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Engagement Ring Metals

Platinum Engagement Ring

A platinum engagement ring is a good choice for someone who wants a hardwearing ring that will not tarnish and needs little maintenance, whilst also safe in the knowledge that they have a very pure metal. Platinum is a very rare dense metal and when used in jewellery the minimum British standard is 95% pure metal. Platinum’s purity makes it suitable for all skin types and makes it very hardwearing; the only downside is it’s expensive. Its strength also means it is the most secure metal for setting diamonds in. Platinum is the rarest and most valuable of all precious metals. Platinum is a very pure metal which ensures that jewellery will not fade or tarnish in any way, and makes it the ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. Platinum jewellery has a weightier feel to it due to platinum’s greater density above gold.

White Gold Engagement Ring

A white gold engagement ring has a similar appearance to platinum whilst costing considerably less, but it is a less pure and softer metal which will need periodic maintenance to help keep its colour. Eighteen carat white gold is 75% pure gold and 25% alloy; the alloy is made up of metals such as silver, palladium and nickel to give the gold its white finish. White gold is a popular choice offering a similar appearance to platinum whilst costing considerably less. White gold is created through taking yellow gold and alloying it with metals such as silver and palladium. White gold is noticeably more expensive than yellow gold on heavier bands; this is due to the high quality alloys used. From an appearance point of view there is not a massive difference between platinum and 18ct white gold, this is mainly because the 18ct white gold is rhodium plated. The downside to rhodium plating is that over time it can fade to reveal a more yellowy coloured ring, however the ring can easily be re plated by us or any other jeweller. Ultimately it’s a difficult decision to make, but if you would prefer a purer more hardwearing ring that is maintenance free then platinum should be your choice of metal, however for approximately 20% less cost you could have an eighteen carat white gold ring which looks virtually identical.

Gold Engagement Ring

A gold engagement ring has been the traditional choice for many years. Yellow gold is currently featuring heavily in fashion jewellery and as such gold engagement ring sales are on the increase. Gold has a wonderful warm appearance. Its beautiful rich deep yellow colour combined with a natural lustre means gold makes for some truly spectacular jewellery. Gold works very well with coloured stones particularly with rubies and emeralds. Gold as with all precious metals is a commodity which over time generally increases in value, which is why purchasing gold jewellery can also be seen as somewhat of a long term investment. Gold has always been highly valued and of great importance for civilisation, even when looking back in ancient history.

Palladium Engagement Ring

A palladium engagement ring makes for a fantastic alterative to platinum or white gold, and as a guide the cost is only slightly more than a 9ct gold ring. Palladium like platinum is a very pure metal with 95% purity so it will not tarnish or fade, although palladium is slightly lighter in weight than platinum. Until recently palladium had no legal hallmark. From the 22nd July 2009 a voluntary hallmark for palladium was made available, but from the 1st January 2010 all palladium jewellery weighing more than one gram will legally have to be hallmarked. The legal hallmarking of palladium will undoubtedly be a stepping stone for an increase in the popularity of palladium jewellery, coupled with its low price when compared to platinum of the same purity should also help its success.