You are ready for the marriage proposal, a big step in your life. You want this day to be special because it shows how serious you are. But which metal is the right choice for the engagement ring? Find out the differences between the various precious metals and which one is best for your dream ring.
Does an engagement ring always have to be made of gold or can you also opt for a cheaper ring made of stainless steel? As far as the budget for the engagement rings is concerned, opinions differ widely. While the thrifty don’t understand why a ring that will only be worn for a limited time anyway has to cost so much money, others only see an expensive ring as a true proof of love.
Since “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” many girls dream of a luxurious diamond ring for engagement, but not always the purse gives it. When it comes to the material chosen, there are significant differences in price and quality that can go easy on the bank account and leave more budget for high-quality wedding rings. An overview of the most popular metals used for engagement rings.
Gold Engagement Rings: Timeless & Distinctive
Yellow gold is the classic precious metal for wedding rings. Its color, warm as the sun, enchants for millennia. Rings made of gold are unmistakably and uniquely recognizable as wedding rings. Gold has been the preferred precious metal for centuries, as it is available in different karat numbers and colors due to the proportion of gold and alloys, making it suitable for every budget.
Gold is one of the world’s most coveted commodities and for many people stands for purity, wealth, and quality. Often the metal is also called a symbol of love. Price differences among gold rings come about mainly due to the different alloys: rings made of 333 gold are particularly inexpensive, but metals can be added to them that trigger an allergy when worn.
Pure gold is 24 karat, which is 99.9% fine gold, often called 999 gold. But because it is so soft and therefore susceptible to scratches, it is rarely chosen as a metal for engagement rings. Thus, pure gold or 999 gold is also not advisable, because the material is very soft and therefore not very robust. 666 gold is a good choice for the engagement ring, but it has its price. There are different colors of gold, which come from the different alloys. The best known of these is yellow gold, red gold, and white gold, which is also used as a high-quality alternative to silver.
White gold is an alloy of gold and at least one other white metal, nickel, palladium, or manganese, and coated with rhodium. You should note that this coating will wear off after a few months or years, revealing a light yellow patina. However, this can be remedied by recoating and polishing the ring. Rhodium plating is done in an electroplating bath, a chemical reaction combined with electricity.
18-karat rose and red gold is other increasingly popular options for the engagement ring. Rose gold is 75% gold and 25% copper, while rose gold is 75% gold, 22.25% copper, and a small 2.75% silver. The copper, a reddish metal, gives these gold tones their characteristic color.
Engagement Rings Made of Silver – Noble and Modern
Silver is cheaper than gold and goes very well with rings with precious stones. Especially young bridal couples often decide against gold rings for taste reasons and for engagement rings made of bright white silver. Stainless steel is considered by many couples as too cold material, others appreciate it precisely because of this special effect.
Silver is a naturally occurring precious metal. In its pure, unalloyed state, silver has a soft consistency and is easily worked. For many centuries, people have used shiny metal for jewelry, coins, and everyday objects. Of all metals, the whitish heavy metal conducts electricity best. Thermal conductivity is also unmatched by any other metal. Silver is resistant to alkalis but reacts to sulfurous substances.
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Diamond Shape 925 Sterling Silver Ring in Gold Optic$119.00 - Pura Vida Sterling Silver Sunkissed Ring for Women$23.99
- Swarovski Vittore Clear Crystal Ring for Women$185.00
- Pandora Round Sparkle Halo Cubic Zirconia Ring in Sterling Silver$82.49
- Asscher Cut Halo Sterling Silver Ring with Zirconia$37.20
- All Around Band Sterling Silver Ring with Zirconia$34.80
- Antique Sterling Silver Ring with Zirconia$46.70
- Antique Round Cut and Created Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring with Zirconia$39.00
Platinum Engagement Rings: The Noble Choice
Compared to gold, platinum is a naturally white metal and therefore guarantees that the ring will remain permanently white and will not need to be re-plated. Platinum is a strong, resistant metal. For this reason, platinum is often chosen as the metal for an engagement ring with a larger stone. Despite its strength, this metal is softer for the engagement ring and scratches more easily, creating a certain patina that many people like. However, if you don’t like this effect, you can easily restore the ring with a new polish.
The precious metal palladium is one of the newer metals for the engagement ring. Its advantages are its lightweight and its particularly noble cool color. Palladium is related to platinum, but it weighs less, making it more comfortable to wear. Titanium has also been used for engagement rings for a short time. The anti-allergic and robust metal is slightly darker than silver and resembles stainless steel. Rings made of titanium look cool and modern and are thus in marked contrast to the warm yellow gold rings.
Please note that platinum rings are 95% platinum, so they have referred to as 950 platinum accordingly. Because it is denser, more material is needed to make a ring. For this reason, platinum is more expensive overall, but it is also the noblest and most robust choice, predestined for a piece of jewelry that will be worn every day and exposed to the stresses of everyday life.
Which Metal Should I Choose for the Engagement Ring?
Which precious metal is the right choice for you depends entirely on your personal taste and the desired look of the engagement ring? Make sure that the gemstones used to harmonize with the metal of the engagement ring.
One thing is certain: with high-quality precious metal, you will always choose the right metal for the engagement ring. Quality pays off, such a ring not only convinces with special beauty but is a solid and durable value that will bring you joy for many decades.