18-carat Yellow Gold
18ct yellow gold has become a standard in luxury jewellery, prized for its rich colour, excellent durability, and ability to hold intricate designs. Its timeless appeal and prestigious status make it an excellent choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewellery pieces.
Yellow gold has been revered throughout human history for its beauty, rarity, and intrinsic value. Its allure can be traced back to ancient civilisations, with its earliest known use dating back to ancient Mesopotamia around 4,600 BCE, then later by the Egyptians around 3,000 BCE, where it symbolised divine power and eternity. Egyptians adorned their pharaohs with gold jewellery and burial masks, believing it to be the flesh of the gods. Similarly, in Greece and Rome, gold was used to craft exquisite jewellery, coins, and ceremonial objects, signifying wealth and social status. During the medieval period, gold's association with the divine persisted, often used in religious artefacts and symbols. The Age of Exploration further elevated its status as European explorers sought new sources of gold, driving global trade and conquest.
In contemporary times, yellow gold remains a symbol of luxury and enduring value, used in fine jewellery, investment, and various cultural traditions. Its timeless appeal lies in its lustre, malleability, and resistance to tarnish, making it a lasting emblem of wealth, beauty, and power. Pure gold (also known as 'fine gold' or '24-carat gold') is too soft and malleable to be fashioned into wearable pieces, so gold is alloyed with other metals that have different properties that makes it more suitable for everyday wear.
In contemporary times, yellow gold remains a symbol of luxury and enduring value, used in fine jewellery, investment, and various cultural traditions. Its timeless appeal lies in its lustre, malleability, and resistance to tarnish, making it a lasting emblem of wealth, beauty, and power. Pure gold (also known as 'fine gold' or '24-carat gold') is too soft and malleable to be fashioned into wearable pieces, so gold is alloyed with other metals that have different properties that makes it more suitable for everyday wear.
Alloying Yellow Gold
Our 18-carat yellow gold wedding rings and engagement rings are made up of 75% gold, 16% silver and 9% copper. Adding copper increases the hardness and strength of the alloy, and imparts a rich warm hue to the gold. Silver lightens the colour of gold, creating a paler and more yellow hue. When combined with copper at this specific proportion, it helps achieve the desired shade of gold. And, while silver is relatively soft, it adds a different type of hardness making 18ct gold a durable and workable metal ideal for precious jewellery.
How much does a yellow gold ring cost?
The price of a gold ring really depends upon the total weight of the ring. Our yellow gold rings start from £243, and we regularly monitor other high street jewellers to bring you the lowest price per gram on 18ct gold. If you see a wedding ring on the high street or another site with the same specification we will be happy to match that price for you. (See our price promise)
Is yellow gold real gold?
Yes, gold in its purest form (24 carat) has a warm yellow hue. 18k gold is alloyed with 25% silver and copper to make the metal into a wearable piece while maintaining its natural golden glow.
Why choose a yellow gold ring?
Choosing a gold ring offers many advantages, gold rings have a classic appeal that never goes out of fashion, they are also durable and require very little maintenance. Amongst the benefits of gold is its value. The price of gold is often volatile in the short term but historically gold has increased in value further contributing to its timeless appeal. However, wedding rings represent eternity, with no beginning or end, signifying the unending bond, the material of the wedding ring is purely down to preference but gold is a great choice.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Timeless and versatile, suitable for contemporary or classic designs | Slightly less durable than rose gold or platinum | |
| Warming and suitable for most skin tones | Colourless diamonds can pick up a slight yellowish hue | |
| The contrast against diamonds really enhances their sparkle |
What’s the difference between 24ct, 18ct and 9ct gold?
The difference between 24ct, 18ct and 9ct gold lies in their purity. The purity of the gold is accurately measured in parts per thousand, but traditionally the purity of Gold is often referred to in carats. Think of carats meaning 'parts per 24'. 24ct is the purest - 100% gold, while 18ct means 18 out of 24, or rather 75% of it's total weight is pure gold hence its 750 hallmark. 9k gold is marked as 375 meaning that in 1000 parts there would be a minimum of 375 parts gold.
24k Gold offers the highest purity but is softer and less durable, while 18ct gold is alloyed to strike a balance between purity, beauty, and strength, making it more suitable for wearable jewellery.
24k Gold offers the highest purity but is softer and less durable, while 18ct gold is alloyed to strike a balance between purity, beauty, and strength, making it more suitable for wearable jewellery.
Can 18ct yellow gold scratch and scuff
Yes, 18ct yellow gold can scratch and scuff due to its relative softness. On the Mohs scale, 18ct yellow gold ranks around 2.75. Pure gold (24k) is very soft, but alloying it to 18ct means it contains 75% gold mixed with 25% harder metals like copper and silver. This gives 18ct gold more strength while retaining the rich, traditional colour of yellow gold. However, it’s still softer than metals like platinum or white gold, making it more susceptible to surface wear from harder materials.
Here’s how 18ct yellow gold typically holds up:
- Scratch Resistance: 18ct yellow gold is more resistant to scratches than 24ct (pure) gold. Over time, you may notice fine scratches and scuffs, which many people appreciate for the soft, slightly matte “lived-in” finish it can give. If you prefer a bright, polished look, regular maintenance can keep it looking pristine.
- Patina and Polishing: As 18ct yellow gold ages, it may develop a gentle patina, creating a warm glow. If a high-shine look is preferred, occasional polishing can restore its original lustre and remove surface scratches. However, over-polishing is not recommended as it can remove small amounts of gold.
- Durability and Longevity: Though 18ct yellow gold is softer than other alloys, it’s still durable enough for daily wear. It holds its shape well, making it ideal for intricate ring designs while maintaining a classic look. If your lifestyle involves significant hand work or high-impact activities, you may want to take occasional breaks from wearing it or consider a slightly thicker band for added durability.
In short, while 18ct yellow gold is softer and more prone to scratching than some other metals, its luxurious colour, characterful patina, and timeless charm make it a beloved choice for wedding rings. Regular polishing or embracing its natural patina can keep your 18ct yellow gold ring looking beautiful for years to come.
Book a consultation
We aim to make choosing your perfect wedding or engagement ring as easy and stress-free as possible, which is why we offer flexible no obligation consultation options to suit your needs. Choose from either a virtual online appointment, in-person at our showroom in Hessle near Hull, or our new service Joshua James at Home where we bring the showroom to you. At this appointment we can go through your ideas and help you to create the perfect piece of jewellery within a budget you are happy with.
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