Precious Metals
Worth & Douglas wedding bands are available in 9ct, 10ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct, with most styles also available in platinum, palladium and titanium.
GOLD
Since its discovery seven thousand years ago, gold has been admired and valued for its warmth, its beauty, its sensuality, and spiritual richness.
From the first discoveries of gold in ancient times, its beauty and the ease with which it could be worked, inspired craftsmen to create unique objects of desire. It has no oxides and is the only metal not affected by the oxygen in the atmosphere. No other metal surpasses gold in malleability and ductility. Gold does not rust, tarnish or corrode. Pure gold is 24 carat which means it possesses 100% pure gold.
24CT GOLD
In its purest form, 24 carat gold is considered too soft for general jewellery use.
9CT OR 18CT GOLD
18 carat gold is 18/24 parts or 75% pure gold and weighs 38% more than 9 carat gold, which is only 9/24 parts or 37.5% pure gold. 18 carat yellow gold has a richer, more golden colour than 9ct and tends to retain its appearance better as it ages over the years. For this reason 18ct is preferred for engagement and wedding rings.
WHITE & ROSE GOLD
Pure yellow gold can be mixed with different metals to create certain colours such as white or rose gold. The Worth & Douglas multi-colour ring range gives you the freedom to mix and match white, rose and yellow gold to create your perfect ring.
PLATINUM & PALLADIUM
Unlike other white metals, platinum and palladium do not require rhodium plating and their natural brilliance makes them the perfect choice for jewellery that will last virtually forever.
More information on Palladium | More information on Platinum
TITANIUM
Titanium rings have several unique properties: they are hypoallergenic, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and strong enough to retain their shape even when subjected to hard wear.
More information on Titanium
ZIRCONIUM
Zirconium is a hard, lustrous, silvery coloured metal which is produced from the mineral Zircon.
More information on Zirconium
Our Palladium
Palladium is a precious metal, part of the platinum family of metals. It is naturally white and hard wearing. Most of our designs are available in palladium.
- Discovered in 1803, it was named after Pallas Athena – the Goddess of wisdom and war
- Our palladium jewellery is 95% pure, with the other 5% made up of gallium and copper
- Just like platinum, palladium jewellery does not require rhodium plating to make it white. It is naturally bright white so it doesn't turn a yellowish colour with wear
- Palladium will not tarnish in normal conditions
- Palladium is hypo-allergenic
- Palladium is very hard wearing and light in weight
Our Platinum
What is platinum?
Platinum, discovered in the 16th century, is greyish white in colour. It is very rare and considerably heavier and stronger than gold.
Does platinum jewellery have any alloys?
Platinum alloy contains 5% ruthenium or copper.
Why is platinum so much more expensive than white gold? Which one will wear better? Why is platinum’s purity important to me?
Platinum is one of the world’s strongest metals. It is a pure metal, which is hypoallergenic, tarnish resistant and extremely durable.
Platinum will not wear away over time like white gold or yellow gold and will always keep its beautiful white bright colour. Everyone wants the safest security for his or her diamond and platinum provides the needed strength.
Is platinum the same as white gold?
No, it is quite different. White gold is really yellow gold with other metals added to it to achieve a white look. Platinum is white to begin with and maintains its white lustre permanently. Since gold is really yellow gold with alloys added to it, the alloys tend to wear away as you wear your white gold jewellery.
Will platinum scratch?
Signs of wear, including scratches, will inevitably appear in all precious metals, even platinum. However platinum’s durability and strength keeps you from losing very little metal when the piece is scratched. Platinum does not wear away; it simply displaces itself or changes its shape.
Will platinum co-ordinate with my yellow gold jewellery?
Platinum’s white colour beautifully contrasts with yellow gold and adds versatility to your existing wardrobe.
Our Titanium
- Titanium (symbol Ti), first discovered in 1791 as Menachite, was renamed by Dr M.H. Klaproth who referred to the giants of Greek mythology, the Titans.
- Titanium has been used principally in the aerospace industry for both airframes and engines where light weight, strength & ability to withstand extremes of temperature are important.
- Titanium rings retain their form and style for a lifetime.
- Titanium will not tarnish and offers very low maintenance wearability.
- Titanium is completely hypoallergenic, making ideal jewellery for anyone with any sensitivity to metals.
- Titanium rings are ideal for outdoor use and great as a backup second ring during sports activities.
- Titanium rings are also worn by people who simply want to wear different jewellery, or have an understanding of the complexity of titanium, its properties and high tech manufacturing process.
- Titanium is three times stronger than steel but 45% lighter.
- Titanium is stronger than gold and platinum.
- We use a high grade of titanium in our rings, enabling the ring to be stretched up one size.
- All our titanium rings are made from seamless bands.
- Titanium rings can be cut off the finger with saw blades.
- Most titanium rings are available diamond set.
Our Zirconium
- Zirconium is naturally a hard, lustrous, silvery coloured metal which is produced from the mineral Zircon (ZrSiO4).
- Zircon is mined primarily in Australia and South Africa, with smaller deposits found in Brazil, India, Russia, and the United States, amongst other countries.
- Zirconium is extremely corrosion resistant due to the formation of a stable oxide film and is unaffected by most acids and alkalis.
- Extreme heat causes oxidisation and the ring turns black. Machine engraving reveals the natural silvery colour underneath.
- With normal daily wear black zirconium rings are extremely durable.
- Zirconium is completely hypoallergenic and will not tarnish or react to body chemistry.
- Zirconium is very strong and long lasting, yet light in weight.
- Zirconium is harder than platinum, and our heating process makes it even tougher.
- Zirconium will not shatter like Tungsten.
- Our Zirconium rings are available in 1.5 – 12mm widths, and in a wide range of profiles.
- Our Zirconium rings are available with a selection of our decorative cuts.
- Our free machine engraving is available on the inside, i.e. names, wedding dates or a special message, but hand engraving is not available.
- Currently not available with Comfort Curve™.
- Our Zirconium rings can be stretched up one size, but cannot be soldered by conventional means. (Bi-tone zirconium rings cannot be sized).
- Zirconium rings can be cut off the finger with saw blades.