CHOOSING METALS FOR YOUR RING – GOLD VERSUS PLATINUM VERSUS OTHER PRECIOUS METALS

Whether you are planning to purchase an engagement ring or wedding ring, along with the diamond shape, and more specifically, the diamond cut, you will also have to determine the type of metal would prefer the band to be. There are primarily four types of precious metal.









Gold
Gold is certainly the most popular type of metal for rings. Gold never goes out of style and is known to be durable, as well as beautiful. The make up of gold allows the metal to be resistant to the usual tarnish that can affect rings over time. Gold is also very flexible and can be formed into nearly any shape, from heavy pieces to thin sheets. Gold jewelry is measured by karat (as opposed to carat), which determines how pure the gold is by percentage. With a higher karat such as 18 or 24 will be the higher the percentage of gold in the ring's band. Therefore, 24 karats would be pure gold, 18 karats would have 6 parts of added materials making the piece 75% real gold, and all the way down to 10 karat gold, a 41.7% percentage, which is the minimum a piece must contain to be categorized as a "gold" product. Why are other metals mixed in with gold? It is for durability, as pure gold alone would not last as long, and don't necessarily make for the best rings. Another reason materials might be added is for color change, hence white gold, a rose gold, green gold and so on. Keep in mind that some bands as low as 10 karat can rightfully be called solid gold. Finally, also be aware that some other ring metals can have gold plating or coating. The thicker the layer of gold, the better as very thin plating will wear away.





Platinum
Platinum is another popular metal for engagement and wedding rings. Platinum is a hard and durable metal with a beautiful white shine to it. It is actually more rare and expensive than even gold. Platinum like gold is an beautiful piece of jewelry on its own. It makes for a great engagement or wedding ring whether as a simple band, combined with gold, or as part of a full diamond ring. There are different types of platinum including: Iridium, Palladium, Ruthendium, Rhodium and Osmium. Like gold, specific bands may contain percentages of pure platinum with added materials. An item must contain at least 950 parts per thousand of pure platinum in order to rightfully be called platinum.

Other materials include silver, Sterling silver and precious metal clay. For the best results, and the most lustrous ring, either gold or platinum is recommended.