Choosing your engagement ring is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your life when it comes to what you wear. You want to pick a ring that will look great for years to come, one that goes beautifully with your personal style, and one that you can afford to spend time and money on to keep it looking as good as new. Here are some of the pros and cons for three of the most common metals that people choose when picking out their engagement rings.
White
White is a more contemporary choice for a wedding ring color and fits in well with many different personal styles (go to www.ascotdiamonds.com for many examples of this metal.) If you haven’t had any input as to what your partner would like for an engagement ring, and you are picking one out on your own so that you can surprise your special someone, white gold is quite a safe choice as it is very popular and tends not to go out of style as quickly compared to metals like rose gold. This is a great budget-friendly option for people who like the look of platinum but are unable to afford the higher price tag. It does require quite a bit of upkeep however, as it’s plated with an element called rhodium which will wear away over time, requiring that you get your white gold ring re-plated. A benefit to the rhodium is that it will resist scratches and tarnishing, both of which white gold is not very good at resisting on its own.
Yellow
Yellow gold is a great choice for brides and grooms that tend toward more traditional styles. This color is one that will go great with the many different trends that come and go over the years, and it’s the perfect metal if you’d like to pass down your ring as a family heirloom. One downside to choosing yellow gold is that it tends to be a very soft metal and unlike white gold it doesn’t come with any kind of coating, so it’s best to get a carat that is lower so that your ring will not need reshaping very often or scuff as easily over time. There is however a benefit to the higher pliability of yellow gold, because if you’re likely to need the ring resized at a later date it’s much easier to do with this metal vs ones like white gold or platinum.
Rose
Rose gold is the best option for people who want a unique look to their wedding ring. Its blush color compliments all skin tones, from very pale to very deep, and it also suits both warm and pale undertones. Although it isn’t as popular as yellow or white gold it has been gaining popularity quickly in recent years due to its romantic, vintage look and its tendency to be more affordable than other metals. The lower price tag is often due to the high levels of copper that rose gold is alloyed with, as copper is quite abundant and therefore has a lower cost. The downside to the copper that is found in rose gold rings however is that it can cause allergic reactions in quite a lot of people who have sensitive skin, so it’s not great for those who need a metal that is hypoallergenic.
As you can see, all metals have their upsides and downsides so it really depends on factors such as how much upkeep you’ll be able to afford, the price point you’re most comfortable with, and of course your personal preference style wise. I hope these tips have helped you to pick out the perfect engagement ring for yourself or your partner!