Popular Ring Metals and Their Differences

If you’re shopping for an engagement ring or wedding band, you’ll probably notice that there are many metal choices available. Here’s a simple guide to help you compare ring metals and decide which one is right for you!

Gold

By far, the most popular metal used for fine jewelry (especially engagement rings and wedding bands) is gold. Gold doesn’t necessarily have to be the classic yellow option – white gold and rose gold are both common alternatives.  

In jewelry, gold is typically mixed with other alloys because pure gold is extremely soft. Pure gold is 24kt. When gold is mixed with other alloys, it’s a lower karat. For example, 14-karat gold is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals. The higher the karat, the higher the gold content. Fine jewelry is usually 14kt or 18kt gold. 

One reason why gold is an excellent choice for rings and other jewelry is its ability to be worked on by jewelers. Although gold can scratch and can break over time, it can also generally be fixed. You can also resize a gold ring. Alternative metals like titanium, stainless steels, or zirconium cannot be worked by goldsmiths, which means they cannot be fixed or resized. So, if you manage to break one of these rings (or your finger changes sizes over the years), you’ll have to purchase a new ring.

Platinum

Platinum is another popular ring metal and for good reason! Platinum is a naturally white metal, so it doesn’t come in any other color options. Also unlike gold, when platinum is used in jewelry, it is generally very pure (about 95 percent). Platinum is rarer, heavier, and harder than gold. 

Platinum is very strong and will generally require less maintenance than gold jewelry. Unlike many alternative metals, professional jewelers can repair, resize, and maintain your platinum jewelry – although work on platinum jewelry is slightly more expensive. 

What Are Other Differences Between White Gold and Platinum Jewelry?

• Durability: Both white gold and platinum are durable metals. However, platinum is more durable than white gold because platinum is denser, difficult to scratch, and almost impossible to break. 
• Maintenance: White gold and platinum will both require some maintenance. White gold jewelry requires rhodium plating over time as it wears. (Most of our customers get their white gold rings rhodium plated about once per year.) Platinum does not require plating. However, over time, platinum rings can develop a “patina” from small ridges on the surface. This look is often considered attractive, but it can also be quickly polished out if it is not desired. 
• Hypoallergenic: Platinum is a hypoallergenic metal. Gold is also hypoallergenic. However, since white gold is mixed with other metals, it is possible for white gold to cause an allergic reaction in some wearers. 
• Pricing: The price of platinum and white gold fluctuates with the market. At one time, platinum was much more expensive than gold, but the gap has recently become much smaller. Today, most platinum jewelry is only slightly more expensive than comparable white gold jewelry. 

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a popular metal for jewelry because it is a beautiful naturally white metal and is much more affordable than gold and platinum. However, silver is generally not a good choice for rings like engagement rings and wedding bands because it is susceptible to tarnishing. Sterling silver is very soft and pliable.

Like gold and platinum, sterling silver is a precious metal and can be worked on by professional goldsmiths. Repairs on silver jewelry are less expensive but may be needed more frequently. 

Alternative Metals 

The past decade or so has seen a rise in demand for rings (particularly wedding bands) made of alternative metals such as titanium, palladium, and tantalum. While precious metal bands are still the most popular choice, we get many questions about the benefits of gold and platinum versus the less-traditional metals. Here’s what you need to know.

• Titanium: Titanium is a gray metal that, until recently, has mostly been used for industrial purposes. It is incredibly lightweight, which makes it a popular choice for people who aren’t used to wearing jewelry. Titanium is hypoallergenic, crack resistant, and somewhat scratch resistant. However, titanium cannot be resized.
• Tungsten: Tungsten is a gray metal that is hypoallergenic and extremely scratch resistant. However, tungsten rings are brittle, so they can be broken if they are hit on a hard surface. Tungsten cannot be worked on by professional jewelers. So, when they break, they cannot be repaired. For this reason, many jewelry vendors and stores (like us) no longer carry tungsten rings. 
• Tantalum: Tantalum is a rare metal that is new to the jewelry world. Tantalum wedding bands have a sleek, modern look. It has a unique gray color with just a hint of blue. It is   hypoallergenic metal, extremely crack resistant, and will not react after exposure to everyday chemicals. Tantalum is also moderately scratch resistant. If a tantalum ring is scratched, it can be polished back to its original luster. Best of all, unlike other alternative metals, tantalum rings can be resized!

Come See Us at Koser Jewelers!

No matter what ring metal you decide on, come see us at Koser Jewelers! Not only do we have every option you could want, but our jewelry experts can also help you decide what’s right for you and your lifestyle. Stop in soon or give us a call at 717-653-4941.