Which Metal is Right for My Ring?


Ring Metal.jpgWhen choosing a ring, a lot of thought may go into the stone and the design, but deciding on the metal is just as important. You want to make sure the ring will last you a lifetime, which is why it’s important that you choose a durable metal that you are comfortable wearing, and that it is also within your budget.

Here is a rough guide to the different metals available for rings today; along with some advantages for each.

Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the most traditional choice for a ring, and it is therefore ideal for someone looking for a more classic look. A mixture of pure gold with copper and zinc (which gives it its yellow hue), this type of gold is the easiest to look after, as it will not need re-plating in years to come. The colour and hardness varies depending on the carat you choose, so it’s best to have a look at some different examples before you make up your mind.

White Gold
After yellow gold, this is second most popular gold type to use for a ring. Instead of using pure gold mixed with copper and zinc, pure gold is mixed with white metals like palladium and silver, which creates the bright white colour of white gold. The metal is then plated with Rhodium, one of the most precious metals, and this gives the lustre and sparkle to white gold. One advantage of having white gold is that it can also be mixed with platinum or titanium, making it a more affordable platinum alternative.

Rose Gold
Rose gold gets its pink tone by mixing one part gold with three parts copper, with the amount of copper affecting the colour of the ring. This metal is ideal for someone who likes traditional jewellery but wants something a bit different to standard yellow gold. You could also use rose gold in bi-coloured rings to complement white or yellow gold.

Silver
Silver is a popular metal for rings because it tends to be the least expensive, while still being elegant and traditional. When mixed with different alloy metals, silver can be quite durable, however if you opt for silver in its purest form it can become scratched more easily, so it’s best not to wear it for heavy duty activities.

Platinum
Platinum is durable, naturally white, and will never change colour or tarnish. Another advantage is that it is naturally hypo-allergenic, making it ideal if you suffer from sensitive skin. If you have the budget for platinum, it is a great choice for a ring that is almost guaranteed to survive a lifetime of wear and tear.

Titanium
Another hypo-allergenic metal is Titanium, which weighs less than platinum and is darker in colour. This metal is perfect for everyday wear, due to its incredible durability, while not being too heavy.


We hope this has been useful in helping you decide the best metal for your ring – if you need any more advice, we would be happy to help! Just give us a call or pop in to one of our shops.

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