Jaipur Collar Necklace - Appleby Jewellers Dublin

Gold Jewellery Buying Guide

A considered guide to choosing gold jewellery that will be worn, loved, and lived in for a lifetime.

Gold has always held a quiet authority. It does not chase trends, nor does it fade with time. At Appleby, gold jewellery is not simply an accessory; it is a future heirloom, chosen with care and crafted to last.

Understanding the different types of gold allows you to choose a piece that not only suits your style, but becomes part of your story.

Whether you are marking a milestone, choosing a gift, or investing in a piece for yourself, gold offers a rare balance of beauty, durability and emotional significance.

Understanding Gold: All You Need to Know

24ct Gold

100% Pure Gold

Very soft, rarely used for jewellery.

18ct Gold

75% Gold

Ideal balance of luxury and durability. Pieces crafted in 18ct gold have a richer tone.

14ct Gold

58.5% Gold

Slightly less rich in colour, more durable

9ct Gold

37.5% Gold

While 9ct gold offers practicality, it does not carry the same depth of colour, weight, or lasting value as higher carats.

What does "ct" (carat) mean in gold?

In gold jewellery, ct (carat) refers to the purity of the gold, not its weight (which can sometimes be confusing, as carat is also used for diamonds).

Gold Jewellery

14ct yellow gold diamond disc drop earrings with sparkling diamond accents, elegant and stylish jewelry from Appleby Jewellers Dublin
Diamond Disc Drop Earrings – 14ct Yellow Gold
€975.00
€975.00
18ct gold long oval link bracelet by Appleby Jewellers Dublin, showcasing its elegant gold links on a white background.
18ct Gold Long Oval Link Bracelet
€2,595.00
€2,595.00
18ct gold oval link matte bracelet from Appleby Jewellers Dublin, featuring a sleek, polished design with a secure clasp.
18ct Gold Oval Link Matt Bracelet
€5,595.00
€5,595.00
14ct brushed gold pebble earrings from Appleby Jewellers Dublin, showcasing smooth, rounded gold earrings with a matte finish.
14ct Brushed Gold Pebble Earrings
€760.00
€760.00
14ct Brushed Gold Nugget Pendant
€875.00
€875.00
9ct yellow gold elongated link bracelet with polished oval links, showcasing a classic jewelry style.
9ct Yellow Gold Elongated Link Bracelet
€1,095.00
€1,095.00
SOLD OUT
Gold leaf earrings by Appleby Jewellers Dublin featuring delicate, handcrafted gold leaf design and elegant dangle style.
14ct Gold Leaf Pendant
€745.00
€745.00
Africa Gold two-bead drop earrings by Appleby Jewellers Dublin featuring gold beads and elegant drop design.
Africa Gold two-bead drop earrings
€1,820.00
€1,820.00
View collection

What Are the Different Colours of Gold?

Although there are many variations of gold,each differing in purity, tone, and composition, three distinct types define the world of fine jewellery: yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.

Yellow Gold — Timeless and True

The most classic choice, and what most people instinctively imagine when they think of gold, is yellow gold.

Renowned for its warm, rich hue, yellow gold has an unmistakable softness and depth that flatters the skin beautifully, it offers both heritage and refinement.

At Appleby, we favour 18ct yellow gold for its perfect balance, a luxurious colour paired with the strength required for everyday wear. It is enduring, elegant, and effortlessly versatile, making it the natural choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and heirloom pieces.

White Gold — Modern and Refined

For those drawn to a cooler, more contemporary aesthetic, white gold offers a sleek and sophisticated alternative.

Its cool tone is created by blending pure gold with white metals such as palladium or silver, and is often finished with a fine layer of rhodium to enhance brightness and durability. The result is a clean, luminous surface that pairs beautifully with diamonds, allowing their brilliance to take centre stage.

White gold feels quietly modern, understated, polished, and effortlessly elegant.

Blush Rose Gold — Soft and Romantic

Blush Rose gold brings a distinctive warmth, with its gentle blush tone offering something both romantic and contemporary.

This unique colour is achieved by alloying gold with copper, creating a soft pink hue that feels subtle yet expressive. The exact tone can vary depending on the ratio of copper and, in some cases, silver used in the composition.

Rose gold has a natural charm, slightly unexpected, deeply flattering, and ideal for those seeking something a little more individual.

Choosing the Right Gold for You

Each gold tone carries its own distinct character, and the right choice often comes down to what feels instinctively right. The most important factor to consider is your undertone, rather than how light or dark your skin appears. Those with warm undertones — golden, peach or olive — are naturally complemented by yellow gold and rose gold, as these tones mirror the warmth in the skin and create a soft, radiant glow. Cooler undertones, with hints of pink or blue, are beautifully suited to white gold and platinum, where the cooler metals bring balance and a clean, refined finish.

At Appleby Jewellers, our experts are always on hand to guide you, ensuring the piece you choose feels effortless, flattering, and entirely your own.

The History of Gold

Gold has captivated civilisations for over 5,000 years. It was among the first metals ever discovered, valued not only for its beauty, but for its permanence — a material that could not corrode or diminish.

In ancient Egypt, gold was considered the metal of the gods, reserved for royalty and sacred objects. The Greeks and Romans adorned themselves with gold jewellery as a symbol of status, power, and devotion. Across centuries, it became a universal language of wealth, love, and legacy.

Perhaps most importantly, gold has always marked life's defining moments — from wedding bands in ancient Rome to heirloom pieces passed through generations. Its meaning has never been purely material; it has always carried emotion, memory, and permanence.

Today, that tradition continues. A gold piece is not simply chosen for how it looks, but for what it will come to represent over time.

Styling Gold Jewellery

An expression of instinct, elegance, and individuality.

Gold has a rare versatility — it can be worn quietly, layered boldly, or styled to reflect a moment, a mood, or a milestone.

Everyday Elegance

The most refined way to wear gold is often the simplest. A single gold chain resting against the skin, a pair of understated earrings, or a slim band worn daily — these pieces bring warmth and polish without effort.

Layering Gold Jewellery

Layering allows you to build depth and personality into your look.

  • Necklaces

    Combine chains of varying lengths so each piece sits distinctly.

  • Bracelets

    A gold bangle alongside a fine chain bracelet adds movement and contrast.

  • Rings

    Stacking rings across fingers allows for a more personal composition.

Mixing Gold Tones

Once considered unconventional, mixing gold tones is now a hallmark of modern styling.

Two-Tone Gold Bracelet - Appleby Jewellers Dublin

Gold for Occasion Dressing

Gold transforms beautifully from day to evening.

Balancing Gold with Your Wardrobe

Gold works best when it complements, rather than competes.

A Personal Signature

Over time, gold becomes part of how you are recognised.

Gold is not simply styled — it is lived in.