When it comes to selecting an engagement ring, many people focus on the diamond – how many carats, what color it is, the clarity of it, the shape, etc. But another major part of the ring is the metal used on the band. Yellow gold has long been touted as the “traditional” band, but there’s a multitude of metals to choose from. Depending on your skin tone, your personal preferences and your budget, the right metal can be hard to find, but definitely not impossible.
Yellow gold
Gold is usually the most classic choice for an engagement ring. Since pure 24k gold is too soft to be used in a ring, it is usually mixed with other metals (copper, silver, nickel, etc.) to make it stronger. The amount of alloys in the gold affects the color; the less alloys, the more yellow the gold will be. Since it’s so widely available, it is one of the more affordable options on this list, but keep in mind that it will develop a patina (a thin layer that forms after oxidization that makes the gold look aged and vintage) after a while and is not that durable. However, if you’re going for a classic wedding band look that’s friendly to your wallet, yellow gold is the way to go.
White gold
White gold is a bit of a misnomer; it’s not naturally white, it’s just regular yellow gold mixed with a white metal like silver or zinc. It’s also dipped in rhodium so it seals in the color and is more durable. White gold is arguably the most popular metal for engagement rings at the moment as it offers a more contemporary look and is great for those who want the look of platinum, but without the budget for it. There is a maintenance fee that comes with getting a white gold ring, since the rhodium plating will wear away with time. You will have to get your ring rhodium dipped every other year or so, depending on how much you wear it.
Rose gold
Rose gold is a metal rising in popularity for engagement rings because of its romantic look and vintage feel. It has a warm pink hue, thanks to the copper mixed in with the yellow gold. Rose gold rings are durable and affordable (always a winning combination) and do not require any rhodium plating. The color is also complementary to nearly every skin tone as well as other jewelry metals. (Also growing in popularity are white gold rings with rose gold detailing!) The downside to using this metal is that it is not hypoallergenic and they are not as widely available.
Platinum
Platinum bands are top of the line when it comes to choosing a metal for your ring. They are a naturally white metal, hypoallergenic, and offer the most protection for the gems. Since they have so many pros, the major con is that they are very expensive. Platinum is about 30 times more rare than gold and costs as such. The color is appealing to many, as yellow gold can clash with skin tones or the gemstone, and would be a solid choice if you tend to lean toward silver jewelry. Since platinum is 95% pure, it’s naturally hypoallergenic, ideal for those with sensitive skin. Platinum is also very durable and never tarnishes nor needs re-plating, which is perfect if you plan on wearing the ring every day. While platinum is the most expensive metal, it’s a long term investment, just like your marriage.
Sterling silver
Silver used to be the de rigueur metal for wedding rings in the 18th century and stayed as such until the gold rush in the mid-1800’s. Since silver is a very soft and malleable metal, it needs to be combined with other metals, similar to gold. Sterling silver is the best choice for silver rings and is created by mixing silver with copper. Sterling silver rings are pretty affordable, even when engraved. It does not need rhodium plating to keep its color and shine, like white gold, but that would increase its durability. The cons to sterling silver rings are that they can be scratched fairly easily and will eventually tarnish, so they do need to be cleaned fairly regularly. However, with a little effort, a silver ring will last for a long time.