Choosing jewellery, made simple
With fifty years of experience, we've distilled everything into one page: how to choose the right piece, judge quality, and buy with confidence.
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Before the metal or stone, think about who's wearing it. Consider their style: elegant (pearls, diamond pendants), bold (statement rings, chunky chains), sentimental (engraved pieces, birthstones) or minimal (thin bands, delicate chains). Also think about their skin tone, since warm tones suit yellow gold, cool tones suit silver and platinum, and neutral tones suit both. People also tend to wear what they already love, so matching their existing jewellery is rarely a bad bet.
Romantic gifts call for statement rings, diamond earrings or a personalised pendant. Birthdays and milestones suit birthstones, bracelets or stacking rings. Everyday pieces are best in sterling silver or 9ct/14ct gold, think simple studs and minimal chains. For a luxury statement, look to 18ct gold, platinum or diamonds.
Numbers stamped inside a ring or on a clasp tell you the metal's purity:
- 750: 18ct gold (75% pure)
- 585: 14ct gold (58.5% pure)
- 375: 9ct gold (37.5% pure)
- 925: sterling silver (92.5% pure)
- 950: platinum (95% pure)
Paired with a UK hallmark, these are your guarantee the piece is genuine.
Carat is size, cut is sparkle, clarity is cleanliness, and colour is whiteness. If you want a diamond to look impressive, cut matters more than carat.
- Under £150: sterling silver, simple chains, stud earrings
- £150 to £550: 9ct gold, gemstone pieces, premium silver
- £550+: gold, diamonds, platinum
Diamond studs, hoop earrings, a simple gold chain, a classic bracelet, a solitaire pendant or a plain gold band: these suit every age, style and occasion. And buy from a jeweller who's transparent about pricing, hallmarks and returns, since that's the standard fifty years in the trade has taught us to hold ourselves to.
Know your materials
Gold
9ct gold is the most popular choice in the UK: durable enough for everyday wear, and warmer in tone than white metals. 18ct and 14ct gold carry more pure gold, for a higher price and a softer feel.
Diamonds
Judged on the 4Cs: cut for sparkle, clarity for cleanliness, colour for whiteness, and carat for size. A well-cut smaller diamond will often catch more light than a larger, poorly cut one.
Pearls
A classic that suits any age. Freshwater pearls are the most affordable and widely available; a smooth, even surface and a good roundness are the best signs of quality to look for.