Diamond Buying School is reader-supported. Here's how it works.

What is the Best Metal for a Diamond Ring?

by David Weliver

When it comes to purchasing a diamond engagement ring, obviously, the first consideration is the diamond itself. But, the setting is just as important as is the metal the setting is made with. You have many choices, including yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, and silver. So, which is the best for an engagement ring?

Today we will look at the differences between these different types of metals to help you decide the best metal for engagement rings. After reading this article, you should have a pretty good idea of what to look for when shopping for an engagement ring. Let’s get started.

Best Metal for a Diamond Ring

Gold

Gold is the first metal we’ll discuss and the most common for engagement rings. There are many different colors of gold, and it is available in many different carat weights. Remember that a higher carat weight is not ideal for rings because they are very soft and will not hold up well over time. It scratches easily, and it doesn’t take much to bend it.

Let’s take a look at the various colors of gold.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is one of the most popular metals for engagement rings and wedding bands. It is a soft metal, so you will not find rings higher than 14K in most cases. In fact, anything below 24K is mixed with alloys to help strengthen it.

Gold is naturally yellow, and yellow gold is not combined with other alloys, such as silver. In fact, yellow is the only natural color for gold. All of the different colors we will discuss today have alloys added. The more yellow the gold is, the purer it is. But, it is also less durable.

Rose Gold

Rose gold is becoming increasingly popular, and many brides choose it for their engagement and wedding rings. It has a rosy sheen (thanks to the addition of copper) and a romantic, vintage appearance that appeals to those who prefer a vintage look.

If you want something affordable, 9K rose gold is excellent. But 14K or higher is better if you want that beautiful coloration. Just keep in mind that it won’t be as durable. It is also essential to know that rose gold is not a good option for anyone allergic to copper.

What is the Best Metal for a Diamond Ring

White Gold

Like rose gold, white gold is not solid gold. It is actually mixed with alloys that are white/silver, such as silver or palladium. It is also usually coated with rhodium, which helps to protect the softer metal. If you love platinum but do not have the budget, white gold is an excellent alternative to platinum.

However, white gold does require more maintenance than yellow gold and needs to be cleaned and polished more often. The best options for a white gold ring would be 9K or 18K.

Green Gold

The term “green gold” is a misleading one. Yes, it is green, but it is a very subtle shade and doesn’t actually have a bright green color. Many people would describe green gold as yellow gold with a hint of green. The green will stand out when used with other shades of gold.

It is an alloy of pure yellow gold and pure silver, and other metals, such as silver, nickel, and zinc, are generally added to green gold that will be used for rings. For instance, 14K green gold would be fourteen parts yellow gold and 10 parts silver.

Platinum

Platinum is one of the most popular and expensive metals for a wedding band or engagement ring. This silvery-white colored metal is heavy and feels quite luxurious.

While it is costly, it is also a metal that will last for a lifetime and well beyond. It is the toughest of all metals. It requires no coating to prevent scratching, as it does not scratch or chip. It can get bumps or ridges over time, known as “patina.” This patina is quite desirable as it gives jewelry a more vintage appearance. When you come down to it, the only real drawback to this type of metal is the cost.

Palladium

Palladium is an excellent option if you are looking for a less expensive alternative to platinum. It has that same white color and is quite shiny. It is almost as durable as platinum, so it is excellent for anyone who has an active lifestyle and wants to wear their rings most of the time.

One of palladium’s advantages over other metals is that it is lightweight and comfortable. Unfortunately, it scratches easily, and resizing rings made of palladium can be pretty difficult. Therefore, it may not be the ideal choice for a piece of jewelry intended to be worn for a lifetime.

Sterling Silver

Once upon a time, it was thought silver was not an excellent metal to pair with diamonds. The same cannot be said today. Sterling silver is often used with diamonds and other stones and is an excellent option for those who want a beautiful piece of jewelry that is also affordable.

Sterling silver is mixed with copper and other metals. This is because pure silver is very soft and not nearly durable enough to be used for rings, which tend to take a lot of abuse. The biggest problem with sterling silver is that it requires a lot of upkeep to ensure it always looks bright and shiny. It needs to be polished regularly.

Titanium

Titanium is increasingly popular, especially for men’s rings. This highly durable metal is lightweight and ideal for those trying to get used to wearing jewelry (generally men who have never worn rings). It has a very modern look and is pretty much resistant to scratches. It is easy to care for and doesn’t need to be regularly polished.

One of titanium’s only drawbacks is that it is difficult to resize. If you choose titanium for an engagement ring or wedding band, you must make sure it is a perfect fit when purchasing it. Also, don’t forget to account for when your fingers may swell after a long day at work.

Tungsten

The most durable metal you can get for rings is tungsten. In fact, it is four times as strong as titanium. It is scratch-resistant and generally inexpensive. Like titanium, tungsten is not easy to resize, so you must ensure you get the right size when purchasing the ring. Another drawback is that it doesn’t scratch easily but is quite brittle. This means that if it gets knocked around, chances are it is going to break.

What is the Best Metal for a Diamond Ring

Related Questions

Let’s look at the answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about metals for engagement and wedding rings.

Is platinum high-quality?

When it comes to high-quality standards for rings, platinum is the standard. This rare metal is highly desirable but also costly due to its rarity. Platinum rings are also more expensive because more platinum is required than gold to create a ring.

Which is better, 18K or 9K gold?

When choosing the purity of gold, many people ask if 18K is better than 9K. Of course, if you are looking for a higher level of purity, 18K is the best option.

But, if you want durability, you are better off choosing 9K gold, which is also much less expensive than 18K. The biggest drawback to 9K gold is that it contains other metals, making it more likely to tarnish over time.

14K vs. 18K gold: what’s the difference?

The higher the number, the purer the gold is going to be. For instance, 18K gold is 75 percent real gold, while 14K gold is approximately 58 percent pure gold, with copper, silver, zinc, and nickel often added for durability.

Is platinum better than 14K white gold?

Many people think that because platinum is rare, it is superior to gold. This isn’t the case. While it is much more expensive, it scratches easier than white gold and requires more care and maintenance. It is advisable to not swim, do housework, garden, etc. while wearing platinum rings.

Conclusion

So, what is the best metal for an engagement or wedding ring? Ultimately, the choice is up to you. It will come down to your budget, preference, and lifestyle. Gold is the best option if you want a metal that requires little maintenance.

On the other hand, if you are looking for something luxurious and have the budget for it, platinum is the way to go. Rose gold, white gold, and green gold are great options but require more maintenance than yellow gold. The worst choice is silver since it is not durable and requires a lot of care.

Recommended Jewelers

James Allen

James Allen logo

James Allen is the most competitive diamond vendor with more than 150,000 loose diamonds in inventory. They have been a leader in selling diamonds online and pioneered 3D imaging so you can see the exact diamond you're buying in exquisite detail. You'll find it hard to beat James Allen in terms of price or selection. Read our James Allen review.

Shop James Allen »

Whiteflash

Whiteflash logo

Whiteflash is the home of "A Cut Above" diamonds which are among the best quality round- and princess-cut diamonds in the world. With superior diamond photographs and videos, Whiteflash's diamonds seem to come to life -- even online. Read our Whiteflash review.

Shop Whiteflash »

Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth logo

Brilliant Earth is the global leader in ethically-sourced jewelry. Brilliant Earth goes above and beyond existing standards to offer “Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds” that they select for their ethical and environmentally-responsible origins. With over 120,000 diamonds in inventory, you can be sure to find your perfect diamond and feel good knowing it was responsibly-sourced. Read our Brilliant Earth review.

Shop Brilliant Earth »

Blue Nile

Blue Nile logo

Blue Nile is the world's largest online jeweler. Their reputation for quality and customer service is unparalleled in the industry. Blue Nile offers free shipping, a 30-day return policy and satisfaction guarantee. Read our Blue Nile review.

Shop Blue Nile »

Previous post:

Next post: