The Different Types of Metals

Gold and platinum are the two most commonly used metals for engagement and wedding rings. Both metals are unique, yet similar in several ways. Let’s look at how gold and platinum compare in appearance, cost, durability, and comfort.

Gold vs Platinum Appearance

The main distinguishing physical characteristic between gold and platinum is color. While platinum is naturally white, gold is naturally yellow. If you want a yellow ring, then gold (also termed yellow gold) is the best option. However, if you want a white ring, you can opt for platinum or white gold.

White gold rings are composed of gold, alloys, and a rhodium plating which gives it a white look that’s very similar to platinum. 14k white gold and 14k yellow gold have the same gold content and purity (58.5% gold), but the alloys in white gold (and the rhodium plating) make it appear white, while the alloys in yellow gold do not.

While white gold looks very similar to platinum, over time the rhodium plating in white gold will wear off and fade to a yellowish tinge. Once you re-polish and re-plate the white gold ring, it will look white again. Platinum, which is naturally white, will not fade to yellow.

Gold vs Platinum Cost

While gold and platinum are similar in price per gram, platinum is more dense and so more of it is required to make a ring. Additionally, platinum rings are usually 95% pure platinum, while 14k gold is only 58.5% gold (18k gold is 75% gold). Therefore, platinum rings are more expensive.

Gold vs Platinum Durability Platinum is Stronger and More Durable

Though both gold and platinum are strong and durable precious metals, platinum is the stronger and more durable of the two. For example, the prongs holding the center stone of a platinum engagement ring are less likely to break then those of a gold engagement ring.

Platinum Scratches Easier than 14k Gold

Despite being stronger and more durable, platinum is a softer metal than 14k gold. This means it will get scratched a little easier than 14k gold would. However, an important thing to note is when gold is scratched, the gold is lost and it looks like a scratch. When platinum is scratched, the platinum gets moved from one place on the ring to another, and it develops something called a patina finish (which looks like an antique or worn ring). A lot of people love and desire the patina finish.

The good thing is that re-polishing your ring will help restore the ring to near its original look for both platinum and gold.

Platinum is Truly White

As mentioned above, platinum will always stay white but white gold needs to be re-polished and re-plated occasionally to avoid a yellow hue. This yellow hue usually appears several months to several years after polishing's, depending on how much wear and tear the ring faces.

When Choosing Between 14k and 18k, We Recommend 14k

If you decide to go with gold, we recommend you pick 14k gold and not 18k gold. While 18k gold is more valuable, it is softer and will scratch easier than 14k gold will. 14k gold is cheaper, and more scratch resistant!

Gold vs Platinum Comfort

Because platinum is more dense than gold, platinum rings will be heavier than gold as well. Some prefer the heavier weight, but some find the lightness of gold rings to be more comfortable. It is really up to each individual person. One option for people seeking a comfortable ring it is to opt for one with a comfortable design.

One more benefit of platinum is that it is hypoallergenic. While gold rings do not create an allergy issue for most people, some can develop an allergic reaction from the nickel alloy used in gold rings.

Pure silver, also called fine silver, is relatively soft, very malleable, and easily damaged so it is commonly combined with other metals to produce a more durable product. The most popular of these alloys is sterling silver, which consists of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper.

Although any metal can make up the 7.5 percent non-silver portion of sterling, centuries of experimentation have shown copper to be its best companion, improving the metal's hardness and durability without affecting its beautiful color.

The small amount of copper added to sterling has very little effect on the metal's value. Instead, the price of the silver item is affected by the labor involved in making the item, the skill of the craftsperson, and the intricacy of the design.

Stamps of Quality

Most high quality silver items are stamped with a "fineness" or "quality" mark. This mark designates the precious metal content of the jewelry, and under federal law, must be accompanied by a maker's mark or registered trademark.

Silver Alloys

Because pure silver is so soft, it should only be used when malleability is required, such as in handcrafted jewelry featuring weaving and other intricate designs.

Sterling silver is most often used for jewelry and household accessories because of its combination of beauty and durability. Acceptable quality marks for sterling silver include:

• sterling
• sterling silver
• ster
• .925

Easily the strongest of all metals used in jewelry. Titanium is available in a number of colors dependent upon the anodizing process used to create the piece. Titanium is very low maintenance and robust and will outlast all other types of jewelry. Titanium is also extremely light. These reasons combine to make it very popular among new types of jewelry. Unfortunately it is still quite expensive due mostly to the processes required to produce titanium jewelry.

Providing your budget affords it just about any time. Titanium contains no nickel, the metal responsible for jewelry allergies and is available in a number of finishes. Titanium jewelry will not fade in color.

Stainless steel jewelry is slightly similar in appearance to silver. It is harder than silver and will not tarnish which is why it is increasingly used in jewelry. White gold and sterling silver pieces often contain a metal called ‘nickel’ which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Stainless jewelry can be (but is not always) made without nickel making it suitable for those allergic to nickel. Depending upon the shape and type of jewelry stainless steel may be more difficult and hence more expensive than a corresponding piece of silver jewelry. Stainless jewelry does not have the same luster or shine as other metals but some prefer its slightly more metallic appearance and it is particularly popular amongst men. Stainless steel jewelry is more jewelry than gold and silver pieces and will not tarnish or rust as easily.

If you like the metallic finish and require a robust piece of jewelry capable of withstanding moisture without tarnish or corrosion then stainless steel is a very affordable and wise option. It is not used in finer pieces with more precious gemstones simply because it is not considered as desirable as platinum, gold and other precious metals.

Tungsten jewelry is also often referred to as ‘Tungsten Carbide’ but you should pay special attention to ensure the tungsten jewelry you are purchasing is actually ‘Tungsten Carbide’. Tungsten Carbide is compound of Tungsten and Carbon which results in a metal which is significantly hard than just Tungsten. How hard is Tungsten Carbide? Well just about the only thing capable of scratching Tungsten Carbide is Diamond. Tungsten which has been polished will never need to be polished again and will be next to impossible to scratch. Tungsten is 4 times hard than any other metal currently used to manufacture jewelry and so it will outlast jest about everything. Tungsten is quite heavy and only available in a grey ‘carbon like’ color which is popular amongst men. Due to the expensive manufacturing processes there is currently very little Tungsten jewelry to choose from. The majority of Tungsten jewelry available today is designed for men and usually only available as wedding rings.

Looking for something which will look new and won’t scratch for the remainder of your lifetime? If you like its color, have found something in the limited range available and your budget permits Tungsten is a great choice.