METALS FOR FINE JEWELLERY
Discover the most popular metals for engagement rings and wedding bands, and learn which one is right for you.
Which Metals Can I Choose at Labelle?
At Labelle, all of our fine jewellery is crafted in 18 karat gold, available in four refined options: yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and two-tone gold. Each metal offers its own character, aesthetic, and symbolism, helping you choose a piece that truly reflects your personal style and story.
18k Yellow Gold is the ultimate classic. Known for its rich, warm tone, yellow gold has long been a favourite for engagement rings and heirloom jewellery. Its timeless appeal makes it ideal for those drawn to traditional or vintage-inspired designs.
18k White Gold offers a clean, modern look. With its cool, silvery finish, it pairs beautifully with diamonds and enhances their brilliance. White gold is often chosen as a stylish and more accessible alternative to platinum, without compromising on elegance.
18k Rose Gold is soft, romantic, and contemporary. Its subtle pink hue is created by blending gold with copper, resulting in a warm and feminine glow. Rose gold complements most skin tones and is perfect for those seeking a distinctive yet elegant metal choice.
Two-Tone Gold combines two gold colours, most commonly yellow and white gold—within a single design. This option offers contrast and versatility, making it ideal for those who enjoy mixing metals and want jewellery that pairs effortlessly with other pieces.
| 18k Yellow Gold | 18k White Gold | 18k Rose Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Colour | Yellow | Silvery-White | Pink/Rose |
| Durability (Hardness) | Moderate | Moderate-High | High |
| Maintenance | Regular polishing | Rhodium replating | Regular polishing |
| Hypoallergenic | Generally yes (18K) | No (contains nickel) | No (contains copper) |
| Price Point (Relative) | $$ | $$ | $$ |
| Best For | Classic, vintage | Modern, bright | Unique, romantic |
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Labelle, we believe fine jewellery should honour both beauty and responsibility. That's why every piece we create is crafted using 100% recycled 18k gold. By choosing recycled gold over newly mined gold, we significantly reduce environmental impact and avoid contributing to environmental degradation and unethical labour practices.
Our recycled gold is sourced from vintage jewellery, industrial by-products, and certified European refiners. Through a meticulous refining process, the gold is restored to its original purity, ensuring that recycled 18k gold is identical in quality, strength, and beauty to newly mined gold.
This commitment to sustainability is central to our mission to create ethical fine jewellery with a conscience. We work exclusively with traceable, ethical European refiners that uphold strict environmental and social standards. At Labelle, ethical craftsmanship is not an option, it is our foundation.
The Difference Between 14k, 18k and 24k Gold
Gold purity is measured in karats (k), which indicate the proportion of pure gold out of 24 parts. 24k gold is pure gold (99.9%), prized for its rich colour and intrinsic value. However, because it is extremely soft, it is not suitable for everyday jewellery, particularly rings and bracelets that are worn daily.
To improve strength and durability, gold is combined with other metals such as silver, copper, or palladium, a process known as alloying. The higher the percentage of alloy metals, the stronger the gold becomes, though this also lowers its pure gold content.
14k gold contains 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% alloy metals. It is harder and more affordable, making it a popular choice for everyday jewellery. However, it can appear slightly less rich in colour and may be more prone to tarnishing over time.
18k gold consists of 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals, offering an ideal balance between durability, colour richness, and skin comfort. Its higher gold content gives it a warm, luxurious tone and makes it especially well suited for fine jewellery and engagement rings.
At Labelle, we work exclusively with 18k recycled gold, as it delivers the perfect combination of beauty, strength, and ethical quality. It represents the gold standard in sustainable luxury jewellery.
Which Metal Matches My Skin Tone?
Choosing the right jewellery metal isn't just about personal style. Your skin tone plays an important role in determining which metal will look most flattering.
If you have cool-toned skin, white gold is often the most complementary choice. Its bright, silvery finish pairs beautifully with cool undertones and helps enhance the natural radiance of your complexion.
If your skin is warm-toned, yellow gold and rose gold are ideal choices. These warmer metals bring out golden or peachy undertones, creating a balanced and glowing appearance.
If you have a neutral skin tone, you have the most flexibility, as white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold all suit you well. This allows you to choose based purely on personal preference and style.
How Do I Determine My Skin Tone?
One of the easiest ways to determine your skin tone is by simply looking at the color of the veins on the inside of your wrist under natural light:
If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have a cool skin tone.
If your veins appear green or olive, you most likely have a warm skin tone.
If it's difficult to tell whether your veins are blue or green, or they seem to match both, you probably have a neutral skin tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most durable metal for an engagement ring?
Among the gold options we work with, 18k rose gold is generally considered the most durable metal for an engagement ring due to its higher copper content, which adds strength, hardness, and resistance to everyday wear.
Will the color of gold fade over time?
No, the colour of 18k gold does not fade over time, whether it is yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, because its colour comes from the metal alloys mixed with pure gold, not from a surface coating. Yellow gold and rose gold have their colour throughout the metal, meaning their tone remains stable over time. White gold, however, is typically rhodium-plated to achieve its bright, silvery finish. This rhodium plating may wear over time and can require periodic replating to maintain its lustre. Like all fine jewellery, regular care and occasional polishing will help preserve the brilliance and appearance of your gold jewellery for years to come.
Is gold jewellery hypoallergenic?
18k yellow gold and 18k rose gold are generally considered hypoallergenic, especially when they are crafted without nickel, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin. 18k white gold, however, may contain small amounts of nickel unless it is specifically made nickel-free, which can cause irritation for those with metal sensitivities. For clients with allergies, nickel-free white gold options are available upon request.
How should I care for my gold jewellery to keep it looking new?
To keep your gold jewellery in pristine condition, store each piece separately to prevent scratches, avoid contact with harsh chemicals, perfumes, or cosmetics, and gently wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing. Over time, white gold may require rhodium replating to maintain its bright, silvery finish, while yellow and rose gold benefit from occasional polishing to restore their natural glow. At Labelle, we offer a complimentary yearly polishing service, allowing you to keep your jewellery sparkling like new for life.
I'm surprising my partner with an engagement ring — how do I know which gold colour to choose?
While skin tone can be a helpful reference, it's not always the best way to choose a gold colour for an engagement ring when shopping for someone else. A more reliable approach is to observe the jewellery your partner already wears. Do they prefer white-toned metals such as silver or white gold? Or do they gravitate toward warmer tones like yellow gold or rose gold? A person's existing jewellery style is usually the clearest indicator of their preference. If you're still unsure, consider asking a close friend or family member who may know their taste. Alternatively, you can bring up the topic casually in conversation without revealing the surprise.
Ready to Choose?
Discover our collection of fine jewellery made in 18k recycled gold, available in yellow, white, rose or two-tone. Whether you're ready to shop or want to learn more about our commitment to sustainable craftsmanship, we're here to guide you.