When you are looking for an engagement ring, there are a number of things to consider. One of those is the type of metal you want the ring to be made from.
An experienced jeweler will be able to help you fit your diamond to your setting, and will also be able to give you the information you need about the various metals that make up most engagement rings.Gold
Summary
Gold is the most common metal used for wedding rings. It is also among the most popular, and has been used for a number of years.
History
The use of gold dates back to the Ancient Egyptians and others, who often used gold to adorn themselves and their artifacts.
Details
Gold is most commonly seen in yellow and white colors. However, there are other options, such as pink, rose, and green..
Appearance
Gold is shiny and bright in any color. It can be easily polished, and has a warm hue that is classic and timeless.
Advantages/Disadvantages
The main advantage to gold is its classic beauty. While its main disadvantage is the softness of it, especially in its purest form, white gold is still more sturdy than platinum. This is something to consider when choosing which metal is best for you.
Palladium
Summary
Palladium is a good alternative to platinum, and is one of the alloys most commonly used in the creation of white gold.
History
The metal has been used in jewelry making since 1939. It was originally discovered in 1803.
Details
Palladium is less expensive than platinum, but has a very similar look and feel. Since it can be worked and beaten very thin, it can also be used for making white gold leaf.
Appearance
Many people cannot tell the difference between palladium and platinum. The metal is very shiny and easily polished, with a warm, silvery color.
Advantages/Disadvantages
Making palladium jewelry has become much easier, thanks to a refined casting process. While palladium is less expensive than platinum, it is more than expensive than gold/white gold.
Platinum
Summary
Platinum has become a high-end standard in jewelry, especially for people who are looking for something other than gold and also want durability.
History
Platinum was used for jewelry until it was taken off the market during the war effort. After the war, when the supply of platinum recovered, it was once again used for jewelry.
Details
Most of the jewels in the British Crown are made of platinum. It comes from underground mines, that are mostly seen in Russia and South Africa.
Appearance
Platinum is silvery-white, and has a soft hue. Some people think it looks like silver, and others find it to be not as warm as gold.
Advantages/Disadvantages
The main advantage to platinum is its durability, while a common disadvantage is its cost.
Silver
Summary
Like gold, silver has a timeless quality that goes with everything. As such, it is used in all types of jewelry.
History
Also like gold, silver has been used since ancient times to adorn people and items. At one point it was considered to be more valuable than gold.
Details
In ancient times, silver was considered to be the metal tied to the moon, because it was luminous and cool. It is mined in places like Canada, Peru, Mexico, Bolivia, and Poland.
Appearance
Silver is generally bright white, but some of it has a more grayish appearance. While typically shiny, silver also comes in a matte finish.
Advantages/Disadvantages
One of the main advantages of silver is its classic, timeless quality and neutral hue, while a common disadvantage is it's softness. Silver can also tarnish.
Tungsten
Summary
Tungsten has a brilliant shine, and is four times harder than titanium.
History
The metal was originally used in light bulb filaments in 1904, and made its way into other things, including jewelry.
Details
Tungsten is hypoallergenic and considered a pure element.
Appearance
Providing a hard, brilliant shine, tungsten is a great choice for jewelry.
Advantages/Disadvantages
The main advantages of tungsten are its shine and hardness, while a disadvantage is the fact that tungsten rings cannot be sized.
Titanium
Summary
The lightweight nature of titanium makes it a great choice for men's wedding bands.
History
Titanium has become a popular jewelry choice, although it was originally used in the industrial sector.
Details
Australia, China, Norway, South Africa, and other countries all mine titanium.
Appearance
Titanium is generally silver, grey, or black, and has either a satin or polished finish.
Advantages/Disadvantages
The main advantages to titanium are how lightweight and strong it is, while a disadvantage is its inability to be sized when made into a ring.
With knowledge about the six most commonly used metals for engagement rings, you can choose the perfect ring for your needs. Every metal has advantages and disadvantages. The key is to weigh all of those factors when making your decision.
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