There are several factors to consider when choosing an engagement ring for your fiancée. Selecting its metal alone is a complex decision today than what used to be the case once. Where it was a choice between white and yellow, today you have many possibilities to consider, comprising the following.
- What is the difference between platinum and white gold?
- What is a rose gold band?
- How do newer and alternative metals, popular in wedding rings for men, such as tungsten carbide and titanium, complement platinum and gold in engagement rings?
Take all things into consideration, starting with the kind of metal, and you will end up with an engagement ring that suits your fiancée’s personal style, and one that she will cherish forever.
What is Your Fiancée’s Style?
First, focus on determining your lady love’s style, and finding the metal as well as color that bow to that particular style. Another thing that you have to consider when selecting a metal for an engagement ring setting is the kind of piece your fiancée usually wears. In this regard, these are the things which you have to think about.
- If she is drawn to cooler hues as well as silver-toned jewelry, white metal is worth considering.
- Rose or yellow gold are also good choices, especially when your lover has a penchant for warmer tones.
- Another option is mixing metals such as yellow and white gold, as it will let her complement any jewelry piece in her existing collection.
- Even if you settle on a warmer metal such as yellow gold, setting a diamond on white gold or platinum will accentuate the gemstone, showing off the brilliance of it.
Platinum
Platinum is also a white metal, which has a cool luster showcasing the brilliance as well as sparkle of a diamond. It is a popular choice for an engagement ring too, and is regarded as the most precious one of all precious metals.
It is a good choice if your lover leads a very active lifestyle. Platinum’s density offers a secure setting for a gemstone or diamond. It is hypoallergenic as well, so it is a great option for a person with sensitive skin.
The elegant sheen of the white metal will not fade over time, so you will not have to re-plate your platinum engagement ring. Because of the strength of the metal, it is a popular option for setting diamonds on it.
Gold
Gold is a very flexible precious metal and is the most widely common choice for a jewelry piece. Its standard measurement is a karat, which is split into 24 parts. The metal in its purest form is 24 karats, which means 24 out of as many parts are gold.
However, pure gold is way too soft for it to be even used for jewelry; therefore, it is mixed with other metal alloys in order to enhance the strength. You will find 22 Karat gold in the market, but most often the metal comes in 18 Karat (75% gold), 14 Karat (58% gold), as well as 10 Karat (around 42% gold). The rest is made up of different metals, such as copper, silver, zinc and nickel, to lend it strength as well as durability. The percentages and type of alloys used in it determine the color and shade of gold. For instance, 22 Karat gold tends to have a rich and saturated gold color, whereas 14 Karat gold might just appear as a somewhat paler yellow.
Usually, gold jewelry comes in the following colors.
Yellow Gold
The metal achieves the warm patina of it from copper’s red and silver’s green hue. White gold was favored more for a period of time, but yellow gold has regained in popularity of late. It is classic yet fashionable.
White Gold
The metal gets the white appearance, similar to that of silver, as yellow gold is combined with zinc, copper as well as nickel (or palladium). It is plated with rhodium, which costs around 4 times as many as platinum, withstands tarnishing and scratches, and gives it a reflective look. However, this appearance might just go away over time, which will necessitate re-plating.
Rose Gold
The metal has a warmer, pink hue made by mixing yellow gold with an alloy of copper. The total percentages of alloys are the very same for it as these are for white or yellow gold; it is just a different blend of alloys.
Green Gold
If you are looking for an uncommon and nature-inspired metal within the gold family, then this is it. The metal’s soft and pale green is created by combining yellow gold with copper, zinc and silver. Use it together with white and rose gold for a captivating and unique tri-color look.
The Ideal Jewelry Setting
Now that you know the differences between precious metals, it is time to put all the pieces together. Select the metal for her, pick the style, and top off the look with a gorgeous gemstone or brilliant diamond. In the process, you will discover new things about your fiancée which you might not have known before. Eventually, you will create a ring that is just as beautiful and unique as the one who will wear it.
