About Our Metals
What Are The Different Types Of Gold Jewellery?
At By Charlotte, each of our keepsakes has been designed and meticulously crafted to hold your memories for years to come. To ensure there’s a piece for each and every journey, we offer a variety of metals. These include 18k gold vermeil and plated keepsakes, sterling silver, as well as a selection of radiant 9k, 14k and 18k solid gold jewels.
It’s important to understand the difference between each metal so you can make an informed choice when selecting a piece.
About Solid Gold
For those seeking a forever piece, solid gold is the preferred choice. When properly cared for, it will last forever, capturing your story for years to come.
Is It Karat or Carat?
We use ‘carat’ to refer both gold purity and the weight of gemstones. However, we represent this with a ‘k’ when written in short form, reflecting the American spelling. Whenever you see ‘k’ follow a number (for example, 9k, 14k or 18k), this indicates the proportion of pure gold in an alloy.
What Are The Different Carats, and What Do they Mean?
Gold karats represent the purity of gold in a piece of jewellery. Pure gold is 24 karats (24k), meaning 100% gold, but it’s too soft for everyday wear. Most jewellery is made from blends of gold and alloys for durability. At By Charlotte, we offer a range of carat options, to ensure you can find the perfect piece.
18k Gold
This comprises 75% pure gold. The introduction of our first 18k solid gold keepsakes marks a milestone in our journey to create meaningful jewellery that endures in every way. 18k solid gold will never wear away or fade. Its radiance is ever-lasting, making it worthy of life’s most meaningful moments.
14k Gold
This comprises 58.3% gold. These keepsakes are durable and slightly more affordable than 18k solid gold, perfect to wear every day.
9k Gold
This comprises 41.7% gold and is the most durable option, often paler in colour. Keepsakes in 9k solid gold will retain their shine for years to come, so are still considered a forever piece, but they’re more affordable than our alternative solid gold options.
About 18k Gold Vermeil and Plated Jewellery
There are many different terms for non-solid gold jewellery, such as gold filled, gold plated and gold vermeil. Both are radiant and will last for a long time if properly cared for; however, there is a distinct difference.
18k Gold Vermeil Jewellery
18k gold vermeil jewellery is made by coating sterling silver with a thick layer of 18k gold measuring at least 2.5 microns. This generous thickness, combined with the quality sterling silver base, creates a durable and luxurious finish. Vermeil offers the beauty of solid gold at a more accessible price, with excellent resistance to tarnishing when cared for properly.
18k Gold Plated Jewellery
18k gold plated jewellery consists of a thinner layer of 18k gold, around 1 micron, applied over sterling silver. While it provides the same radiant gold appearance, the coating is more delicate and may wear away faster, especially with frequent wear. Gold plated pieces are more affordable but generally less durable than vermeil.
How Are The Different Gold Colours Classed?
Gold is rarely used in its purest form for jewellery, as it’s too soft to withstand daily wear. Instead, it’s mixed with alloy metals like copper, silver, nickel, and palladium, which influence both durability and colour. The choice of alloy creates different shades of gold, each with its own appeal. The three most popular variations are yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, each offering unique characteristics and beauty.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is our most popular type of gold. It is made by mixing pure gold with alloy metals like copper and zinc to achieve strength while maintaining its signature warm, golden hue. Its bright, rich colour is the closest to pure gold.
White Gold
White gold is created by blending pure gold with white alloys such as nickel, palladium, or silver, giving it a cooler, silvery-white tone. White gold has a sleek, modern look, making it a popular and more affordable alternative to platinum.
Rose Gold
Rose gold, sometimes called “pink gold,” is made by mixing pure gold with a higher proportion of copper. The copper content gives it a soft blush or rosy hue. We don’t currently offer rose gold in our assortment.
