Picking the right metal for your engagement ring
There are so many different things to consider when choosing an engagement ring. Between learning about the 4 C’s of a diamond, choosing a diamond, and picking out the perfect design,
When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, there’s more to consider than just the main diamond or stone. It’s just as important to choose a quality and durable metal for your engagement ring to ensure that it will last a lifetime. There’s a good chance that your fiancée will wear her engagement ring almost every day.
The four most common metals for engagement rings are gold, silver, platinum and palladium.
Gold
Gold is by far the most popular metal for engagement rings and wedding bands. It is often mixed with different alloy metals such as copper, zinc, silver and palladium.
It’s more practical and cost-effective to choose 9 or 18 carat gold for engagement rings because they’re more likely to withstand every day wear 18 carat gold is 75 % pure gold, while 9 carat gold is 37.5 % pure gold.
Gold comes in three different colors: yellow, white and rose.
White Gold is still the most popular colour for engagement rings.
White Gold gets its silvery white colour from combining yellow gold with silver and nickel (or palladium). It’s plated with a hard element called rhodium (a platinum group metal), which costs about four times as much as platinum, resists scratches and tarnishing, and gives white gold a platinum like appearance. However, it may wear away over time, requiring a quick trip to your jeweller for re-plating.
Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold never needs to be re-plated.
Yellow Gold is best for people with warm skin tones. Classic yet fashionable, Yellow Gold achieves its warm patina from the red of copper and the green hue of silver. Yellow gold lost favour to white gold for a while but has recently regained popularity.
Rose Gold
Rose Gold also known as Pink or Red is also growing in popularity. Unique and romantic, rose gold has a warm, pink hue created by combining yellow gold with copper. The overall percentages of metal alloys are the same for Rose Gold as they are for yellow or white; it’s just a different mixture of alloys used. Like Yellow Gold, Rose Gold is best for people with warm skin tones. It is also the hardest of the precious metals.
Platinum
Platinum is a naturally white metal with a beautiful lustre that showcases the brilliance and sparkle of diamonds beautifully. It is a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands and is considered the most precious of all jewellery metals.
Compared to gold, platinum is rarer and purer when used in jewellery. Platinum is durable, making it a good option if your fiancée leads an active lifestyle — its density provides a secure setting for diamonds or gemstones. Platinum is also naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
Its elegant sheen will not fade or change colour over time, making re-plating your platinum ring unnecessary. Because of its strength, it’s a popular choice for setting diamonds.
Like silver and white gold, platinum is a lustrous white metal. Platinum is heavier than the other metals, but it’s still mixed with alloy metals to ensure its strength and durability. Platinum’s high density makes it feel more luxurious.
Despite its cost, platinum is a popular metal for engagement rings.
Palladium
Palladium isn’t as well known as the other three metals, but it has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Palladium is a platinum “sister” metal and is found together with platinum when mined. Palladium, like platinum, is also tarnish-resistant and naturally hypoallergenic, making it great for people who are sensitive to other metals. Palladium is also lighter than Platinum, which makes it nicer for people who find heavier rings to be uncomfortable. At the moment, it is the most expensive of the 4 metals.
Silver
Silver is a popular cost-effective choice for engagement rings. Like gold, it’s mixed with alloy metals when used in jewelry. The purest form of silver is fine silver, which is 99.9 percent pure silver. However, most people prefer to go with sterling silver, which is 92.5 % pure silver. Unlike gold, silver only comes in one hue. Silver goes well with every skin tone and matches well with both casual and formal attire. Additionally, silver is a lot more affordable than gold or platinum. However, silver is the softest of the 4 metals.
The process of buying an engagement ring can become frustrating. But educating yourself on the different options can help to make the process more enjoyable and will help you to make an informed decision during your engagement ring buying process.
Knowing which metal is right for your significant other can be tricky. If you’re unsure of what metal she prefers, taking a look at the other jewellery she wears or asking her what metal she likes can be helpful. If you’re still unsure, we will assist you at our store.
Regards, Pedro Da Silva
