Gold, Silver and Platinum Wedding Rings
When buying a wedding ring you don't only think of the diamond, you should also think of the metal that the diamond will be based on, because the base that holds the diamond is very important.
The question is should you go for gold or silver metal for your wedding ring? Engagement and wedding rings can come in all kinds of metals but the most popular ones are of course sterling silver, platinum and gold. Each of those metals has advantages for looks, sturdiness, and cost.
Many brides know very little about the metals they can choose from for their wedding band, so, before heading off to the jewelry boutique to choose your perfect wedding band, be sure to understand the basics.
Gold Metal Rings
Gold is a standard and traditional wedding and engagement ring metal, gold rings are always romantic and timeless.
Colors:
There are many different shades of gold when choosing your ring make sure you know the difference between them:
Yellow Gold: A pure mixed with a little silver and copper for a warm look.
White Gold: Pure gold is combined with palladium and silver or copper and zinc. Rhodium plating improves whiteness and durability.
Green Gold: This metal is actually yellowish-green in appearance, made of pure gold and silver.
Rose Gold: Created with pure gold and copper. The more copper, the more pink or red the metal.
Purity:
Gold purity is measured in karats (not to be confused with carats, a measure of gem weight). Karats are 24 parts so pure gold is 24 karats, meaning 24 out of 24 parts are gold. Pure gold is too soft to be used for jewelry, so it’s combined with other metal alloys to increase its strength.
Facts:
- Gold never rusts
- Gold can be more affordable than platinum.
- Gold is considered to be a light metal, this is why it is easy to wear even when it comes to large pieces.
Sterling Silver Metal Rings
Silver has always had great value throughout centuries, it is now the most affordable of the precious metals, sterling silver is pure silver mixed with copper or other metal to make it more durable.
Purity:
Just like gold, silver is mixed with other metals such as copper to give it strength. Sterling silver must contain at least 92.5% pure silver, which is why it’s stamped as .925.
Facts:
- Silver tarnishes, so store your sterling silver ring in tarnish-preventive bags.
- Don’t use tissue paper or paper towels to dry, because they can scratch sterling silver. It should be carefully stored in airproof pouches, or other containers, when not in use.
Platinum Metal Ring
Platinum is considered the most precious of all jewelry metals! Why? Due to its purity, rarity and strength.
Platinum is thirty times as rare as gold and much purer when used in jewelry. To be considered “platinum,” the metal must contain at least 95% pure platinum.
Color:
The color of platinum is whiter than silver and white gold.
Facts:
- Platinum is considered to be one of the strongest metals and most enduring.
- Platinum is considered to be one of the rarest metals.
- It is the perfect choice for diamond rings as it doesn’t wear off in color.
