Best Metal for an Engagement Ring: Gold vs Platinum
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The metal affects how your ring looks, how it wears and what it costs. Noir Flare rings are made in 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold, in yellow, white or rose.
What the carats mean
9ct is 37.5% pure gold, 14ct is 58.5% and 18ct is 75%. Lower carats are harder and more affordable. Higher carats have a richer colour and a higher gold content, at a higher price.
| Carat | Gold content | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 9ct | 37.5% | Hard-wearing, best value |
| 14ct | 58.5% | A balance of colour and durability |
| 18ct | 75% | Richest colour, softest of the three |
Yellow gold
Warm and classic. It suits vintage-inspired designs and makes a warm-toned diamond look brighter against it.
White gold
A bright, cool white that shows off a colourless diamond. White gold is usually rhodium-plated, and that plating wears with time, so the ring needs re-plating every few years to stay at its whitest.
Rose gold
Copper in the alloy gives the pink tone. It's durable, distinctive, and flattering against most skin tones.
Sensitive skin
Some white gold alloys contain nickel, which a small number of people react to. If you know you react to jewellery metals, ask us about platinum instead. Speak to a medical professional about any known metal allergy.
Matching a wedding band
Choose the same metal and carat for the engagement ring and the wedding band. Two different hardnesses sitting against each other will wear unevenly over the years.
Which to choose
- Everyday hard wear: 9ct
- Best all-round balance: 14ct
- Richest colour and feel: 18ct
- Known metal sensitivity: ask us about platinum
Every Noir Flare ring is made to order in any UK size from F to Z, and we resize free of charge if you tell us within 3 days of receiving it. Shop engagement rings or read the full buying guide.