewellery like Wedding Rings, hypoallergenic earrings, and body jewellery. Its masculine grey tinted colour has exceptional popularity in men’s ranges of Jewellery, such as plain Band Rings, Cufflinks, bold Chains, Men’s Cuff-Bangles and Bracelets.

Titanium Colour

Titanium’s most fantastic feature is that it can take on a spectrum of colours. The naturally occurring colourless oxide layer on titanium can be altered by a process known as anodic oxidation. Anodising allows us to control, vary and adjust the thickness of the surface oxide layer, which in turn causes optical interference colours to become visible. The principle is the same as that of natural colours and those in a soap bubble or oil on water. By precisely controlling the surface oxide level, a spectrum of colours can be achieved. A specific anodising electric voltage is applied to the part to determine and obtain the desired colour during the process. Titanium anodising is not a coating nor a dyed colour. This oxide layer of colour is reasonably robust and will not fade but is liable to become damaged caused by abrasion.

Titanium Ring Resizing

Most Jewellers will tell you that Titanium Rings cannot be re-sized due to their properties and extreme strength. Our workshop uses updated allows and modern techniques with a traditional hands-on approach to create unique titanium pieces. We can offer you the peace of mind of a re-sizing service on all Titanium Rings bought in Autumn and May.

Facts about Titanium

Titanium is 99.2% pure.
As strong as steel but 45% lighter.
Titanium is the ninth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.
Titanium is hypoallergenic, there for kind to your skin.

Titanium is not Hallmarked as it is not a precious metal.

Rhodium

. Gloss. Elegant. Shielding.

Rhodium is a rare, strong, corrosion-resistant, naturally hypoallergenic noble metal with a silvery white glossy shine that belongs to the platinum family. Rhodium was discovered in 1803 by the British Chemist and physicist William Hyde Wollaston soon after he discovered the fashionable precious metal – Palladium. Rhodium plating is an electroplating process adapted to the jewellery industry in the early 1930s due to its portraying characteristics, quality, and elegance, and its plating helps to protect white gold. Rhodium is not affected by water or heat up to 600 degrees.

As a modern-day jewellery standard, almost all white gold designs are enhanced with rhodium plating to give a brilliant white glossy lustre. Jewellery Designers also introduced rhodium plating to their silver jewellery to improve its appearance with a white glossy sheen and to prevent the jewellery from tarnishing. Although strong, subject to usage and care, rhodium wears away over time and may reveal the pale white or yellowy-coloured white gold underneath. This is less of an issue for occasional jewellery or earrings that do not come in contact with other items. Restoring rhodium plating is a simple process. This will reinstate the shiny gloss appearance and return the original brand-new look to your jewellery. This can be done any time in Autumn and May; contact us or ask a staff member. You can also request your white gold rings without rhodium plating by adding a note during the checkout while placing your order.