Ring in the Love
Tips for Selecting the Best Metal for Your Wedding Rings
Selecting an engagement ring or a wedding band is an important decision because it’s a sentimental piece of jewelry you’ll ideally wear forever. Before making such an investment, it’s wise to know a bit about the metals that rings are commonly composed of. This can help ensure you make the right selection for you and your partner.
Yellow Gold
Throughout history, yellow gold has remained the most sought-after metal for engagement and wedding bands. Women and men tend to prefer yellow gold.
It should be known that jewelry is not composed of pure gold, as it is much too soft to be worn. Instead, gold is combined as an alloy with other metals such as silver, copper or platinum, making it more durable. This means you won’t want 24K gold. Instead, most jewelers offer 18K, 14K or 10K. A higher karat count assures a higher gold content, equating to a richer color, and means the metal is less durable.
While gold is low maintenance and durable, it can be scratched when brushed against hard surfaces and requires regular polishing and cleaning to maintain its shine. Timeless, elegant and versatile, there’s a reason yellow gold remains popular.
White Gold
Over the past two decades, white gold has become so widely used that it is the most popular engagement ring choice for women.
White gold is a combination of pure gold and other metals, including silver, nickel and palladium. These silvery metals give white gold its signature color.
White gold has a slightly higher durability than yellow gold and comes in reasonable price points. A disadvantage to white gold is that it will need to be dipped every few years to maintain its color and luster. The beautiful shimmery white adds allure and appeal to any diamond.
Rose Gold
Since the mid-2000s, rose gold jewelry has become increasingly favored. The warm pink hue exudes romance, making it a preference for many brides.
Pure gold is mixed with copper and silver to achieve the pink color. Because there is a high percentage of copper, rose gold is more durable than yellow and white gold. As a result of added copper, the price point is cheaper.
Although rose gold is popular, it is still not as commonly available as yellow or white gold, meaning it may not be offered in the ring you want.
Platinum
Platinum possesses a beautiful white sheen that exudes luxury. Luxury comes with a price tag, though. While similar in color, platinum is more than double the price of white gold.
That being said, many find it’s worth the high cost for its durability and color retention. Platinum is very durable and has good resistance to corrosion. Platinum ages beautifully, ensuring its color and shine don’t fade. In addition, platinum is hypoallergenic.
Platinum is a sure bet if you’re looking for a lifelong investment to retain sparkle and shine.
Palladium
Think of pallidum as platinum’s cousin. Palladium is similar in hue and shine at a lesser price point. The smaller price tag comes with lessened durability, which could result in more scratches and tarnishing. Palladium is a wonderful option for a lightweight ring.
Sterling Silver
This classic precious metal is the most affordable of all. Like gold, pure silver is too soft, so it is mixed with copper and other metals. Even with these other metals mixed in, silver scratches easily and will need to be cleaned regularly. Silver remains popular for its irresistible shine.
Titanium
Titanium has quickly become popular for men’s rings because of its durability. Titanium is incredibly strong, resisting most scratches, and it maintains its light gray color that can be polished for shine or brushed for a matte look.
Because it won’t bend or break, it’s most commonly used for men’s rings. This might be ideal for those who work with their hands. Something to keep in mind is that titanium is not easily resized, so you’ll want to know your partner’s ring size.
Tungsten
Tungsten is another great option for those with an active lifestyle. Much like titanium, it resists scratches and everyday wear. That being said, tungsten should not be subjected to pressure. A hard hit or big drop could cause it to shatter. Although tungsten is most common in a silver-gray hue, it can also be found in black or white.
Tantalum
Like the other “t” metals, tantalum withstands wear and tear. Tantalum is less brittle than tungsten and hypoallergenic. Many like its deep gray, almost black coloring. Tantalum is a bit more expensive than titanium and tungsten.
