Memorial Jewellery Metal Types and Prices

Choosing the right metal is an important part of creating memorial jewellery. The metal affects the appearance, durability, weight, maintenance and price of your piece.

At Cherish Forever, we offer a range of metals for ashes rings, hidden ashes rings, pendants, lockets and bespoke memorial jewellery. This guide explains the main differences so you can choose with confidence.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is one of the most popular choices for memorial jewellery. It has a bright white appearance, is more affordable than gold or platinum, and works beautifully for ashes rings, lockets, pendants, bracelets and earrings.

Silver is ideal if you want a meaningful piece at an accessible price. It does require care, as silver can naturally tarnish over time, but it can be cleaned and polished when needed.

9ct Yellow Gold

9ct yellow gold has a warm traditional colour and is a popular option for rings and memorial keepsakes. It is more affordable than 18ct gold while still offering the look and feel of precious gold jewellery.

It is a good choice for customers who want a classic gold appearance with practical durability for regular wear.

9ct White Gold

9ct white gold offers a lighter, silvery-white appearance. It is often chosen by customers who like the look of platinum but prefer a more affordable precious metal option.

White gold is usually rhodium plated to enhance its bright white finish. Over time, this plating may need refreshing depending on wear.

18ct Yellow Gold

18ct yellow gold has a richer gold colour than 9ct gold due to its higher gold content. It is a premium choice for memorial rings and fine keepsakes.

Many customers choose 18ct yellow gold for its warmth, luxury and traditional jewellery feel.

18ct White Gold

18ct white gold is a premium white precious metal option. It has a refined appearance and is often used for fine jewellery, diamond rings and more luxurious memorial designs.

Like 9ct white gold, it is usually rhodium plated and may require replating over time to maintain its bright white finish.

Platinum

Platinum is one of the most durable and prestigious precious metals used in jewellery. It has a naturally white tone, a reassuring weight and excellent long-term wear properties.

Platinum is often chosen for exclusive hidden ashes rings, diamond memorial rings and jewellery designed to be worn every day for many years.

Titanium

Titanium is modern, lightweight and hard-wearing. It is a strong choice for contemporary memorial rings, especially for customers who prefer a more understated or alternative metal.

Selected titanium designs are available for ashes in resin and hidden ashes memorial rings.

Which Metal Is Best for Memorial Jewellery?

The best metal depends on your budget, lifestyle and preferred appearance. Sterling silver is a popular and affordable choice. Gold offers a classic precious metal feel. Platinum is a premium option for durability and longevity. Titanium is modern, lightweight and strong.

If you are choosing a ring for everyday wear, durability and comfort are especially important. If you are choosing a pendant, locket or bracelet, appearance and personal meaning may matter more than metal hardness.

Hallmarking

Qualifying precious metal jewellery is hallmarked in accordance with UK hallmarking requirements. A hallmark confirms the metal content of the piece and gives reassurance that your jewellery has been independently checked where required.

Need Help Choosing a Metal?

Choosing a metal for memorial jewellery can feel overwhelming, especially when the piece carries such personal meaning. If you are unsure, contact us and we will guide you through the options.