Choosing the perfect wedding ring is a big deal because you’ll be wearing it for a lifetime, which is why you should find one that you’ll love wearing for many years to come.
Wedding rings come in a range of different metals. You can choose one according to your preference, budget, and even skin tone.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular metals for wedding rings. Feel free to revisit and narrow down this list until you find “the one!”
Gold metals
Most people are surprised to learn that pure gold is soft and malleable. It gets easily scratched and damaged, making it not ideal for everyday wear. Instead, pure gold is combined with more resilient metals to create an alloy.
The purity of gold contained in a wedding band is measured in karats. The purer the gold, the richer its color is, which is why 18k gold (75% pure gold) is the standard for most wedding rings. 14k gold (58% pure gold) is less expensive due to the lower gold content. For some, anything below 14k is no longer considered fine jewelry.
Yellow gold
The warm, yellowish hue of yellow gold comes from a combination of pure gold, copper, and zinc. It is the most popular and most traditional metal choice.
Yellow gold gives off a warm patina due to the red copper it is alloyed with. It looks good on a variety of skin tones, especially those with olive and warmer skin tones.
If you’ve decided on yellow gold, choose an 18-karat if your budget allows it because of its richer, more saturated yellow color, and overall higher value.
White gold
White gold is achieved by combining pure gold with metals like nickel, silver, and palladium. Due to these other metals added to it, white gold is more durable than yellow.
While yellow gold is considered traditional, white gold gives off a stylish, modern vibe. Its gorgeous white color goes really well with white or colorless diamonds, making it a great choice for those wondering how to pick out an engagement ring and wedding ring that matches.
This metal complements fair and rosy skin tones, but since white gold contains nickel, it may also cause allergies. If you have sensitive skin, consider getting a hypoallergenic metal like yellow gold and platinum.
Over time, the ring may revert back to its original yellow gold color and will require maintenance to preserve its pristine finish. You’ll need to bring it in for rhodium plating to maintain its bright color and enhance its luster.
Rose gold
Rose gold’s warm, romantic pink hue is crafted by combining pure gold with copper and silver. Because of its copper content, it is stronger and more durable than yellow or white gold. If you’re looking for scratch-resistant metal, this is a great choice.
It is also the least expensive option out of all three gold alloys, and a good alternative for brides and grooms who don’t want to wear a traditional gold or silver band.
Precious metals
Platinum sports a stunning white color similar to white gold and complements fair or rosy skin tones. It is one of the rarest and strongest metals in the world, and also a lot more expensive than the other choices featured here. The platinum used in wedding bands is 95% pure. Because of its density, the ring will feel heavier on the hand than other metals.
Because of the hardness of this metal, the details of an engraved or embellished platinum ring often look sharper and more precise. This metal is best for people with active lifestyles and are working with their hands on a daily basis.
If you’re after the look of platinum but don’t like its hefty price tag, palladium is your best bet. It has the same white color and shine, plus it’s lighter than platinum. Unfortunately, sourcing palladium has become difficult in recent years, so the range of palladium rings are limited.
With so many materials to choose from, picking out the best metal for your wedding ring all comes down to your budget, lifestyle, and personal preference. Some people favor a certain color, while others want a durable metal that does not get scratched so easily.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the wedding ring selection process, remember that Zadok Jewelers are here to help you. If you need more help in choosing the right metal, please do not hesitate to contact us and we’ll give you the best options and solutions.
