Fine Jewelry Metals
Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring, wedding band, or fine jewelry such as earrings or a bracelet, you might be unsure what the differences really are between metals, other than how they look. While you can’t go wrong with any fine jewelry metal, they do have different pricing, maintenance needs, and overall style. We can help you decide which metal is the right choice for you.
White Gold
Gold is the most commonly used metal for engagement rings and wedding bands as it’s beautiful, malleable, and beloved. It’s available in 14k or 18k. (k stands for “karat”:14k is more durable and affordable and 18k has a higher gold percentage.)
Rhodium plating protects the white finish of white gold (this can be redone if the ring dulls or scratches over time). Rhodium is a hard metal in the platinum family that is used to plate other metals such as gold to give them a shiny, durable finish.
White gold and platinum look similar, but white gold typically contains alloys such as nickel, which some people are allergic to, whereas platinum does not. White gold needs more maintenance than platinum due to its plating and is more affordable than platinum.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the traditional metal for bridal jewelry all over the world. Like white gold, it’s available in 14k and 18k but unlike white gold, it has no plating. Like white gold, it can contain nickel alloys, which can cause allergy issues. Yellow gold is warm and romantic and works beautifully in any style from vintage to modern.
Shop yellow gold engagement rings
Rose Gold
Rose gold is yellow gold mixed with a copper alloy. It has a subtle and delicate color that can intensify over time. It’s created by increasing the copper alloys and decreasing the silver-colored alloys (such as nickel) mixed with the gold. 14k and 18k rose gold contains the same amount of gold as 14k and 18k white and yellow gold, just with a different alloy mix.
Platinum
Platinum is a pure white metal that is non-corrosive and won’t change color or fade. It has a density and heft that make it highly durable and doesn’t wear quickly over time. Platinum’s strength also makes it the most secure setting for diamonds. Platinum is hypoallergenic, so the wearer doesn’t have to worry about allergic reactions.
Platinum is less prone to scratches than white gold and isn’t plated so needs less maintenance.
Titanium
Titanium is a lustrous gray metal that is lightweight and comfortable. Titanium is stronger than gold or platinum and is three times stronger than steel, so you can be confident your titanium ring will last a lifetime.
Titanium is mixed with other metal alloys to reduce its brittleness, so if you have a metal allergy, be sure to check the composition.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten is a dark gray glossy metal and carbide is the preferred metal alloy to mix with tungsten as it adds durability and strength. In fact, tungsten carbide is the hardest metal available for jewelry (and is 10x harder than 18k gold). Tungsten carbide won’t tarnish or fade, is generally hypoallergenic, and is available in multiple colors.
Cobalt
Cobalt is a hypoallergenic metal with a similar look to platinum. It will not tarnish and doesn’t need plating the way white gold does. It’s less dense than other metals, and so its often available in a variety of styles (including various heights and designs).
Cobalt is extremely hard and scratch-resistent, durable, and maintains its luster over time.
Once you’ve learned about fine jewelry, check out the rest of our jewelry buying guides.
