When buying a wedding band or engagement ring, it’s important to consider the metal type that best suits your lifestyle and aesthetic. It is important to learn about the different ring metals available and their durability, since there are certain things to avoid in engagement rings.
Gold is a precious metal known for its beauty and malleability. However, pure gold (24 karat) is too soft for rings, so jewelry gold is always mixed with alloys.
White Gold
When it comes to engagement rings, white gold is one of the most popular metal types. Its light hue complements many different gemstone types and looks beautiful with most skin tones. White gold is also durable and tarnish-resistant, making it an excellent option for those who want a classic but modern ring.
Yellow gold is another traditional choice for engagement rings. Its warm, orange-yellow tone pairs well with most gemstones, and its durability and strength make it a great choice for everyday wear. Yellow gold is available in a variety of karat weights, with higher karats meaning more pure gold. However, higher karats can also increase the risk of scratches and dents. For this reason, we typically recommend choosing a mid-range karat like 18k or 14k to balance durability with value.
Palladium is a precious metal that is naturally white, durable, and tarnish-resistant. It is more affordable than platinum, but it also offers the same luxurious look and feel of gold. It’s important to note, however, that it’s denser and heavier than gold, so you may find that it feels more substantial on your finger than other ring metals.
Rhodium is a rare and expensive precious metal that gives white gold its bright, silvery finish. However, it does not last forever and needs to be re-plated every 12-18 months to maintain its appearance.
The best ring metal for you depends on a few factors, including: your lifestyle and budget; the color and luster of your preferred stone; and the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. With a range of metals available, there’s sure to be the perfect match for you. From gold and palladium to titanium and tungsten carbide, there’s a metal out there for every style and budget.
Rose Gold
Many ring buyers start their journey to finding their perfect ring by determining the center stone. However, sorting out the metal first proves to be a much smarter idea. Ring metals impact a lot more than just holding the gemstone in place, they also determine the overall aesthetic of the piece and have significant cost implications.
Gold is a classic metal that is known for its beauty and durability. The most common karats for gold rings are yellow and white, but rose gold has gained popularity as well. It is an 18k gold alloy with copper that lends it a beautiful blush color that flatters a variety of skin tones. Silver is another traditional choice for wedding and engagement rings, especially those with an organic brushed finish that complements a variety of gemstone colors and shapes. However, silver is a softer metal than other choices and can tarnish or scratch easily. It’s typically coated in rhodium to increase its strength and protection, but this will need to be reapplied over time.
Platinum is a naturally white, dense, and durable metal that is one of the strongest options available for jewelry. However, it is one of the most expensive because of its rarity and high demand. It’s hypoallergenic and will not oxidize or fade with age, but it is also a heavier weight than gold and may feel uncomfortable on the finger for long periods of time.
Modern ring metals like titanium, tantalum, and cobalt offer a winning combination of style and performance. These hard, contemporary metals are often less costly than the precious metals and provide a clean, sleek appearance that works well for men’s and women’s styles. They’re also extremely strong and scratch resistant, making them a great choice for active lifestyles.
Silver
Silver is an understated, sleek metal with a modern aesthetic. Its smooth surface is a beautiful complement to many gemstones and works well with both men’s and women’s fashion rings. However, silver is a softer metal that’s more susceptible to damage than other precious metals. It tarnishes easily and needs to be polished and stored in tarnish-preventive bags to keep it looking its best. As a result, it’s a better choice for occasional wear rather than daily use.
Yellow gold is a classic metal that’s also a good choice for engagement and wedding rings. Despite its softness, it holds gemstones securely and is very durable. It also combines beautifully with other metals like rose gold and platinum, which makes it a popular choice for mixed-metal engagement rings.
Platinum is an expensive, prestigious option for engagement and wedding rings that’s naturally white and hypoallergenic. It’s also more durable than gold and can stand up to decades of wear. However, platinum is 35% heavier than gold and can feel a little heavy on the finger.
Ultimately, the choice of ring metal depends on your personal preferences and budget. While many couples start their search for the perfect center stone, sorting out the ring’s metal can be equally as important and provide a great starting point for your design journey.
Platinum
A coveted material for engagement rings, platinum is a luxurious and durable choice. Like a fine wine, it becomes more beautiful and lustrous over time, with a naturally white finish that is more resistant to scratches than other metals. It also resists tarnishing and doesn’t require re-plating over time. However, this strong and rare metal is quite expensive.
Gold is a popular option for engagement and wedding bands, especially those with a yellow hue. While pure gold is soft, alloys such as copper and zinc are added to the mix to strengthen it and provide a higher karat rating. The higher the karat, the more pure gold it contains. The most popular karats for engagement rings are 14k and 18k, which offer a balance between durability and affordability.
Silver is another classic material for jewelry and wedding bands. Its sleek and minimalist aesthetic is ideal for modern rings and complements a wide range of skin tones. Because pure silver is too delicate for everyday wear, it’s coated with rhodium to enhance strength and shine. However, silver is one of the softer metals and can be susceptible to scratches and dings over time.
The hardest and strongest ring metal in the world is tungsten, known as “the black widow” for its super-strength and ruggedness. These heavy rings look sleek and are perfect for men with large, masculine hands. They’re hypoallergenic and scratch resistant, but they can’t be resized and have a tendency to conduct heat and electricity. They’re also not as easy for a jeweler to work with, which could make them a bad option for couples who want a quick or DIY engagement ring.
Tantalum
While many buyers start their search for the perfect engagement ring by deciding on a center stone, sorting out the metal is an important step that influences the overall cost of the ring. While many people think the diamond’s high quality and carat weight are the only factors that impact a ring price, the type of ring metal also impacts your budget.
Gold is a naturally shiny precious metal that comes in various colors, but yellow gold is the most popular choice for engagement rings and men’s wedding bands. It comes in varying purity levels (karats), with 14K and 18K being the most common. Gold is also the most durable and scratch-resistant of the precious metals, but it is softer than other metals, so it can be susceptible to damage from heavy wear or harsh environments.
Silver is a natural white precious metal that is more affordable than gold, but it is also softer and can tarnish easily. It is often used as a base for gemstones in fine jewelry, and it can be combined with copper to make it stronger and more durable. Although it is a good option for fashion jewelry, silver is not the best choice for an engagement or wedding ring as it can bend out of shape easily and may become dull and brittle over time.
Titanium is a contemporary metal that is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional gold rings. It has a modern look and is incredibly durable, making it an excellent choice for active couples or those who have jobs that require manual labor. It’s also hypoallergenic, meaning it’s safe to wear for people with allergies or sensitivities to other metals. It’s not as malleable as gold, however, so it can be more difficult to work with in a ring design.