A Guide to Precious Metals: The Foundation of Jewellery

Jewellery is not only defined by what you see— but by what it is made from.

The metal forms the foundation of every piece, influencing its durability, colour, weight and how it will wear over time.

At Halo & Crown, every material is chosen with intention— balancing beauty, longevity, and true quality.

Gold: A Balance of Purity and Strength

Gold in its pure form is soft. To create jewellery that lasts, it is alloyed with other metals— resulting in different "karats".

14k vs 18k Gold: What's the Difference?

The difference lies in purity— and how that translates into everyday wear.

• 14k Gold (58.5% pure gold): Stronger, more durable, and better suited to daily wear.

• 18k Gold (75% pure gold): Richer in colour, more luxurious in feel, with a deeper gold tone.

While both are exceptional, the choice comes down to preference:

• 14k for resilience

• 18k for a deeper golden colour

At Halo & Crown, we offer both— ensuring every piece balances elegance with practicality.

Why We Do Not Use 9k Gold

While 9k is legally recognised in the UK, it contains significantly less pure gold (37.5%).

This affects not just its value, but its colour, longevity, and overall feel.

Halo & Crown's focus is on fine jewellery— not just jewellery.

By working exclusively with higher gold purities, we ensure every piece feels substantial, luxurious, and worthy of the moments it represents.

Platinum: Rare, Dense, and Enduring

Platinum is often considered the pinnacle of precious metals.

At Halo & Crown, we exclusively us 950 Platinum, meaning 95% pure platinum.

This is one of the highest standards used in fine jewellery.

Why 950 Platinum Matters

• Purity — 95% platinum content ensures a naturally white, rich appearance

• Durability — Instead of wearing away, platinum displaces over time, preserving the metal

• Weight — Heavier than gold, giving a reassuring, premium feel

• Longevity — Designed to last generations

Unlike white gold, platinum does not require replating to maintain its colour.

It evolves subtly over time— developing a soft patina that reflects its journey.

Understanding UK Hallmarking

A hallmark is an official set of marks applied by an Assay Office, confirming:

• The metal is genuine

• The purity is exactly as stated

• The piece meets legal standards

It is your guarantee of authenticity.

Why This Matters to You

Precious metals cannot be verified by sight or touch alone.

Hallmarking exists to protect you— ensuring complete transparancy and trust in what you are buying.

Our Standard

All jewellery by Halo & Crown is crafted using carefully selected metals and fully compliant with UK hallmarking Standards.

We don't just mee the requirement— we embrace it.

True luxury is not just about appearance, it's about integrity, substance and confidence it what you wear.