When it comes to buying fine jewelry, you have a lot of options. This is especially true with rings. Not only do you have to find the right style of ring, but choose the right type of ring metal, and decide whether or not you want or need gemstones.
At LeoDaniels, we offer rings in three distinct precious metals: silver, gold, and platinum. We also offer several different styles of gold and silver rings that make for the perfect gift for any occasion.
Gold Rings
When you think of engagement rings and wedding bands, gold is probably the first metal that springs to mind. Gold rings are instantly recognizable and stand as the embodiment of luxury, prosperity, love, and good fortune.
Beyond romantic occasions, gold rings can make the perfect gift for a loved one to celebrate an achievement, a milestone birthday, or even a holiday like Mother’s Day.
If gold is your ring metal of choice, then you’ll need some background on the terminology used to define it. Since gold is one of the more malleable metals, it is uncommon to find jewelry made of pure 24-karat gold. Instead, these jewelry pieces are made up of gold alloys that include silver, copper, and sometimes zinc. The higher the karat, the more gold was used in the alloy.
These are the most common karats of gold:
If a gold ring sounds like the right choice for your gift, you have three different types of gold to choose from: yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold.
Yellow Gold
Easily the most recognizable style of gold, yellow gold has stood as the standard of luxury jewelry for thousands of years. In today’s jewelry landscape, where metals like rose gold and tungsten steel have grown in popularity among younger generations, yellow gold rings have an eye-catching appeal that makes them stand out amongst the crowd.
Of the three styles of gold rings, yellow gold is the only one that can be used to make a pure 24-karat gold ring. Although this is pretty uncommon.
Because the yellow gold most often used in jewelry is an alloy, it will tarnish over time when exposed to different chemicals in the air, sweat, and common household cleaners. So be sure to take care of your ring and take it off when cleaning.
Because the metal alloy used to create yellow gold rings is primarily made of gold and silver, it is considered hypoallergenic.
Rose Gold
Of all the colors of gold available, rose gold is the easiest on the eyes. Also referred to as pink or red gold, this particular hue of gold is renowned for its subtle pink luster that makes it a more feminine hue.
While the origins of rose gold can be traced back to 19th century Russia, it gained popularity in the mid-1900s and has continued to climb in popularity to this day.
Rose gold gets its color from the high concentration of copper used in the gold alloy. Lower karat rose golds are made with more copper and have an increasingly reddish hue.
Rose gold is a versatile ring metal that looks wonderful on all skin tones and can be matched with various gemstones. Since it’s made of gold and copper, it is considered hypoallergenic, and depending on the karat, it can be highly durable thanks to the high concentration of copper.
Rose gold ring metal makes the perfect gift for any occasion and can add an extra layer of elegance to any outfit.
White Gold
Another comparatively young color of gold, white gold bears a near indiscernible resemblance to platinum. If you love the look of platinum rings but want to avoid the higher price tag it comes with, then white gold might be the suitable ring metal for you.
Like all other colors of gold, white gold jewelry is made up of several different metals that give the jewelry its unique color. Most white gold jewelry contains both nickel and zinc. While this makes the jewelry more durable, it also means that white gold isn’t hypoallergenic, and those with sensitive skin should consider choosing a different ring metal.
When styled correctly, a white gold ring can be a stand-out piece in any wardrobe. White gold is subtle yet luxurious, and its neutral hue makes it an excellent base for any colored gemstone.
A white gold ring is a perfect gift to stun your loved one with. No matter the occasion, there’s a white gold ring that’s sure to impress.
One thing to keep in mind; white gold rings are often plated with rhodium to enhance the ring’s sheen. With regular wear, it will lose its luster and will need to be re-plated to regain its vibrance.
Platinum Rings
The rarest of all precious metals, platinum is the most regal ring metal on the market. As mentioned before, platinum and white gold look strikingly similar. What truly sets the two precious metals apart is their weight, cost, and durability.
If you find yourself choosing between white gold and platinum, one thing to keep in mind is that platinum is significantly heavier than white gold. Platinum is denser than the metal alloy used to make white gold jewelry. This makes platinum rings noticeably heavier than white gold.
This also affects the cost. Since platinum is a rarer metal than gold, and platinum rings are made almost entirely of platinum, their cost is significantly higher than white gold.
While these might be seen as drawbacks, platinum is one of the most durable ring metals on the market. Unlike white gold, platinum can withstand regular wear and tear from daily use, and scratches can be polished off by jewelry. So if you work with your hands and plan on wearing your ring throughout the day, platinum will be a better choice than white gold.
Sterling Silver Rings
Sterling silver is one of the most affordable ring metals available. While nowhere near as rare as gold or platinum, silver has maintained its notoriety for being a luxurious precious metal.
Not to be confused with fine silver, also called pure silver, sterling silver is made of an alloy containing 92.5% silver, and the other 7.5% is made up of harder metals like copper. When shopping for sterling silver, be sure to look for the hallmark 925 stamps to verify their authenticity.
Since silver is a softer metal, it is more susceptible to tarnishing and must be regularly cleaned to maintain its luster.
While not typically chosen for wedding bands or engagement rings, sterling silver rings make for great gifts for a variety of occasions. Their subtle look makes them easy to implement into any outfit.
Plated Sterling Silver
Another option to consider when choosing a ring metal is plated sterling silver. These sterling silver rings are plated with a thin layer of gold. You can choose from any of the gold colors available, and since they aren’t made of rarer metals like gold, they’re a more affordable opinion that still gives you the status and the look of more precious metals.
Other Considerations
Each of these ring metals has its own unique characteristics, but there are several other things that you should consider before making a purchase.
Skin Sensitivity
One of the most important things to consider when buying a ring is whether or not you or your loved one has sensitive skin. Precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and copper are hypoallergenic. But other metals like nickel, brass, zinc, and even stainless steel can be common allergens. Even precious metals like white gold are often mixed with nickel and zinc and could cause an allergic reaction.
The Intended Wearer’s Personal Style
If you’re purchasing a ring for someone other than yourself, take their current collection of jewelry and style into account. Some may find yellow gold to be haughty, while others may be put off by the shine of white gold or sterling silver. Going so far as to ask them what type of metal they prefer to wear can help you avoid buying a ring that winds up staying in the jewelry box.
Get The Perfect Ring For Any Occasion
If you already know what type of ring metal is right for your next purchase, then it’s time to find the perfect ring. At LeoDaniels, we provide a variety of different ring styles that can be worn on their own or combined with the gemstone of your choice. Find exactly what you’re looking for from our expertly curated ring selection.
Not sure which metal to choose?
Schedule an online consultation, and our experienced jewelers will help you choose the ring metal that’s right for you and find the perfect gift for yourself or your loved one.
