People most likely envision the center stone when thinking of wedding or engagement rings. While that stone might be the center of attraction for many, the ring metal is also important. The metal plays a vital role in the ring's overall look and longevity. When buying a wedding or engagement ring, consider the cost, center stone, and lifestyle.
Beware of the metals to avoid if you have sensitive skin and allergies. Don't forget to consider the metal's durability and maintenance costs. Below are the best metals for engagement and wedding rings.
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Platinum
Platinum is a popular metal for engagement and wedding rings, as it doesn’t tarnish a great deal. Its high cost is associated with its purity and rarity. Unlike other metals made with alloys to attain the silvery-white look, platinum is only alloyed with metals in the platinum metal group, and their look comes naturally. While its initial cost may be high, it has fewer maintenance costs. You can consider white sapphire and moissanite as the best diamond alternatives for the center stone. Use this white sapphire vs moissanite guide to help you choose a gemstone befitting a platinum ring.
Gold
Gold is a classic and common choice for wedding and engagement rings. It comes in various options, including yellow, white, and rose gold. When it comes to your gold ring’s longevity, choose with caution, as a higher karat isn't always better. A 24K gold ring is usually soft and can easily be damaged. However, it becomes more durable when alloyed with other metals like silver, copper, or platinum.
Palladium
Owing to its silvery-white luster, palladium is mostly compared to platinum. Although there are some key differences, both metals are strong, making them durable and scratch-resistant. Alloying it with other metals can help the platinum can help maintain the ring’s white color for longer. A palladium ring's cost varies depending on its market demand. Additionally, you may choose it as a budget-friendly option to a platinum ring because of their similarities. Compared to platinum, palladium is less dense and feels lighter.
Titanium
Titanium is an affordable, durable and comfortable wedding ring metal and a good option for gold and platinum. It's light gray and has a surface that can be brushed for a matte look or polished for shine. Due to its masculine appearance, titanium is mainly used for men's wedding rings, with titanium rings for women being rare. Titanium is durable and easy to maintain as it doesn’t need a jeweler for maintenance. You can care for it with soap and water.
Cobalt
Cobalt is a naturally white alloy initially made for the aerospace and medical industries. Nevertheless, it’s now used as a contemporary bridal jewelry metal. Cobalt is hypoallergenic and is harder than platinum, making it a good choice for durable rings. The rings are also fairly scratch-resistant and ideal for those who love heavy rings. Unlike other contemporary metals, cobalt can easily be resized.
There are various metal options for engagement and wedding rings. However, choices boil down to one's tastes and preferences. Don't forget to consider your lifestyle and maintenance requirements for your ring of choice.
