Choosing the Best Metal Type for Engagement Rings

When it comes to picking the right metal type for your engagement ring a number of factors need to be considered. From the metal type, which is the focus of this post, to the colour of the metal, which is often the same point. However picking the right metal type for the engagement ring is not always as simple as picking a certain engagement ring that is made of a certain metal type, and then being on your way.

In this post, we will outline the key points you need to consider when picking the best metal type for the engagement ring. Read on, as there is more to this than just walking to the store or getting online and picking your favourite engagement ring.

Why the Metal Type Matters for Engagement Ring

When it comes to choosing your choice of engagement ring the first point to consider is the value that is attached to your precious jewel. Engagement rings are fine jewellery and naturally with a sense of value in the minds of buyers and jewellery makers. And hence these special jewellery types command a significant price. Since the value that is attached to the engagement ring is a key determinant of value, jewellery makers seek to use premium materials when producing them.

The focus on gemstones is something that has got a lot of attention when it comes to engagement rings and fine jewellery, however, the type and character of the metal type in question are also significant. Notable here is the type of metal, the metal colour and also important, the use of two or more metal types in a single band!

As you can see there are a number of variables that work into the metal type you choose for your engagement rings. But how do you choose the best metal type for you? Note the word ‘best’ is ultimately a subjective one. As the choice of metal for the engagement ring will vary depending on the tastes and interests of the person in question. Learn more about metals education on our Education page for more details.

What is the Best Metal Type for an Engagement Ring

In the world of engagement rings, gold has been the undisputed leader. For a long time gold has been the main choice for fine jewellery, going back thousands of years and possibly longer. And with the advances in mining technology and jewellery crafting, the beauty and relative rarity of gold drove home its advantage in the world of fine jewellery.

Gold over the centuries has undergone varying levels of adoption around the world, with metals like bronze and silver being in the mix. However, the relative durability of gold, its special glowing colour, and its durability which has improved over the decades, with the advances in alloying have made it the most favourable choice.

So when it comes to top metal types for engagement rings, gold is the leader. However, for modern engagement ring buyers, the question is what type of gold? And then there is the special platinum, long considered to be the most expensive and premium choice. But that too is changing as we shall see.

Yellow Gold: The Historically Top Choice for Engagement Rings

When it comes to gold, history has been the popularity of yellow or traditional gold. Which is an alloy that consists of varying levels of silver, copper and zinc. Yellow gold has made its mark as a continuation of the historical ‘gold’ type: one that has endured in the minds of fine jewellery buyers around the world.

Today yellow gold is the most recognisable metal type and is also one of the top choices of metal types for your engagement rings. Consider the yellow gold option the more traditional classical choice. And today remains a top choice for engagement ring buyers. But it is not the most popular.

And you might be wondering why this is the case. If gold (i.e. yellow gold) has historically been the dominant choice what has challenged its position in recent times? Enter the white gold engagement ring.

The Dominance of White Gold Engagement Rings

The top choice of metal (in the gold range) is the white gold engagement ring. White gold is another gold alloy that is made of pure gold, with the remaining consisting of nickel and zinc. Developed in line with the growing popularity of platinum, which we shall get to, white gold is a light, whitish (naturally) metal type that maintains the core strengths of traditional yellow gold but also features the distinct light, metallic hue. One that captures a modern sensibility, with the light, cool presence on the ring finger.

White gold engagement rings are established their dominance on the basis of the great demand for metallic colours. Such as white gold, but preceding that platinum and even silver. The dominance of white gold historically has been driven by the high cost involved with platinum-though the price difference between both metals has been equalising in recent times-and a lack of durability of silver when it comes to making fine jewellery that can last for decades.

White gold’s popularity has also been driven by the dominance of diamondsin the world of engagement rings online. Diamonds are the top gemstone for fine jewellery and engagement rings and their colourless character (in non-fancy coloured variants) they are deemed to be a great match for engagement rings.

The Romantic Rose Gold Engagement Ring

Rose gold is a relative new-kid on the block. Another gold alloy variant that has risen in popularity in recent times is the rose gold engagement ring. A gold alloy that is made of around 75 per cent pure gold and 25 per cent copper. This combination has given rise to a lovely rose hue that has garnered certain attention in the minds of new engagement rings Melbourne buyers.

Rose gold’s prominence is driven by a number of factors. From the rise in demand for a more feminine hue to the interesting rise in adoption of coloured gemstones, such as pink sapphire and pink diamonds. Rose gold has proven to be a great metal type that combines well these other romantically hued gemstones for engagement rings online.

Rose gold is also a great option for those who simply wish to stand out from the crowd with a novel metal type that is other than the household yellow gold, the market leader white gold. Or the generally more expensive platinum engagement rings Melbourne option.

Two Tone Engagement Rings

An interesting addition to the world of fine jewellery, notably engagement rings is the rise of two tone rings online. Two tone engagement rings are innovative ring setting that features more than a single metal type (that vary in terms of colour) all in the same ring.

Two tone engagement rings feature two metals in a single band, made possible by the design of the ring, such as split shank engagement rings Melbourne. When it comes to buying two tone engagement rings the buyer must pay attention to the gemstone style, as it must complement the ring, in relation to your personal preference. For two tone engagement rings, similar to multi-stone engagement rings online the buyer must pay close attention to the colour profile of the ring, and how it fits with your preference in gemstone type and metal hue.

The Premium Platinum Option

Platinum has been the historically dominant choice in the world of engagement rings. Long considered the most expensive choice and the choice of designer engagement rings online: Jewellery designers tend to opt for platinum for high-end engagement ring designs. So when it comes to picking the best metal type for your engagement ring, and if your idea is the most premium choice, then this might be it.