How To Choose Engagement Ring Metal?

Here at Wedding Bands & Co., we take pride not only in offering the best and most diverse diamond inventory in the city but also in creating the most beautiful  custom engagement ring settings available in a wide range of precious metals. While many people understand that choosing a diamond can be a process, some are surprised to learn that selecting the metal for the ring setting is just as important. In this blog post, we aim to discuss different metals objectively, provide insights into options, prices, and offer our professional opinions to help you feel confident when entering a consultation. Whether you desire a statement piece or something understated yet beautiful, understanding the various precious metals will help you achieve the look you desire.

How to Choose the Metal for Your Engagement Ring?

First and foremost, it's important to remember that there is no right or wrong choice. In this post, we will guide you through the different options and provide insights into the pros and cons of each, but ultimately, it is up to the individual buyer to understand their significant other's style and preferences and make a decision from there. Don't let this overwhelm you; this should be an exciting decision-making process. So take a deep breath, relax, and absorb the information.

Not long ago, there were limited choices when it came to ring metals. The decision was as simple as choosing between 18k or 14k gold. However, as we continue to learn more about metals and explore new possibilities, we now have a wider range of options, which can be both daunting and thrilling. Alongside the choice between 18k and 14k gold, you can now select from white, rose, or yellow gold. Additionally, there's platinum, palladium, tantalum, and even man-made metals like tungsten, titanium, and cobalt. Among these, platinum and various gold alloys remain the most popular choices and are always recommended by experienced jewelers.

While choosing the metal for your engagement ring, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, communicate with your partner. They may already have a clear idea of what they want, which can relieve a lot of the stress for you. If they are unsure, ask them or consider their preferences based on the following questions:

1. What type of jewelry do they frequently wear? Do they prefer cooler-hued items like  silver, platinum, or white gold? Or do they lean more toward warmer hues such as yellow or rose gold?

2. How do they feel about mixing metals? Some individuals love the variety of mixed metals, while others prefer a consistent look.

3. Does the person have a traditional/classic style, or do they gravitate toward the latest fashion trends?

4. Who are their favorite celebrities or inspirational figures? Do they share a similar style or personality? Drawing inspiration from those who inspire them can be a great idea.

5. Are they allergic to any known metals? It's important to ensure that the chosen metal will not cause skin irritation or allergies.

6. Are there any religious or cultural traditions your significant other would like to uphold? While not applicable to everyone, it's crucial to understand and respect any specific ideas or beliefs they may have.

Knowing the answers to these questions will provide a starting point for your journey. While your search may lead you in unexpected directions, having a starting point will simplify the process and make it more enjoyable. After all, it's the journey that matters, isn't it?

Which Precious Metal Should You Choose for Your Engagement Ring?

In today's age, there are numerous options when it comes to selecting the metal for your engagement ring. Technically speaking, the answer is simple: choose the metal that best resonates with your style and aligns with what you consider important for your perfect ring. Let's delve into the differences among some of the most popular metals.

Platinum:

Platinum is a naturally white precious metal. It is incredibly strong, even more so than gold, making it an excellent choice for securely holding heavier stones. We often recommend using platinum prongs with gold rings to provide durability near the center stone.

Platinum enhances the beauty of the diamond you choose and gives the ring a timeless appearance. In today's market, platinum is technically less expensive than gold. However, platinum rings tend to be slightly pricier due to the higher quantity of precious metal used. Platinum rings typically contain 90%-95% pure platinum, while gold rings usually have 58.5%-75% pure 14k gold.

An essential point to note when choosing between platinum and gold is that platinum is hypoallergenic. Although few people experience allergic reactions to gold, platinum offers a safe choice. Keep in mind that platinum rings are slightly heavier than gold ones, providing a substantial feel for those who prefer a weightier engagement ring.

Maintaining a platinum ring is relatively easy. While platinum may scratch more easily than gold, these scratches do not result in any loss of precious metal. A simple polish and cleaning will restore its new appearance. Ensure you select a jeweler who offers free lifetime annual cleaning, just as we do here at Wedding Bands & Co.

Gold:

Gold is a traditional and classic metal choice for an engagement ring. It is strong and versatile, with different hues to suit various personal styles. While gold is less prone to scratches than platinum, it is more malleable.

Gold used in jewelry is not 100% pure gold. It is mixed with alloy, which provides strength. Due to the lesser quantity of precious metal, gold is generally less expensive than platinum. The purity of gold is measured in karats. As mentioned earlier, 14k gold contains 58.5%-75% pure gold, while 18k-24k gold contains a higher percentage of gold. However, it's worth noting that as the gold content increases, the metal becomes softer. For an engagement ring meant to be worn daily, we recommend not exceeding 18k gold. If you have a strict budget, 14k gold is an excellent choice. However, be aware that the alloy mixed with gold may cause skin reactions in individuals with sensitivity.

Gold comes in three colors. Natural gold is yellow, but it can be transformed into different colors by mixing it with various alloys.

Yellow gold is a classic and timeless choice for engagement rings. It wears well and requires simple maintenance. Annual polishing will keep it stunning for years to come, making it a perfect heirloom to pass down through generations.

White gold is currently highly popular among couples. It offers the stunning appearance of platinum at a lower cost. However, white gold requires more upkeep than other gold options because it requires rhodium plating. This plating is applied to the outside of the ring. Over time, the plating may wear down, revealing the natural yellow color of the gold. A reputable jeweler, like us at WBC, will offer free rhodium plating once a year.

Rose gold is a newer and trendier metal choice, equally beautiful as yellow and white gold. It requires the same level of maintenance as platinum and yellow gold, with an annual polish. Copper alloy is mixed with gold to create the romantic and whimsical rose gold color. If people describe you as whimsical, rose gold might be an excellent choice for you.

Which Ring Metals Can Be Resized?

We often receive inquiries about which metals can be  resized, as some customers prefer to surprise their partners with the ring they have chosen and want to ensure it can be easily resized.

Firstly, it's essential to acknowledge that everyone's hand size can fluctuate. In summer, your hands may swell slightly due to weather and humidity, while in winter, they may shrink. Therefore, if your partner states they are a size 5, don't panic if the ring you present is slightly too big or too small. Estimate the best you can and confidently present it.

Natural metals can be resized, within reason. However, continuous resizing should be avoided, as it can affect the integrity of the ring. Here at Wedding Bands & Co., we offer one free sizing within the first year to ensure the ring fits perfectly. We do suggest that the wearer wears the ring for a couple of months before resizing. This allows them to observe their daily fluctuations, enabling us to provide a better estimate of the most comfortable size.

If you have chosen a man-made metal for your ring, it's important to note that resizing is not possible. Once the rings are created, you must keep what you have or order an entirely new ring. We strongly advise sticking with the popular precious metals for engagement rings.

Another common question is whether it's easy to change your metal choice after making a selection. Unfortunately, in most cases, changing the metal requires a completely new setting. That's why it's crucial to educate yourself and avoid rushing your decision. Customizing a setting in any of the precious metals usually takes about 6-8 weeks, depending on various factors. Therefore, ensure you have enough time to perfect the ring before the desired date.

If there's one thing you should take away from this post, it's that there is no definitive wrong answer when it comes to selecting the metal for an engagement ring. We all agree that precious metals are a better choice than man-made alternatives, and within the realm of precious metals, the choice is entirely up to you.

Of course, we are always here to answer any questions that may arise from reading our blog posts. Feel free to use our chat feature to speak to someone directly or send us a message if you don't have time to chat at the moment. Helping our customers understand every step of the process is an essential part of our work. We aim to build lasting relationships, starting with educating you on how to create your perfect custom-designed engagement ring.

Lastly, remember to have fun with the process. This adventure typically happens only once in your life, so don't stress. Learn as much as you can, trust your instincts, and you can't go wrong. And of course, always choose a reputable jeweler who is not only knowledgeable but also understands the significance of this special process.

We'll help you to design your dream engagement ring without stress and spending countless hours searching for your perfect ring. All you need to do is click on "Free Consultation" to get started.