Choose the right metal for the engagement rings

Till recently, the only forms of engagement rings were the ones with a diamond or any other gemstone set in a yellow gold band. However, now there are a lot of options when it comes to the metals used to make the bands. The only way to choose the right metal is to know everything about all the available options. Here is a look at the various metals which can be used in the engagement rings.

• Silver – The silver engagement rings are either silver plated or are made from sterling silver. The silver plated engagement ring is produced by bonding silver to either nickel or copper. However, in spite of the bonding the silver wears off with time, thereby exposing the metal underneath. Still, the sterling silver or silver plating is very inexpensive and hence it is ideal for people looking for cheap engagement rings.

• Gold – Gold has always been the most popular metal for engagement rings bands. It is often available in 18k, 14k or 10k. The lower the carat value is, the cheaper it is. Gold can also be used as plating over the silver jewelry. Gold can be a good choice because it is much easier to afford as compared to the other higher end metals. Also, it is the most suitable choice to be used in the engagement rings with the darker gemstones, like, emeralds, sapphires and rubies.

• Platinum – Platinum has become a popular choice of late, as it is very strong and is durable enough to withstand all sort of wear and tear. Its appearance is really beautiful and is unmatched by any other metal. It works very well in the diamond engagement rings. Many people also use platinum with a number of other gemstones. The only thing that makes a lot of people avoid platinum is the fact that it is the most expensive metal used to make engagement rings. Still, the quality and the look offered by platinum are worth every single nickel spent on it.

• Palladium – In comparison to silver, gold and platinum, palladium is a newcomer when it comes to using it in the engagement rings. It is a member of the platinum family; hence it offers a really high level of durability and brilliance. It is hypoallergenic in nature; hence it is a fitting alternative for the women who can not use a white metal because they are allergic to nickel. Also, many jewelers offer to combine palladium with gold to come up with hypoallergenic engagement rings made of white gold. The best thing about palladium is its capability to offer a near-platinum quality at really cheap prices. This makes the metal perfect for all sorts of engagement ring budgets. 

So now that you know about all the metals used to make the engagement ring bands, you can think over the benefits that each has to offer. This will help you to make an informed decision and choose the right metal for engagement rings.

Summary:  There are a lot of popular metal options available to be used for making the bands of the engagement rings. The popular choices include silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Each has their own share of advantages. They can e chosen accordingly

Author Bio: Ian Malcom is an expert on precious metals and their use in jewelry. Here he offers information on the various popular metal choices that are used to make the bands for the engagement rings. For more information you can log on to http://www.gemsny.com/.