What metal should I use for my Engagement Ring?
Why are some metals better than others?
There are many metals used in engagement ring settings. The durability of metals ranges from soft to durable, depending on its density. It is important to take into consideration the longevity of the metal you will use. Will this metal last a lifetime? Will I be able to adjust its size in the future? What type of yearly maintenance does this metal need?
We have listed the top four metals used in engagement rings. We hope you learn a little something to enhance your relationship with your new engagement ring!
Let’s meet the metals!
Metal: Platinum
Why you’ll love it: Platinum is a naturally white precious metal known for its durability. Platinum’s strength and resistance to tarnish are why it’s often sought after. This baby is in it for the long haul!
Maintenance: Although durable and resistant, platinum is a softer metal than 14k gold. It is best to clean your piece every other week with a soft, polishing cloth. Make sure to take your ring to a professional at least once per year for a professional cleaning*.
Fabulous Fact: Archaeologists have discovered traces of platinum in the gold used in ancient Egyptian burials as early as 1200 BC. However, the extent of early Egyptians’ knowledge of the metal is unclear. It is quite possible they did not recognize there was platinum in their gold.
Who wears this?: Beyoncé’s engagement ring is a solitaire with an elegant, platinum split-shank setting holding a gorgeous 18 carat emerald cut center stone accompanied by 2 carat total weight in pave diamonds.
Metal: Yellow Gold
Why you’ll love it: Timeless and rich, gold is a classic color that certainly isn’t going away anytime soon. Gold is commonly used, so almost any ring will come in this metal. Gold is also unique because there are alloys added to the metal allowing different designers to personalize the hue.
Maintenance: Depending on the carats of your gold, it may need a little more attention than other metals. It is recommended to clean your jewelry with jewelry cleaner once or twice per month. Make sure to take your ring to a professional at least once per year for a professional cleaning*.
Fabulous Fact: The chemical symbol for gold is Au, which is derived from the Latin word “aurum,” which means “shining dawn.”
Who wears this?: Lauren Conrad’s gorgeous, solitaire engagement ring features a singular round-cut diamond in a 4-prong, yellow gold setting.
Metal: White Gold
Why you’ll love it: White gold is fantastic because it goes with just about anything! It is easy to mix and match various colored stones & metals when you begin your wedding set with white gold (allowing you to add variety to your ring finger!)
Maintenance: Very similar cleaning routine to yellow gold. White gold ranges in durability based on the alloys within the mixture. White gold is created from yellow gold by mixing in a white metal such as palladium or nickel. This can help provide added strength that yellow gold may lack. Make sure to take your ring to a professional at least once per year for a professional cleaning*.
Fabulous Fact: It is a common misconception that the color of the rhodium plating, which is seen on many jewelry pieces, is actually the color of white gold. The term “white” covers a large spectrum of colors that borders or overlaps pale yellow, tinted brown, and even very pale rose. The jewelry industry often conceals these off-white colors by rhodium plating*.
Who wears this?: Jessica Biel’s engagement ring is a stunning 18-karat white gold and black rhodium plated creation. The center stone is a 6-carat diamond surrounded by round diamonds and features one aquamarine on each side.
Metal: Rose Gold
Why you’ll love it: Rose gold features a pinkish hue, varying by the creator, that feels quite romantic with a splash of vintage appeal. While there is no such thing as natural rose gold, there is an organic feel to the tone that makes it ideal for more whimsical designs.
Maintenance: Rose gold’s pink tone is controlled by the amount of alloy, typically copper, added to gold. Because copper is a very hard substance, rose gold is more durable than yellow gold and white gold. It’s less likely to get scratches and dings. This makes rose gold a good option for very active women. A once a month wash will keep your rose gold sparkly, but make sure to take your ring to a professional at least once per year for a professional cleaning*.
Fabulous Fact: The 1920’s was a decade for fashionable and stylish women. The fashions of the time called for creative designs, elegance, and luxurious jewels. Many designers, including Cartier, incorporated rose gold in their luxury pieces to add a bit of warmth and femininity to their creations.
Who wears this?: Blake Lively’s engagement ring is a beautiful 12-carat oval shape with rose-gold accents.
*We recommend bringing your rings in every 6 months for a free routine inspection. This includes an ultra-sonic cleaning, steam & sparkle cleaning, and inspection to ensure your stones are all secure in their settings, there are no loose prongs, etc.
At Richter & Phillips jewelers, we offer these services for FREE when you purchase your jewelry with us!
Our free service includes, but is not limited to:
- Ring Sizing up or down 1 size to the original purchaser
- Rhodium finish once per year
- Retip prongs
- Tighten stones
- Appraisal with purchase
- Cleaning/steaming/inspection
- Lifetime diamond upgrades
- All risk engagement ring insurance up to $10,000
- Interest free financing up to 60 months
- Engraving on wedding bands
- Layaway, up to 12 months, with only 20% down
- Trade-ins toward jewelry purchases
- Consultation, disposition of jewelry, watches and fine jewelry
To learn more about our free services, click here
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