Which metal is best for wedding rings?

Throughout history, wedding rings have symbolised love, loyalty and faithfulness. This tradition springs from ancient times and is widely found in almost every culture. Wedding rings are often considered a sacred piece of jewellery that is highly valued.

When buying a wedding ring, the approach is quite different from an engagement ring. Most couples buy their wedding ring together, and there is no element of surprise attached to this. It is a sensible, practical decision that is made by both parties. What's more, often it is the most important piece of jewellery that you both will buy together and is an exhibition of your love, style, personality and values.

In this article, we focus on how to choose which metal is best for your wedding ring.

Gold

Gold is one of the most common and desired metals used in rings of all varieties. The metal's popularity for men's or women's engagement and wedding rings is unsurpassed. 10kt, 14kt and 18kt are the most common karat values found. The larger the karat, the higher the percentage of pure gold in the ring and the more expensive it will be. The hardness and durability of gold vary depending on karat, so it is important to consider these factors when selecting a gold ring.

Gold rings come in a number of gold colours-the most common being yellow, white and rose. Yellow gold is the most popular and quintessential colour. White gold is also increasing in popularity but tends to be a bit more expensive than others. When selecting a white gold ring, choosing one that is rhodium plated would be wise. White gold rings are often coated in rhodium to enhance their white colour and protect the gold below wear and tear.

When you are shopping for gold jewellery, perhaps a wedding band for your fiancée, the higher the karat, the better. Not necessarily. It's true that 24K gold is the "pure" choice, and must contain 99.95% gold.

But there are drawbacks with pure gold, namely that gold is a soft metal. For that reason, you might want to consider 18K or even 14K gold for your fiancé's ring. 18K gold is "eighteen twenty fourths" gold, which comes out to 75%. 14K gold is around 58% pure, with alloy metals making up the remaining 42%.

How is karat gold made? Jewellers melt gold together with other types of metal to create an alloy. A number of different types of metal can be used to create the alloy. Silver and copper can create yellow gold, a popular traditional colour for engagement rings and wedding rings.

Then there is white gold, which is often created by adding nickel (if you are shopping for white gold rings, make sure you check if your recipient has a nickel allergy first).

Palladium is another metal which can be used to create white gold. Rose gold is created in a similar manner to yellow gold, but with a higher percentage of copper.

Anything ranging between 20-24K is considered relatively pure. Gold rings in this range tend to be very soft. Their colours are deep, and they are certainly considered very precious. High karats like these are the standard in certain parts of the world, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, where they are considered traditional.

14-18K is much more common in other parts of the world. Rings in this karat range still have the lustre and allure of purer gold but are much stronger because of their alloy metals.

10-12K gold is rarely used for rings. 12K is a half-and-half alloy, with gold comprising 50% of the whole. It is considered by many to be the strongest gold you can buy. Sometimes it is used as an overlay on gold-filled pieces.

What about 10K gold? A piece made out of 10K gold would be less than 50% gold, so it is typically not considered a gold jewellery item at all. It is considered quite low-end, easily tarnishes, and has a lighter, more washed-out colour. Like 12K gold, it is rarely used for rings.

How to decide what karat of gold is best for your ring?

Ruby and diamond ring in yellow gold - What karat gold is best for rings?

Ruby and diamond ring in yellow gold – expensive gemstones like ruby are usually set in high karat gold.

As you can see, you have some choices here. If you live in a region where the highest karats are considered the norm, you may want to go with 20-24K for cultural reasons. You may also want to choose a high karat like this if you know your recipient would prefer it.

It is important to remember that high-karat gold is very soft and can easily be scratched or deformed. It may also not be a wise choice for particularly ornate rings, since it can be harder to create the designs you are looking for.

If you want a strong gold which is also beautiful, consider 14Kor 18K. Here is what you should know when comparing the two:

• 18K is heavier than 14K.
• 18K has a richer, deeper colour (for yellow gold).
• 14K makes for a whiter colour (for white gold).
• 14K is stronger and harder. It is best for intricate patterns and tiny prongs. Softer gold may cause these settings to break.
• 14K is harder to scratch.
• 18K may develop a beautiful patina.

Neither choice is better as a rule than the other, because your needs determine which you should buy. If your recipient likes a heavier ring, 18K may be better than 14K. If she wants a rich yellow gold, 18K may also be better.

On the other hand, if she wants a white gold, 14K may be superior. And if she is worried about damaging the ring, or wants a ring with intricate designs, 14K may be best.

While we are on the subject of karats and alloys, it is helpful to point out that gold rings do tarnish. Many people believe they do not because gold is rather tarnish-resistant, but the alloy metals will tarnish—and gold itself can tarnish as well under certain conditions.

For this reason, you will need to polish a gold ring from time to time to keep the beautiful shine (unless you are deliberately aiming for a patina).

Whatever type of gold ring you decide to buy, taking karat into account is important. Remember that the "best" option will always be the one which makes it possible for you to choose a ring that will suit your recipient. For one person, that might mean a 24K gold ring, while for another, a 14K gold ring may truly be preferable, despite being less "precious."

All that is important is that your recipient loves her ring and can treasure it over the years to come.

Platinum

Platinum is a white metal and the most expensive and prestigious option for a ring. It is long-wearing and already exceptionally white, so it does not need to be rhodium plated like white gold. Platinum is also used in rings at almost 100% purity. It is a dense metal so that a platinum ring will feel heavier on the hand than other options. Because of its higher cost, platinum is most often used in men's and women's wedding and engagement rings and less frequently in fashion or cocktail rings.

As a precious metal from which jewellers can fashion wedding rings, platinum is comparatively modern metal. True, it has been around some two hundred and fifty, but it only became widely appreciated for its jewellery grade qualities in the twentieth century. As a choice for a man's wedding band, it has a number of key factors in its favour: it can be worked into a range of attractive styles; it has a lustre that doesn't diminish; it is highly durable; it has a substantial weight, and it grows more distinguished with age. In addition to this, Platinum is hypoallergenic, no one is allergic to it.

An Array Of Designs And Finishes To Suit Any Man's Style

You will be looking for a wedding ring which will complement and reflect your character. Beautiful men's platinum wedding rings can be wrought into many styles and given a number of different finishes. Whether you are looking for something simple and rugged, or sophisticated and elaborate; platinum can be fashioned into your ideal wedding band.

Why Men Appreciate The Durability Of Platinum

Of precious jewellery grade metals, platinum is the most durable. This makes it the ideal metal for busy people who work and play with their hands. Its durability means it will last longer than other rings. Mechanisation means fewer of us engage in manual labour. Still, even if your working days are mostly spent at a keyboard, you may well work out, fish, make home improvements, and, on occasion, change a tyre; in all these cases and more of the like, a platinum wedding ring will stand up to the task better than one made of any other precious metal.

The White Lustre Of Platinum Lasts Forever

Platinum is naturally white and lustrous. When new, white gold is indistinguishable from platinum. However, over time, white gold will develop a yellowish tinge and require periodic re-plating. Platinum's surface does not tarnish, and its sophisticated lustre will remain white, not fade or change colour. If you consider having your wedding ring set with a gemstone, the whiteness of platinum perfectly complements a diamond.

Silver

Silver is a softer metal, making it more susceptible to scratching and other damage. It also has a greater tendency to oxidise than other metals, causing the silver in rings to turn black sometimes. It must be noted that if oxidisation does occur, silver can be restored rather easily with a simple silver jewellery cleaner. Still, for these reasons, silver is best suited for men's and women's fashion rings and other rings that will be worn on occasion rather than daily. This limitation means silver is not a common or wise choice for men's and women's engagement and wedding rings. Its affordability and striking lustre still make it an attractive option for other cocktail rings and right-hand rings.

If you're on a budget, you might be tempted to go for a silver (or sterling silver) ring. Some pieces can resemble platinum, so it's a great option for those who want an expensive look for less. For rings made from high-quality metal, a silver wedding ring may not be a bad idea. However, you should keep in mind that this option requires the most upkeep. If not taken care of, silver jewellery tends to scratch and tarnish easily. People who are low-maintenance should opt for a more durable metal.

Tungsten carbide

Tungsten carbide is a compound of tungsten and carbon that is hard, heavy and durable. A tungsten carbide ring will stand up to any degree of wear and tear and remain looking like new. One major benefit of tungsten carbide rings is that their durability makes them much more scratch-resistant than rings made of other metals. A tungsten carbide ring will also always retain its bright, shiny lustre. They have a permanent polish, meaning they don't have to be polished or need as much maintenance as rings made of other metals.

The drawback of tungsten carbide's durability is that it cannot be cut and resoldered, which prevents rings made of the metal from being resized. This makes having your finger sized accurately extremely important when buying a tungsten carbide ring.

Tungsten is a common metal used in male wedding bands. It's extremely strong and low-maintenance, like platinum. On the hardness scale, it ranks just below a diamond. In addition, you won't have to worry about tarnishing or scratches. It's an ideal choice for those who work with their hands a lot.

In comparison to platinum, it's rather light on the wallet. Unlike platinum, tungsten comes in many different shades, ranging from platinum-like light silver to a statement-making dark grey.

One of the downsides of tungsten is that while the metal is strong, it is also very brittle. However, unless you're planning on hitting your ring against hard surfaces, you might not have to worry about it. The other major downside is that it cannot be resized.

Titanium

Titanium is another durable option for rings that are increasingly being used in men's wedding rings, like tungsten carbide. It sees increased use in women's engagement and wedding rings as well. Titanium is the strongest naturally occurring metal on earth, and that strength is what makes it a particularly popular option for men's rings. Despite its strength, titanium is very light.

It is also a good choice because it's 100% hypoallergenic, making titanium rings safe to wear for people who may have reactions to other metals. Its strength also makes it more scratch, dent and bend resistant and the wide variety of colours it can be found in sets it apart from other metals. Like tungsten, its strength does have its downsides. Titanium cannot be resized or soldered, making the number of ring styles made from the metal more limited than other options.

Titanium shares many similarities with tungsten and is even less costly. While it is slightly less durable than titanium, it's more lightweight and easy to wear. Lower-quality versions will be prone to scratches, so rings of higher quality are worth the extra cost. Like tungsten, titanium rings are generally not resizable, and mainly found in male wedding bands. It can also be found in a variety of shades, ranging from light silver to nearly black grey.

Palladium

Palladium is one of the most luxurious options for rings. It is naturally white, durable, lightweight, and resilient to discolouration. As a member of the platinum metal group, palladium is one of the rarest kinds of precious metals, making it one of the most esteemed. And since it doesn't require alloys or plating, it is usually at least 95% pure. Palladium is most commonly used in men's and women's wedding bands, rather than decorative jewellery, due to its high price and longevity.

Those in love with the look of platinum but who lack the funds for it might want to consider palladium instead. It's a more wallet-friendly choice that doesn't compromise on quality too much. In most cases, it's indistinguishable from platinum to the eye. Palladium, however, is slightly softer and less durable, but also much more lightweight. Like platinum, it's resistant to tarnishing, making it a great alternative. Don't think this metal is any less luxurious, as palladium is often the alloy of white gold choice.