The metal you choose for your engagement ring affects the ring’s look, feel, durability, and maintenance. The most popular choices for rings are yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum, but what is the best metal for an engagement ring?
From the warm glow of yellow gold to the sleek elegance of white gold, the romantic blush of rose gold, or the timeless strength of platinum, each metal has its own unique appeal. All offer unique benefits, so let’s explore each of these metals in detail to help you determine the best metal for your engagement ring.
Gold
Gold comes in various purities, but you’ll most commonly see 9K, 14K, and 18K gold.
- 18K gold contains 75% pure gold
- 14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold
- 9K gold contains 37.5% pure gold
The remaining percentage consists of alloy metals such as zinc, platinum, or palladium, which add strength and durability. The higher the karat, the more pure gold it contains, but also, the softer and more expensive it becomes.
While 18K gold offers a rich colour and prestige, 14K gold balances durability with beauty, and 9K gold is the most affordable and resistant to wear. When choosing the right purity, consider how often you will wear your ring and the level of maintenance you are comfortable with.
Why is gold mixed with other metals?
Pure gold is very soft, which means it can bend or scratch easily. Mixing it with harder metals like platinum and zinc strengthens it, making it more suitable for everyday wear.
Yellow Gold
One of the most traditional choices, yellow gold is a naturally occurring, rare precious metal with a warm yellow hue. It has been prized for centuries for its beauty and lasting value.
Yellow gold maintains its natural colour without additional coatings. While it can develop a patina over time and may lose some of its shine due to scratches and everyday wear, regular polishing helps restore its lustre.
To strengthen yellow gold while maintaining its rich colour, jewellers mix it with a blend of:
- Copper enhances its durability and deepens the warm tone
- Silver helps balance the colour and adds strength
- Zinc improves hardness and prevents tarnishing
The exact ratio of these metals depends on the gold’s purity. A higher karat means more pure gold and a deeper yellow hue, while a lower karat contains more alloy metals that make it harder and more resistant to wear.
What are the advantages of yellow gold?
- Classic and timeless appeal
- Naturally resistant to tarnish
- Easier to resize and repair compared to other metals
- Complements warm skin tones beautifully
- Available in different karats to suit various budgets
What are the disadvantages of yellow gold?
- Softer than other metals, making it more prone to scratches
- Requires occasional polishing to maintain its shine
- Higher purity gold (such as 18K) is more expensive
- May require more maintenance compared to white or rose gold
White Gold
White gold is created by blending gold with white metals like nickel, palladium, or silver. It offers a sleek, modern appearance similar to platinum but at a lower price point. It’s coated with rhodium to give it a silvery finish, enhance its shine, and protect it from wear.
What are the advantages of white gold?
- More affordable than platinum
- Has a stylish, contemporary look
- Stronger and more scratch-resistant than yellow gold
- Complements cool skin tones beautifully
- Pairs well with diamonds and other gemstones
What are the disadvantages of white gold?
- Requires periodic rhodium re-plating to maintain its bright white finish
- Can trigger metal allergies if nickel is used in the alloy
- May show signs of wear over time
- More prone to scratches compared to platinum
Rose Gold
Rose gold gets its signature pink hue from a mix of pure gold and a higher percentage of copper compared to yellow gold. This romantic metal has surged in popularity in recent years for its unique, vintage-inspired look.
What are the advantages of rose gold?
- Distinctive, warm tone
- More durable than yellow and white gold due to its copper content
- Does not require rhodium plating
- Complements most skin tones
- Has a vintage, timeless appeal
- More affordable than platinum
What are the disadvantages of rose gold?
- May cause skin reactions in people allergic to copper
- Less widely available compared to yellow and white gold
- Over time, the colour may change slightly due to copper oxidation
- Harder to match with certain gemstones compared to white or yellow gold
Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest and most luxurious metals used in Gold Coast engagement rings. It has a naturally white finish that won’t fade or tarnish, so it is a premium choice for those seeking durability and elegance.
What is 950 platinum made of?
While platinum can exist in a pure state, it is typically combined with other metals to form an alloy suitable for jewellery.
Pure platinum is extremely hard, making it challenging to work with, so the addition of other metals helps create the more malleable and workable alloy: 950 platinum (95% platinum, 5% palladium, copper, or rhodium).
This allows jewellers to craft intricate and finely detailed designs while maintaining platinum’s renowned durability and strength.
What are the advantages of platinum?
- Extremely durable and resistant to scratches
- Naturally white, meaning it never needs re-plating
- Hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin
- Holds gemstones securely due to their density
- Retains its colour and shine over time
- Feels luxurious and high-end
What are the disadvantages of platinum?
- More expensive than gold due to its rarity
- Heavier than other metals, which some may find less comfortable
- Develops a patina over time, requiring polishing to restore shine
- More difficult (and costly) to resize or repair
- Less malleable than gold, making intricate designs more challenging
Why is platinum more expensive than gold?
Platinum is more expensive than gold due to several factors. First, platinum is also rarer than gold, yet most platinum jewellery contains 95% pure platinum, whereas 18K gold is only 75% gold.
It is significantly denser, so a platinum ring weighs more than the same design in gold. Because it is more durable but harder to work with, it also requires more labour to craft and resize, which adds to the overall expense.
Although platinum is the pricier option, its durability and natural colour retention make it a popular choice for people who prefer a low-maintenance, long-lasting metal.
A platinum ring may cost more upfront, but a gold ring requires more maintenance in the long run, which can lead to additional costs over time.
The Best Metal for an Engagement Ring
Ultimately, the best metal for your engagement ring comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and personal style.
Whether you are drawn to the timeless beauty of yellow gold, the sleek appeal of white gold, the romantic charm of rose gold, or the durability of platinum, each metal brings its own unique character to your ring.
