Selecting your metal of choice

Benjamin Black Goldsmiths is experienced at working with a variety of precious metals, from platinum and palladium to sterling silver and gold.

There are a wide range of metals to select from, so we have created a list of the most popular metals to help assist your decision.
 

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is a classical and timeless choice.  Pure gold is often referred to as 24ct, and the lower carats (9ct, 14ct and 18ct) have a certain amount of alloy combined.

The higher carats are richer in colour, are more hard wearing, and are therefore more likely to last longer.

Carats contain the following percentages of gold:

9 carat: 37.5%; 14 carat: 58.5%; 18 carat: 75%
 

White Gold

White gold is created from yellow gold and a mixture of alloys.

The scale of carats is the same for white as it is for yellow gold.
 

Rose Gold

Rose gold is alloyed with a small amount of copper to produce its rose-pink colour.
 

Platinum

Platinum is the strongest of all precious metals, and is therefore the most durable.

It has a lustrous silvery colour, and is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust.  

If you are looking for a ring made to the highest calibre, and designed to last for 

generations, then platinum is the perfect choice.
 

Palladium

Palladium is part of the same group of metals as platinum, as although it is not as durable, it is certainly an attractive (and increasingly popular) alternative.
 

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver, containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper).