You already know you're getting one of the most important purchases in your life here, even if you plan on one day upgrading, you will have this ring for quite a while regardless. You need to be sure you get the perfect match for your loved one. Many have a preference of the type of metal and the color for engagement ring settings and we've got some guidance on the materials commonly used in engagement rings to help get you started.
Gold
Yellow Gold
This naturally yellow metal is combined with other metal alloys to add strength – it’s usually 70- to 75-percent pure. This is apt for people with a warm skin tone. The biggest advantage of yellow gold is that the color improves with age and does not need re-plating, which is usually a very costly affair. They are known for their sheer elegance and hence a classic choice.
White Gold
Yellow gold is turned into white gold when the surface is plated with rhodium. However, the coating can wear away over time and return to its original color. It’s also more common and therefore less expensive than some other metal options. White gold can also be created by mixing in white metals to the gold, such as palladium or silver. White gold looks good on any skin tone and are a more contemporary choice than yellow gold. An advantage here is they are not easily tarnished because there is no copper. They can also be combined with platinum or titanium. White gold is less expensive than platinum and hence it is an ideal choice for those who cannot go for platinum, but at the same time wishes to go for light tone metal.
Rose Gold
This pink-tinted metal is gold with an added copper alloy. The more copper alloy in the metal, the deeper the rosy tones will be. Many people opt for rose gold engagement rings because of their underlying meaning. While white gold symbolizes friendship and yellow gold means fidelity, rose gold represents love. Plus, it’s durable and looks great against many skin tones, but works best for those with warm tones. They are also known as pink gold and are unique in every way. They are generally a combination of yellow gold and copper alloy.
Green Gold
This is truly a nature inspired metal, unusual yet beautiful. It is created by combining yellow gold with copper, zinc and silver. Green gold was known to Lydians as long ago as 860 BC under the name electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of silver and gold. It actually appears as greenish-yellow rather than green.
Palladium
Like platinum, palladium won’t tarnish and is very flexible, however palladium’s lower density makes it less expensive. It also has a darker, grayer tone than platinum. They are naturally hypoallergenic and naturally light, making them ideal for those who are sensitive to other metals. Palladium can also be mixed with yellow gold to create a white gold alternative.
Platinum
This is a rare, natural white metal that’s known for its strength and purity. Platinum is typically 95-percent pure. Platinum’s density makes it very durable, so it will keep your diamond or other gemstone nice and secure. It’s also hypoallergenic so it won’t irritate your sensitive skin. When platinum scratches, very little metal is lost, so your ring will endure years of wear. Also, since it’s a pure-white metal, it won’t cast any tint onto your center stone.
Recycled Metals
Recycled metal comes from many sources, like platinum and gold, and takes on the color and traits of its dominant metal. Being environmentally friendly never goes out of style. Combine recycled metal with conflict-free diamonds and other gems for an eco-friendly and custom look. Bonus: It's your something old and something new all rolled into one.
Titanium
This sturdy metal has a cool, gray finish or can be a polished black.The rugged style of this metal makes it perfect for men’s bands. Titanium is corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic. It’s also as strong as steel but as weightless as aluminum, making it great for men who don’t usually wear any jewelry.
