Choosing the metal for your engagement ring or wedding band is one of the most important decisions you'll make when choosing or commissioning this sentimental piece of jewellery. The metal you choose will not only affect the look and feel of the ring, but also its durability, care requirements, and long-term value. We have compiled this list of the most popular options and considerations to help you choose the perfect metal for your precious piece to match your (or your partners) unique taste and lifestyle.
Gold: A Classic Choice
Gold has been the traditional choice for engagement rings for centuries, and for good reason. It's warm and deeply associated with romance and commitment. You. can choose between yellow, rose and white gold to suit your skin complexion and the style of your other jewellery. All gold we wear is an alloy, meaning it is not 100% gold. The gold in every piece of jewellery is mixed with other metals to achieve different levels of fineness, known as carats. These different gold purities come with distinct characteristics.
9ct Gold
9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold mixed with other metals. Gold is very soft, so this high level of other metals like silver, copper and even metals you've probably never heard of like palladium, make it the most durable of the gold options. This higher proportion of alloy metals means it's incredibly resistant bending, making it an excellent choice if you lead an active lifestyle or work with your hands regularly. 9ct gold has a slightly paler appearance compared to higher carats, this could be a positive or negative depending on your skin tone and preference. It's also the most affordable gold option, making it perfect if you're budget-conscious without wanting to compromise on quality.
14ct Gold
14ct gold strikes a beautiful balance between durability and purity, containing 58.3% pure gold. This makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding rings because it offers durability while maintaining a rich, warm colour. It's fairly to daily wear and tear, yet still soft enough to allow for intricate hand-engraving and detailed designs. If you want a ring that feels very golden without the price tag and care requirements of higher carats, 14ct could be the sweet spot. However it is not as popular as 9ct and 18ct in the UK so can be trickier for us to source. If you want a commission in 14ct you may have to allow a little extra time for the process.
18ct Gold
18ct gold contains 75% pure gold, offering a deeper, more saturated golden hue that many find irresistible. It's softer than 9ct and 14ct gold, which means it's more prone to denting and becoming misshapen with everyday wear, but this would occur over a very long period of time and can often be polished out by a jeweller. The higher gold content also means it's more valuable and carries a premium price tag. If you have a larger budget, prefer a ring that looks and feels luxuriously golden, and you're willing to be more mindful of daily wear, 18ct gold is a perfect choice.
Platinum: The Modern Alternative
Platinum is a naturally white metal that has gained popularity in recent memory as an alternative to gold. It's significantly denser and heavier than gold, giving it a substantial, luxurious feel on the finger.
Platinum is exceptionally hard and resistant to scratching, making it one of the most durable metals available for jewellery. Platinum is nearly twice as heavy as gold, which some people love for the sense of quality and presence it provides, while others find it uncomfortably heavy for daily wear. This is entirely a matter of personal preference. It requires minimal maintenance compared to gold and maintains its silvery-grey lustre indefinitely, which many people find elegant and timeless.
Platinum is generally more expensive than gold due to its rarity and the specialised skills required to work with it. If budget is a consideration, platinum may not be the right choice, though its durability means it's an investment that will last a lifetime.
Engagement rings often mis both gold and platinum, creating the best of both. An 18ct yellow gold band often houses a white diamond in a platinum setting so the claws of the setting are strong and do not alter the colour of the diamond.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Metal
Lifestyle: If you're active, work with your hands, or prefer low-maintenance jewellery, 9ct gold or platinum are ideal. If you're gentler with your belongings and don't mind occasional professional maintenance, 18ct could be ideal.
Skin Tone: We always, say wear what makes you feel confident and beautiful. But in general, yellow and rose gold complement warm skin tones, while platinum and white gold suit cooler skin tones.
Budget: 9ct gold is the most affordable, followed by 14ct, then 18ct, with platinum being the most expensive. Consider what feels right for your financial situation.
Aesthetic Preference: Do you prefer the warm feeling of yellow gold, or the cool elegance of white metal? This is deeply personal and should be based on your taste. If you are shopping or commissioning a piece for someone else, consider the jewellery they already love. Do they wear primarily yellow gold or white metals like silver?
Long-term Value: Although we would never recommend making decisions about sentimental jewellery based on its resale value, we are often asked about it. All precious metals hold value, but platinum and 18 carat gold tend to retain their worth better over time. If you ever decide to sell or redesign your piece, these metals offer stronger resale potential.
Final Thoughts
There is no universally "right" choice - only the right choice for you or the person the piece is for. Consider your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, budget, and how you envision wearing this ring for the rest of your life. Whether you choose the timeless warmth of gold in any of its forms or the enduring strength of platinum, what matters most is that your wedding or engagement ring feels like an authentic reflection of your love and commitment.
Please get in touch is you have any questions or concerns about metal options or the bespoke process more generally. And if you are ready to start your bespoke journey we cannot wait to chat.
0 comments