Metal Guide
Choose Your Metal
The metal shapes the look, feel and price of your ring.
14 Karat
Harder and more affordable. Ideal for everyday wear.
18 Karat
Richer colour and more gold. Softer, with a more luxurious feel.
Every Oré setting is nickel-free, hypoallergenic and hallmarked to karat weight.
Karat Explained
What Does Karat Mean?
Karat shows how much of the metal is pure gold. Pure 24K is too soft for jewellery, so it is blended with other metals for strength.
58.3% Gold
The most popular choice for engagement rings. Harder, more scratch-resistant and better value.
- Durability
- Excellent
- Value
- Outstanding
- Best for
- Everyday wear
75% Gold
Richer, more vivid colour and a deeper lustre. Slightly softer, but everyday durability is very close to 14K.
- Durability
- Very good
- Colour
- Richer, deeper
- Best for
- Heirloom pieces
Oré Recommends
Choose 14K if
You want everyday durability and great value.
Choose 18K if
You want richer colour and an heirloom feel.
At A Glance
Metal Comparison — Side by Side
| Metal | Purity | Durability | Colour | Rhodium | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58.3% | Excellent | Warm yellow | No | Everyday wear, value | |
| 58.3% | Excellent | Bright white | Yes · 1–2 yrs | Modern engagement rings | |
| 58.3% | Excellent+ | Warm blush | No | Romantic, distinctive | |
| 75% | Very Good | Deep rich yellow | No | Heirloom, prestige | |
| 75% | Very Good | Luminous white | Yes · 1–2 yrs | Refined, elevated | |
| 75% | Very Good | Soft blush | No | Luxurious, subtle |
✦ All Oré settings are nickel-free and hypoallergenic. Every piece is hallmarked to its stated karat weight.
Metal Questions
Is 18K better than 14K?
Neither is objectively "better" — 18K has a higher gold content and richer colour, while 14K is more durable and better suited to daily wear. The right choice depends on how the piece will be worn.
Does white gold turn yellow over time?
White gold is plated with rhodium for its bright white finish, and that plating naturally wears with time, revealing a warmer tone underneath. A simple re-plating every 1–2 years keeps it looking new.
Is rose gold hypoallergenic?
All Oré settings are nickel-free, including our rose gold, making them suitable for sensitive skin. Rose gold's warm hue comes from a copper alloy rather than nickel.
Which metal best suits a lab-grown diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds pair beautifully with any of our metals. White gold and platinum are popular for their crisp contrast, while yellow and rose gold bring out a warmer sparkle.