Choosing a metal for your vintage engagement ring can be difficult. So, with that being said, we’re here to help you through what seems an abundance of options.
Read on to find out what types of metal are available on the engagement ring market of today.
Gold Engagement Rings
It’s important to know that gold engagement rings are not often made of pure gold. In fact, pure, 24 carat gold is very rarely used in jewellery. Jewellers often mix gold with different metals, including copper, nickel, and zinc, to create gold alloys with different colours and strengths.
White Gold Engagement Rings
White gold is mixed with white metals like nickel and often coated with rhodium, making it stronger and whiter-looking.
Its silvery hue is an elegant and classic look for an engagement ring.
Physically, white gold is often compared with platinum, however, is known as being a more cost-effective option than platinum.
The rhodium, however, in white gold may wear away, causing the ring to possibly revert back to its original yellow gold colour. But not to worry! Re-dipping the ring in rhodium is an inexpensive process that some jewellers offer and will help keep its silvery look.
Yellow Gold Engagement Rings
Yellow gold is the most popular choice of engagement ring metal.
Yellow gold is often mixed with other metals like copper. A 14-carat gold ring is almost 60% gold mixed with other metals, whereas, an 18-carat gold ring is about 75% gold.
It’s warm and yellowish hue complements diamonds and many other gemstones well making it a diverse engagement ring metal choice.
Rose Gold Engagement Rings
Over the last few years, rose gold has grown in popularity.
For rose gold, jewellers mix gold with copper and sometimes a little bit of silver.
Because copper is one of the hardest metals, the alloy of gold and copper in rose gold makes it a ring metal much more resistant to scratches. Which undoubtedly is an important factor to consider.
To tell us the degree of its purity, gold alloy is measured as parts per 1000 in fineness. Such measurements are known as a carat (ct) or Karat (k), such as 9ct and 14ct. The amount of gold within tells us not only how pure the metal is but also its possible value.
Read more on gold purity here
Platinum Engagement Rings
Starting off with platinum. Known to be one of the world’s rarest metals, platinum is not only a luxe choice but it’s also one of the strongest metal types.
Platinum offers a high level of durability. So, if durability is what you’re after then platinum is definitely the best metal type suited for your engagement ring.
Platinum is a rare and expensive metal, therefore platinum rings are marked to indicate its authenticity. Look for the words “Platinum,” “PLAT,” or “PT” followed by the numbers “950” or “999 it refers to the purity of the platinum, with “999” being the purist of its type.
Take a look at these two stunning examples. Just a couple of platinum engagement rings from our extensive collection.
Palladium Engagement Rings
In addition to platinum, there’s palladium.
Palladium, known for its silvery hue, is a hard durable metal type and aesthetically it’s very similar to platinum.
Difficult to scratch, palladium is the perfect ring metal type for a wearer who has a particularly active lifestyle.
Similar to platinum, palladium is rare and expensive, meaning they are very often marked to show its authenticity. There are three standards of fineness marks recognised as palladium hallmarks; 500 (50% pure), 950 (95% pure), plus 999 (99.9% pure) for ‘pure’.
Opting for a high-clarity diamond? Then settings with a silvery hue, like platinum or white gold, would be perfect to accentuate your colourless stone.
But if your diamond is graded of a lower clarity then I suggest opting for a setting that is yellow or rose gold setting to complement your diamond type. By choosing a yellow or rose gold setting, it can accentuate the slight colour in the diamond giving your engagement ring that gorgeous vintage aesthetic we all know and love.
Whereas if you’re swaying more towards a coloured diamond or gemstone then goal is to really help that colour stand out.
Red, blue, green and pink centre stones are often paired with a platinum or white gold metal settings. Whereas yellow or orange centre stones, like a Citrine, are often best paired with yellow or rose gold setting, as it gives that stunning harmonious aesthetic.
Most Popular Engagement Ring Metal Choice
Platinum is often seen as the best precious metal for engagement rings due to its luxe feel, visual beauty and high durability. However, platinum can be expensive and a ring budget may not stretch to it.
So, with that being said, white gold has a visually similar gleam to platinum as well as being more budget friendly. White gold is a popular choice for brides today as it can showcase the full beauty of a diamond as well as presenting a similar luxe to what platinum does.
With the seemingly endless options, it can seem difficult to narrow down your choices. But whatever your thoughts, there’s a perfect engagement ring out there that suits both your taste and lifestyle.
Browse our stunning collection of antique and vintage engagement rings at AC Silver today.
