When looking for an engagement ring, you have to consider everything from the style of the ring to the stones that adorn it. Your first step to narrowing down the options should be deciding on the metal band. Not only is it important for the overall appearance, it also determines the ring’s durability and can help determine the cost. Take a look at the most popular options. 

Gold

Gold remains one of the most popular choices for engagement rings. This beautiful metal is naturally resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, so it’ll shine brilliantly for years to come.  

Because gold is a soft material, it’s blended with other alloys like silver, nickel, palladium and copper. These alloys make gold more durable and can create other color options, such as rose gold and white gold. Generally speaking, you will get about 5-7 years of wear out of a gold engagement ring before any serious maintenance is required, such as prong retipping.

Platinum

If you like the look of white gold but want a more durable band, choose platinum. It’s the rarest and most valuable metal used for jewelry. It won’t tarnish, and any scratches can easily be polished out without the worry of losing any metal. 

Platinum has a heavier weight to it, so even if the current market price is less than gold its density it may mean that it will cost more than gold. However, on the plus side, you don’t have to get platinum rhodium plated because it will always stay bright white. Also, you can potentially get many more years of wear with platinum compared to gold. 

Another bonus is that if your partner is sensitive to specific materials, then platinum and palladium (a platinum group metal) are both hypoallergenic. 

Silver

Like gold, silver is a soft metal that needs to be blended with other alloys. However, these alloys are usually not strong enough to support diamonds. Sterling silver can hold semiprecious stones though, and can be worked into beautiful shapes.

Because of how soft it is, silver isn’t usually recommended for something that is going to be worn every single day, like an engagement ring or wedding ring. However, it is the least expensive of all metal options, so it could make for an excellent promise ring.   

No matter which metal you choose for your engagement or wedding ring, be sure to have it inspected every 6-12 months for routine cleanings and polishing. This also gives your jeweler the opportunity to catch any loose stones or worn prongs before you lose a stone!

To talk with a jeweler about your engagement ring options, visit Nelson Estate Jewelers in Mesa, AZ. Their selection of beautiful jewelry includes both custom selections and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. They offer free cleanings, inspections, consultations, second opinions, and verbal appraisals. If you’re looking to sell, they will take your unwanted jewelry to trade or will purchase it for a fair price. Call (480) 459-9867 or visit their website for any questions.