Starting February 2025, we’re making a significant and exciting change at Lelya. White gold will no longer be our default white metal option. Instead, all of our white gold designs will be crafted exclusively in platinum unless specifically requested otherwise. This transition reflects our commitment to delivering the finest quality jewellery, without compromising affordability.

The Best Part? No Additional Cost to You

While most jewellers charge 50–60% more for platinum over white gold, we’re breaking industry norms by offering this upgrade at no extra charge. At Lelya, we believe exceptional quality and craftsmanship should be accessible, ensuring every piece we create truly reflects your unique story.

Why we’re moving to platinum

This decision isn’t just about quality—it’s also a reflection of changing market trends. Over the past decade, gold prices have risen dramatically, making it increasingly expensive to craft high-quality jewellery:

• In 2013: Gold was priced at approximately £900 per ounce.
• By 2024: Gold prices surged to over £2,100 per ounce, with
• Further increases are projected in 2025.
  

Meanwhile, platinum—once significantly more expensive than gold—has become a better value for both jewellers and customers. This shift enables us to provide platinum’s unparalleled quality without raising prices.

 

Why Platinum? A metal worthy of Your story

At Lelya, we choose platinum not just for its beauty but for the unmatched qualities that make it the ultimate choice for timeless jewellery:

1. Exceptional Durability

   • Platinum is denser, stronger, and more resistant to wear than white gold, making it perfect for engagement rings, wedding bands, and heirloom pieces designed to last a lifetime.
     
     

2. Natural White Sheen

   • Unlike white gold, which requires rhodium plating to achieve its bright finish, platinum’s natural silvery-white glow never fades, saving you time and effort on maintenance while preserving its timeless charm.
     
     

3. Secure Stone Setting

   • The strength of platinum ensures your precious gemstones remain secure for decades to come, giving you peace of mind and lasting beauty.
     
     

4. Hypoallergenic Properties

   • Platinum’s 95% purity makes it hypoallergenic—an ideal choice for sensitive skin. In contrast, white gold often contains nickel, which can cause allergic reactions in some wearers.
     
     

5. Prestige and Value

   • As one of the rarest metals on Earth, platinum embodies luxury. Its weight, durability, and enduring elegance make it the perfect material for a future heirloom.

Why does platinum jewellery still cost more to produce than gold jewellery?

While the platinum to gold price ratio has changed over the last decade, the process of crafting platinum jewellery is still far more intricate.

• Higher Platinum Content: Platinum jewellery contains 95% platinum, compared to 58% gold in 14ct gold or 75% gold in 18ct gold.
• More Difficult to Work With: Platinum’s density and hardness make it more challenging to shape and finish, requiring greater skill and time.
• Specialised Equipment: Crafting platinum demands higher temperatures, specialised tools, and more advanced techniques.
• Higher Tool Wear: Platinum’s strength wears down tools faster, increasing the need for replacements and disposable materials.
• Labour-Intensive Process: Platinum’s unique properties demand a meticulous and expert approach to achieve the perfect finish.

Despite these challenges, we’re dedicated to absorbing the additional costs to provide you with superior jewellery at no extra charge.

 

What this means for You

By transitioning to platinum:

• You receive a superior product: Platinum offers unmatched durability, a natural white finish, and long-term value.
• You pay no extra: While other jewellers charge significantly more for platinum, Lelya is maintaining its existing pricing to ensure your story is crafted without compromise.
  
  

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Lelya

At Lelya, every piece of jewellery we create is a celebration of your story, your moments, and your legacy. By choosing platinum, we’re not only elevating our designs but also honouring our promise to craft jewellery that stands the test of time in beauty, quality, and meaning.

If you’re dreaming of a bespoke piece or considering your next timeless creation, there’s never been a better time to explore the timeless elegance of platinum.

Let’s create Your Story together

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to us at customerservice@lelya.co.uk or complete our design questionnaire here.