The choice of metal is the most difficult question when looking for an engagement ring. The metals used for making rings have evolved considerably throughout history. However, since the 19th century, the list of metals used has been reduced. Indeed, the manufacture of precious rings is essentially made of gold, platinum, and to a lesser extent, silver or vermeil. The metals known as “gold-plated” are only very rarely used in jewelry.
Which metal should I choose for my engagement ring– platinum or gold? Do you know the essential criteria for determining the right material for your engagement ring and the quality of precious metals? Now, let’s find out which precious metal is most suitable for engagement rings.
What Metals Are Popular for Engagement Rings?
There are not many precious metals that can be used for making jewelry. Especially the engagement rings set with precious stones, such as emerald rings in Melbourne. It is unthinkable to use other metals that would oxidize too quickly. Therefore, platinum and gold are trendy choices among all precious metals.
Platinum: Most Expensive Ring Metal
Discovered in 1735, platinum is a relatively new precious metal. It was first used in jewelry in the early 1900s by Cartier. Platinum is a more expensive metal than gold, and because of its corrosion resistance, it is also a symbol of stability. Its color and luster will not fade over time and require much less maintenance than gold. Platinum lasts forever and is the preferred alloy of Americans, unlike the rest of the world, which prefers gold for engagement and wedding rings.
The most valuable metal
Platinum is currently one of the most expensive precious metals ahead of gold. Platinum alloys are considerably hard and consist of approximately 95% platinum and 5% tungsten.
Platinum is a gray/white metal that we mostly find in wedding rings and bands. It is still white, but it is more grayish than white gold.
Platinum is more expensive than gold because it is rarer and less mined than gold.
Advantages of Choosing the Platinum for Engagement Rings
● Density and durability
Platinum has a higher density than gold. Very resistant to scratches, wear marks take a long time to appear on our platinum engagement rings. A simple polish with a soft bristle brush will restore its shine. Platinum, unlike gold, does not require rhodium plating to shine.
● The patina of platinum
Platinum is solid but not unyielding. A patina is deposited on the precious metal and tarnishes the jewel with the passing years. It is then enough to clean it from time to time to give it back its original shine.
● The purity of platinum
Did you know that platinum is even rarer than gold? There is 30 times more gold in the world than platinum. Naturally hypoallergenic, platinum is the ideal precious metal for sensitive skin.
An excellent alternative to gold, platinum is a metal with luxurious origins. Today the value of platinum is almost equivalent to that of gold. It is more malleable than gold, allowing it to be worked with more precision. It is also denser, and its color does not change over time, unlike white gold, which tends to be yellow. Therefore, it is an ideal choice if you do not wish to choose yellow gold.
Gold: Most Common Ring Metal
It is impossible to date the discovery of gold precisely. However, it is believed to have been discovered between 6000 and 3000 BC. This unique metal was seductive in its appearance and properties and quickly convinced humankind of its usefulness in many areas. Gold has been used to make jewelry since ancient times.
Gold is a precious metal still commonly used for engagement rings nowadays.
Why Do You Choose Gold?
Gold owes its reputation to its natural characteristics. Gold has a bright yellow color in its natural state, and it is commonly used in jewelry because it does not oxidize easily. It is also soft, which facilitates the work of modeling, and setting. Normally, gold is combined with other metal alloys to make it stronger.
Varieties of gold
Gold alloys increase the strength and durability of jewelry. The mixing ratio of the added metals influences the color. Alloys consist of gold, silver, and copper, which, depending on the mixing ratio, produce colors ranging from yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, and green gold (less common).
White gold
White gold has the advantage of matching all gemstones, which makes it an excellent option for an engagement ring. Rhodium enhances the strength of white gold and is the main reason why white gold can withstand scratching and corrosion. Brilliants are particularly enhanced by white gold, making it a popular precious metal for engagement rings. More than a third of all engagement rings sold are made of 14 or 18 karats of white gold.
Yellow gold
Yellow gold has the advantage of being very resistant, it does not scratch easily, and its color does not change with time. A simple polish can make it shine again when the patina is added to the yellow gold. On the other hand, yellow gold will not blend well with certain precious stones. What’s more, if your bride has sensitive skin, it would be the best choice as it is the most hypoallergenic of all gold jewelry.
Yellow gold is a refined and classic metal whose golden color is the most appreciated throughout the world.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is an alloy of gold and copper. It can also be an option for the metal of the engagement ring.
The combination of pure gold and brass gives this metal an ancient appeal and a unique beauty. Adding a small amount of silver allows the goldsmith to work rose gold more easily. The high copper content ensures the pink color and strength of the material. Rose gold is a trendy metal, and it becomes increasingly popular because of its delicate shade that suits all skin tones.
Rose gold for making engagement rings and wedding rings have risen in popularity recently.
Which Metal Will Hold the Diamond Securely?
Before choosing your ring metal, consider whether it fits your diamond in terms of beauty and safety.
Platinum
Platinum is slightly softer than 18k gold, making it perfect for jewelry. Indeed, this metal can be worked more precisely by the jewelry craftsman, and its natural white color makes it an excellent alternative to the use of white gold.
Platinum also offers excellent hold for the diamond set with it, and its malleability allows for vast possibilities in terms of the artistic creations desired. Regardless of the conditions encountered, platinum retains its natural brilliance over the years for a timeless and unique piece of jewelry. Its durability makes it the metal of choice and a safe bet for wedding rings and engagement rings worn daily.
Gold
An inseparable companion to diamond, gold has just as many good qualities as diamond. Gold jewelry has a much longer life than other jewelry! It owes this durability to its inertia, which prevents it from reacting to other elements. It has excellent resistance to oxidation, corrosion, acids, decomposition and does not rust even in direct contact with the sea. The only way to change the appearance of gold is to melt it! This precious metal is also ductile and very malleable.
Customize Your Engagement Diamond Ring
Most people usually choose a white or colorless diamond for an engagement ring. However, yellow, green, pink, and blue have also become popular in recent years. What’s more, the lab-grown diamond attracts people’s attention for those who want to have a man-of-a-kind engagement ring. The diamond of an engagement ring made from your beloved’s hair adds unique emotional and irreplaceable value to the rings. The laboratory diamond offers a nice alternative for a wiser budget. Many companies offer customized lab-grown diamonds
Choosing the Right Metal to Go with Your Unique Diamond
Platinum
Platinum has a grayer look than white gold but is otherwise quite similar. Platinum is becoming increasingly popular, especially because it is a precious solid metal. It can easily be combined with other precious metals, gemstones, and colored diamonds.
White Gold
White gold is very similar to platinum but differs in composition. White gold also has a more silvery sheen. Its appearance is more suitable for people with a cooler complexion. You can combine it with diamonds or gemstones of either warm or cool color.
Yellow Gold
A yellow gold engagement ring is a classic, especially when combined with a solitaire diamond. Yellow gold also goes well with many gemstones and creates a warm-looking ensemble.
Rose Gold
Rose gold gives your engagement ring a vintage look but can be perfectly combined with other precious metals. Not all gemstones or colored diamonds match red gold, so choose carefully.
Caring For Platinum and Gold Engagement Rings
To preserve the brilliance of your gold and platinum jewelry, avoid exposing it to bleaches and other cleaning products that will quickly cause the gold and platinum to discolor and eventually disintegrate. We recommend that you store your gold and platinum jewelry in a safe place when performing the following tasks:
- Indoor and outdoor household chores (e.g., cleaning and gardening)
- showering, bathing, or swimming in pools, spas, hot springs, and the ocean
- using lotions, hair products, perfumes, and other cosmetics
- playing sports in a gym or contact sports
- preparing meals
Keep each piece of platinum and gold jewelry separately to avoid scratches. Take your platinum and gold pieces to the jewelry stores twice a year for professional cleaning.
Finally, it is necessary to mention that metals such as gold and platinum can become slightly deformed over time because of their malleable nature. If it is a ring worn every day, it is normal to wear out over time. In this case, it is important to take it to a jeweler to straighten the ring and avoid too much damage.
Interesting Related Article: “How To Purchase An Engagement Ring While Saving Money“