Engagement Ring Guide - Choosing Your Metal

There’s no “best” metal for every wedding or engagement ring. Instead, each of the metals offers its own range of advantages and disadvantages, from colour to durability and value for money. 

Platinum

Platinum is one of the most popular choices for both wedding bands and engagement rings. With a more "grey" finish than white gold, diamonds can seem even more sparkling in comparison, and the metal ages beautifully as it acquires a duller patina over time, which is seen as desirable. Platinum is durable, with good resistance to wear and corrosion. It’s also hypoallergenic, meaning it’s far less likely to trigger skin reactions than metals such as yellow, white or rose gold. Unlike white gold, platinum does not require re-plating every few years.

White Gold

While all white gold is an alloy, 18 carat white gold offers around 75% pure gold, alongside a really bright, lustrous finish, which is part of the reason why it's so desirable. 

The colour of white gold looks particularly beautiful alongside white, colourless diamonds, making it a good choice for diamond engagement rings. However, you should be aware that white gold engagement ring settings can emphasise the yellow tint of a diamond with a low colour grade. The biggest advantages of white gold are its gorgeous white colour, which complements fair and rosy skin tones, as well as its stylish, modern appearance. 

Yellow Gold

Sumptuous yellow gold is the traditional metal of choice for both wedding rings and engagement rings. Gold's emotional and financial worth is evident in the language: we talk about the "gold standard", about "golden rules" and the "golden age".

For a really classic look it's hard to find a better metal choice than yellow gold. The tones of this precious metal set clear diamonds off to perfection, while slim golden bands are often the first thing that comes to mind when we picture marriage.

Rose Gold 

Rose gold has become an increasingly popular choice for modern couples seeking to tie the knot. The blush-colour of the metal symbolises love and affection, and it makes a stunning match with pieces in more common white or yellow gold.

Rose Gold is often used as an accent metal, although the radiance of its colour means that it's also an excellent choice for an entire ring as it shows off diamonds to perfection.

Thanks to rose gold's high purity levels and low reactivity, it doesn't tarnish, and is a relatively low-maintenance precious metal. It gains its pink tones from the addition of copper, rather than nickel, making it less likely to cause skin irritation than white gold.

Ultimately the choice of metal is down to personal preference; the aesthetic and jewellery you already own must be considered before making your final decision. We are here to make your engagement ring shopping experience the best it can be. Our team is always ready to give you the information you need in order for you to make the right decision when it comes to your engagement ring.