Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands: The Different Metals

Diamonds may strike a chord in every woman’s heart - but limiting your focus to a single jewel is not enough. Choosing the base, or metal of the ring is just as important as it will affect the overall appearance of the engagement ring. Should you go for gold - and if you do, which colour? What used to be a simple decision between white and yellow gold now entails a mind-boggling decision-making process of various colours and metals.

Here’s a deeper look into some of the most common metals that will help you tie all the elements together.

GOLD

Gold is an exceptionally versatile metal and has been the standard for engagement and wedding jewellery. Pure gold, however, is too soft to be used for jewellery on its own; hence, it’s compounded with other metals to amplify its strength.

Often, the remaining portions comprise other metals - such as copper, zinc, silver and nickel - to provide durability and strength.

YELLOW GOLD

Crowned as the classic pick among the different gold colours - 18K yellow gold is a combination of pure gold and a little copper and silver. Among all types of gold, yellow gold is the most malleable and thus, it will be relatively easier for the jeweller to resize the ring when necessary. Gold engagement rings and wedding bands stay true to the traditional times and have been said to represent ‘fidelity’, making it an ideal pick for old-fashioned brides.

 

WHITE GOLD

White gold is made up of materials like nickel, copper and zinc or with silver and palladium and its core element - gold - allowing it to achieve its silvery white radiance. As compared to yellow gold, it is a contemporary piece that is glamorous and durable. White gold rings are normally plated with layers of rhodium to give them a bright white appearance. Currently, 18K white gold is the most popular metal choice for engagement rings and wedding bands as it provides a timeless and romantic look for all ring styles.

ROSE GOLD

Rose gold is a symbol of love because of its warm pinkish hue - achieved by mixing yellow gold and copper alloy. For a stronger and more prominent colour, more copper is added to increase the redness of the metal. Unlike white gold, 18K rose gold (also known as “pink” gold) does not require rhodium plating. Rose gold engagement rings and wedding bands are romantic, and display affection for your special someone perfectly.

PLATINUM

Platinum rings are a rarity on their own as platinum is a naturally white metal. Moreover, due to its durable nature and density - platinum is long-lasting and makes an excellent pick for brides with an active lifestyle. Platinum complements diamonds well, and flaunt their sparkles and brilliance beautifully. However, being more precious and purer than other metals - platinum comes at a steeper price.    

THE PERFECT COMBINATION

Picking a metal for your engagement ring or wedding band is never easy - but small steps are necessary to understand the basics. And now that you know them, you can get on with the rest of the selection - from the choice of gemstone to ring engraving.

At this point - you might want to even design your own ring and add your personal touch. At Love & Co, we provide customisation services for engagement rings and wedding bands, and are determined in achieving our goal; to create the perfect ring that speaks to her heart. While it may take a considerable amount of effort to consolidate a bespoke piece, the end result is worthwhile.