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Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Metal for Your Engagement Ring
If you’re shopping for engagement rings and getting ready to propose to your special someone, you have many important decisions to make. Selecting the setting for your engagement ring is just as essential as picking out the right stones, since the metal you choose will complement the stones and hold them securely in place for many years. Yellow gold is a classic choice that remains popular today, but now, there are many other options to consider as well. Read on for our guide to choosing the right metal to make your engagement ring as unique as your romance.
What’s Your Loved One’s Style?
If you’re feeling stuck on where to begin, ask yourself what your spouse-to-be’s style is. What kind of jewelry do they usually wear? If you more often see them wearing silver-toned bangles, white gold or platinum is the way to go. Meanwhile, people who prefer warmer tones may look better in yellow or rose gold. You could also mix metals for a smart and stylish option. For example, buying a yellow gold band with a platinum setting to hold the center stone in place will accent your choice of cut and color.
What’s Your Loved One’s Lifestyle?
When choosing a metal for your happily ever after, another consideration is what kind of wear and tear the ring will be subject to. Platinum is a precious metal that has become a sought-after choice for wedding sets because it is so durable. If your loved one works with their hands, or has a physical lifestyle, platinum is a good choice. Platinum is also naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
If you have your heart set on a gold engagement ring, a lower karat is a better choice. A higher karat indicates purer and softer gold, which will make it more susceptible to scratching. But gold combined with an alloy will also help maintain a ring’s character over a lifetime of daily wear. If you need something even stronger, consider alternative metals like tungsten or titanium.
Will Your Engagement Ring Have Prongs?
For an engagement ring with center stones, you'll want to consider a metal’s ability to hold the stones securely in place. Though an experienced jewelry designer can work with nearly everything, the strength of the setting is still a worthwhile consideration. If you’ll be setting a larger stone in place, platinum prongs might be the right choice for you.
How Much Maintenance Are You and Your Future Spouse Willing to Commit To?
You and your partner will want to clean and shine your rings periodically to keep them looking bright, but some metals require less upkeep than others. As we already mentioned, 10- or 14-karat gold is less likely to scratch than 18-karat gold. Meanwhile, naturally bright, silvery platinum does not scratch, tarnish or change colors, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance couples.
Picking the Perfect Setting
Now that you understand the differences between your various metal options, it’s time to put it all together. Choose your metal setting, pick your design and, if you choose, top it all off with a gorgeous diamond or other precious gemstone. In working with a locally owned jewelry designer, you’ll turn your vision into an engagement ring that’s just as special as the person you’re planning to propose to.
If you’re planning on popping the all-important question, select a jeweler who understands how exciting this stage of your life is and is committed to helping your dreams of the ideal engagement ring become a reality. At Grogan Jewelers by Lon, we have three locations to serve you: Franklin, TN; Huntsville, AL; and Florence, AL. We offer interest-free, no-money-down financing and a complimentary lifetime warranty, coupled with same-day repairs. To get started with your unique engagement ring, visit our custom jewelry design center today.