Shopping for bridal engagement rings is a daunting task, as you can easily get overwhelmed by the enormous number of choices available for you. Bridal engagement rings can vary in the shape and size of their diamonds, the design and settings, the metals used, etc. Hence, it will leave you flabbergasted with the wide range options.
When coming to the metals used for engagement rings, you will get different options including, platinum, gold, silver, etc. Apart from these precious metals, there are also many other alternative options including palladium, titanium, stainless steel, etc. We list some of the common metals used for bridal engagement rings along with their pros and cons for helping you to choose the right metal for you.
Platinum
Platinum is one among the most popular metals used for engagement rings and wedding bands. It is the favorite metal of many bridal engagement ring designers. It is naturally white and has a soft and smooth appearance. It has the ability to last for generations because of the high strength and durability it possesses. However, this metal is very expensive because of its rarity. It is also very dense weighing almost 30% more than gold.
Pros:
- It is the most durable metal available among all the other precious metals.
- It is a wonderful choice for those who work a lot with their hands
- Long-lasting
- It is naturally white and this color will not easily fade.
- It is rarer than gold
- This metal is hypoallergenic, hence, it can be used by people having sensitive skin.
- Ideal for rings that contain diamonds or other gemstones.
Cons:
- As it is very dense, it can feel a lot heavier than gold.
- May look dull over time
- Can get scratched easily
- Can be worn only against another platinum ring, i.e. if you select a platinum engagement ring, you have to also select a platinum wedding band for them to look better when worn together.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is a common option that is usually found in bridal engagement rings. When buying gold, it is important to notice that higher karat values will be very soft for using daily. Karat is a value that is used to determine the percentage of gold. To make the gold strong, other metal like copper and zinc will be added in small proportions.
Pros:
- The color of yellow gold will not fade over time
- It is a classic choice for engagement and wedding rings
- Yellow gold is a traditional material that has been used to make pieces of jewelry even before centuries.
Cons:
- It is not as durable as other materials like platinum
- Will be too soft with higher carat weights
- Rings made with this metal can become thin and worn over time.
- Maybe allergenic for some people.
White Gold
This metal will also need the presence of other materials for making them stronger and for adding color. It usually contains palladium and silver, which help this metal to get its specific color. It has a silver finish and can look similar to platinum in appearance. One of the problems associated with white gold is that it may need polishing often as the color can fade. Plating the ring made of white gold every 6 to 12 months will help you to maintain its beauty and dazzle.
Pros:
- It is cheaper when compared to platinum, hence create a great alternative for this expensive metal
- You can find a wider range of ring options with this metal.
- White gold can look great when used with diamonds.
Cons:
- Like yellow gold, this metal is also softer, hence, it will not be as durable as some other metals.
- You will have to plate a white gold ring frequently as they can fade in color.
- It is also possible to have certain allergenic reactions on some peoplebecause of the alloys used.
Rose Gold
It is an alloy made of yellow gold and copper, and the redness is determined by the amount of the copper present in it.
Pros:
- More durable than both white and yellow gold
- More affordable
- Does not need rhodium plating
Cons:
- Presence of copper may cause allergy for some people
- Not available widely as other metals
Silver
Silver is easily available and has a white-silver colored appearance. This metal is also mixed with copper for using in pieces of jewelry.
Pros:
- A lot of different designs are available
- Readily available with many jewelers
- Very affordable when compared to gold or platinum
Cons:
- May tarnish over time because of the addition of copper
- Can be scratched and misshaped easily.
Palladium
This metal is very light because of its low density. It has a silvery-white appearance, and is considered to be a part of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs).
Pros:
- Color won’t fade over time
- It is light but has similar durability as platinum
- Do not cause allergy mostly
- Tarnish-free
Cons:
- Limited designs will be available with this metal
Titanium
Titanium is very strong and has a silvery-grey color. It is considered as the hardest metal in the world. This metal is also scratch-resistant.
Pros:
- This metal is very trendy
- Very affordable
- Hypoallergenic
- Extremely hard-wearing
Cons:
- It is not traditionally used for engagement and wedding rings
- Difficult to repair and resize
- Designs are very limited
