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What you’re really buying and how long it will last Jewellery terminology can be confusing and it’s not always explained clearly. This guide breaks it down simply, so you can make informed choices with confidence. Gold plated jewellery Gold plated jewellery is made by applying a very thin layer of gold over a base metal (often brass or silver). What to know The gold layer is extremely fine Over time, plating will wear away, especially on rings and chains Lifespan depends on wear and care Best for Occasional wear Trend-led pieces Short-term styling Gold plated jewellery is not designed to last a lifetime. Gold vermeil Vermeil uses a thicker layer of gold over sterling silver, rather than brass. What to know More durable than standard plating Still a surface layer, it will wear over time When the gold wears, silver underneath becomes visible Best for Medium-term wear Those wanting gold appearance at a lower price point Gold filled Gold filled jewellery contains a much thicker layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. What to know More durable than plating or vermeil Still not solid gold Less common in UK fine jewellery Best for Everyday wear when solid gold isn’t an option Solid gold (including 9ct) Solid gold jewellery is gold all the way through, not coated. In the UK, 9ct gold is traditional and widely used. What to know Extremely durable Will not wear away or reveal another metal Can be polished, repaired, resized and restored for decades 9 carat gold contains alloys that make it harder-wearing than higher carats Best for Everyday jewellery Heirloom pieces Long term wear A note on “solid gold” Not all solid gold jewellery is equal. Some pieces are hollow or very lightweight, which can affect longevity. Construction matters just as much as material. Our approach We choose materials based on how jewellery is actually worn, not just how it looks online. Our aim is simple: pieces that age beautifully and can be worn for years, not replaced. If you’re ever unsure what’s right for you, we’re always happy to talk it through.  Why We Use 9 Carat Gold In the UK, 9 carat gold is traditional. It has been used in fine jewellery for generations not because it is cheaper but because it is practical, durable, and suited to everyday wear. Strength for real life 9 carat gold contains a higher proportion of alloy metals than higher carat gold. This makes it: Harder and more resistant to knocks Less prone to bending or denting Better suited to jewellery worn daily rather than occasionally For rings, chains and pieces designed to be lived in, this matters. Higher carat golds (such as 18ct) are softer by nature. While beautiful, they can mark and deform more easily when worn every day. A British jewellery standard In the UK, 9ct gold is: Fully recognised as solid gold Hallmarked and regulated Used historically for heirloom and everyday jewellery alike Many pieces passed down through families engagement rings, chains, signet rings are 9ct precisely because they were worn often and needed to last. Longevity over labels We choose materials based on how jewellery behaves over time, not how impressive a number sounds. 9ct gold: Will not wear away Can be polished, resized, repaired and restored repeatedly Ages gracefully rather than deteriorating A well made 9ct piece can last decades  and often generations, with proper care. The right gold for the right purpose There is no “best” carat universally only what is best for how you wear your jewellery. Our designs are intended to be worn often, layered, and lived in. For that reason, 9ct gold offers the balance we value most: beauty, strength, and longevity!