Whether you’ve dreamed of your engagement ring since childhood or are feeling apprehensive about the whole process, we know there’s a lot to consider when browsing the jewelry showroom. To help you find the perfect ring, we’ve broken down the most popular metal choices, giving you a clear understanding of all your options.
You’ve Struck Gold:
Yellow gold engagement rings are a classic and timeless choice. However, when it comes to this popular jewelry metal, there are options to fully showcase the beauty and brilliance of gold, incorporating other metallic elements to create stunning, long-lasting rings.
- Karat: Gold purity is measured in karats. When shopping for an engagement ring, you’ll find that as the purity increases (24K representing pure gold), so does the price. However, pure gold is softer and less durable, prone to damage, so it’s often mixed with other metals and alloys. 14K and 18K gold rings are ideal for everyday wear and are durable enough to withstand the test of time without damage.
White Gold Wonders:
White gold is made by mixing pure gold with metals such as palladium, silver, or nickel, copper, and zinc. These pieces are typically rhodium-plated to increase durability and enhance the whiteness. White gold offers a comparable aesthetic to platinum but at a price point that is more appealing to many buyers.
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Yellow Gold: With its classic yellow hue, yellow gold subtly incorporates nickel and silver elements for a warm feel. This timeless beauty generally doesn’t rust or corrode, making your ring durable and ever-lasting.
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Rose Gold: A rising star captivating jewelry enthusiasts, rose gold gets its reddish hue from the addition of copper to the gold. The higher the copper content, the deeper the red in the jewelry. Rose gold rings can be cleaned like other gold jewelry and are equally durable.
Platinum Perfection:
Want your diamonds to sparkle even more brilliantly? Platinum’s soft white sheen perfectly complements and enhances the brilliance of your gemstones and diamonds. Furthermore, platinum is rarer than gold itself, making it more valuable as a jewelry metal.
Over time, platinum will develop scratches from frequent wear. Its shine and texture will gradually fade with daily wear, losing its polish and taking on a rustic beauty. To maintain the pristine look of your ring, you can have platinum polished as needed. However, while scratches might naturally indicate the ring is wearing, platinum actually becomes stronger with each scratch.
Silver Sparkle:
Due to its affordability, sterling silver is a common choice for engagement rings. However, this jewelry staple might not be the best option for those who are hands-on or anticipate wearing the ring for long periods. Sterling silver is prone to tarnishing and scratching. Like platinum, sterling silver will tarnish; however, silver tarnishes much more quickly, requiring more frequent polishing than more durable metals.
Celebrate Her with a Lyriah Jewelry Ring:
Buying an engagement ring is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, marking a memorable moment in your relationship. Beyond the ring’s appearance, our expert team offers a wide range of styles to help you find the perfect ring, eliminating any apprehension and allowing you to fully enjoy the ring-shopping experience. From styles and metals to gemstones and shapes, our website has you covered.
