Once we have made all of the important decisions about the stone, the cut and the setting for the perfect ring, we must decide on the type of band. Engagement rings are commonly made of gold; however, they offer a variety of unique options, and countless combinations of metal and gemstones. Almost any metal can be used for engagement rings. Ancient Rome commonly used iron and gold, and artisans have used everything from tin and steel to copper and bronze. Today, engagement rings usually involve a precious metal. With so many combinations and choices available, this important decision can be challenging.
Platinum Engagement Rings
Platinum has become the most sought after metal for engagement rings for good reason. Platinum is a strong and durable metal that, like a fine wine, just gets better with time. Unlike other metals that require maintenance to maintain brilliance, platinum has a bright luster that is less susceptible to aging. Antique platinum engagement rings develop a slightly different texture that can be described as satiny or slightly frosted. The patina effect of platinum engagement rings is even more desirable.
It might be worth considering that platinum is an expensive and heavy metal that requires a colorless or near-colorless diamond to pull off the look, which increases in price with the quality of the diamond. Due to the bright appearance, platinum is not suited for all types of stones, and not all diamonds make the cut. If a diamond has even a hint of color, the deal is off.
Silver Engagement Rings
Fine silver is a soft precious metal that is commonly used with intricate designs. Fine silver is also known as pure silver or 99.9% pure. Sterling silver is a pure grade of silver, composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Copper is an added element to create resistance to wear and tear. Fine silver, like 24K gold, suffers damage easily with normal wear; therefore, it is not recommended for engagement rings.
There are a couple things to consider when it comes to silver engagement rings. They are not considered hypoallergenic, nor is the copper additive, and there is a chance that your significant other could be allergic to the metals. Amazingly, silver is anti-microbial. While some claim that silver increases overall health, studies are inconclusive in that regard. However, one thing is certain, it houses fewer microbes.
Silver provides us with pros and cons to consider. The cost of silver engagement rings are approximately 1/90th of the price of platinum engagement rings, and 1/60th of the price of gold engagement rings. Also consider that silver tarnishes, and requires more maintenance to keep the luster. Silver also requires a near-colorless diamond, like platinum; however, other colored gemstones, like ruby, emerald and sapphire complement silver engagement rings well.
Yellow Gold Engagement Rings
Gold is usually a safe bet for engagement rings. It is the most common precious metal of choice. We rarely see 24K gold, due to it being soft and malleable enough to reveal bite marks from teeth. 18K is usually the maximum purity level we find in rings. 18K gold consists of 75% pure gold, and metal additives for durability, such as palladium and zinc.
Yellow gold is visually appealing, and compliments tinted diamonds that would not be compatible with silver and platinum bands. Also, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds create a beautiful contrast with yellow gold. Yellow gold is an expensive metal; although the price decreases with alloys that create 14K or 18K gold. 14K gold is almost indistinguishable from 24K gold, providing the look on a budget.
White Gold Engagement Rings
Gold is not white. The color of white gold is achieved by combining other metals, such as platinum, palladium or even silver to lighten the color, and then the final touch occurs with the application of rhodium plating. Rhodium is another rare and expensive precious metal; however, electroplating only requires a thin layer of rhodium in the process. White gold is advantageous due to its resemblance to platinum at a fraction of the cost.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is a simple eye-catching trend with engagement rings. While white gold uses palladium or silver to obtain its color, rose gold uses copper. Almost anything goes with color and rose gold. Rubies, pink sapphires, garnet, and anything with a pink hue create eye-catching beautiful engagement rings.
The perfect engagement ring is just the beginning of your happily ever after story. If you need help along your journey to finding the perfect engagement ring, the Crystal Ballroom's preferred vendors can help you find the perfect ring for the perfect proposal, while the Crystal Ballroom can help you plan everything else. The designers at Crystal Ballroom are the finest in the art of designing and creating fairy tale weddings. Contact Crystal Ballroom to speak to a professional designer!
