Buyers Guide

Discover the Perfect Metal for Your Engagement and Wedding Rings: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right metal for your engagement or wedding ring is crucial and involves considering various factors: price, durability, maintenance requirements, colour preferences, and overall aesthetic appeal.

At TigerStones, we understand that each individual prioritises these factors differently. That's why we're committed to providing you with all the essential information to empower you to make the best decision for your needs and preferences.

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Gold Rings

Gold rings are a timeless classic, available in a variety of colours - yellow, white, and rose. Gold is known to hold its value, and different karat weights (percentage of gold content) cater to a range of budgets. Pure 24-karat gold is too soft for jewellery, so it's mixed with other metals (alloys) for durability. The alloy composition affects the gold's appearance, durability, and suitability for those with metal allergies. Here's a breakdown of the most common gold options.

10k Gold

(41.7% gold, 58.3% alloy) is affordable and the most durable, ideal for budget-conscious shoppers or those with active lifestyles. Be cautious if you have common metal allergies, as it may contain nickel.

14k Gold

(58.3% gold, 41.7% alloy) balances durability and cost, making it a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings.

18k Gold

18K gold (75% gold, 25% alloy) boasts a rich color, especially in yellow gold. It's a wise choice for those with metal allergies due to its lower alloy content

Yellow Gold Rings

Yellow gold is a timeless classic that offers a warm and traditional aesthetic. The purity of gold (measured in karats) affects the color and durability of the metal, with higher karats resulting in a richer color. However, some may prefer the softer gold look and therefore opt for 10K or 14K purity.

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White Gold Rings

As gold is yellow toned in its natural form, to achieve white gold, 24 karat gold is mixed with alloys such as nickel, palladium or silver to give it a light grey colour. It is then plated with rhodium to give it its much sought after colour. It is worth considering that rhodium plating does wear away over time, revealing the yellow tinge of the gold. We recommend replating every 12-18 months to maintain its lustre and radiance. So although it is initially more affordable, the maintenance costs can add up over time.

Metal allergies affect between 10-15% of the population. If the wearer of the ring is not known to be allergic to nickel or other common alloy metals, 10K and 14K white gold can be safely worn. Otherwise, we recommend 18K white gold, 14/18K yellow gold or platinum.

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Two-Tone rings

Two tone rings are a modern option for those who love the look of yellow gold against their skin, but still want the centre stone to stand out. Moissanite reflects light, but also everything else around them and some do not like the way yellow gold prongs are reflected. So to maintain a colourless, brighter and lighter stone appearance, a two tone ring is the way to go.

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Platinum Rings

Platinum is considered the most luxurious of the metals and this is reflected in the higher price tag – but it’s for a good reason! It has the popular light silver/white colour and because, unlike gold, this is it’s natural colour, it does not require the maintenance that white gold needs to maintain this colour over time. So although a platinum ring will have a higher upfront cost, the long term expense of maintenance will be significantly lower if you want it to keep its original glory.

While this rare metal is one of the strongest metals, a platinum ring can be more vulnerable to dents, scratches and deformation if it doesn’t have a suitable alloy. Here at TigerStones, our 950 platinum rings are alloyed with Ruthenium, giving it a higher hardness than platinum rings mixed with other alloys, such as iridium – strong enough to even be used for industrial-grade parts! It is also our recommended option for wearers who may have metal allergies.

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When choosing the perfect metal for your engagement and wedding rings, consider factors such as durability, maintenance, and budget. By understanding the characteristics of each metal, you can make an informed decision that reflects your personal style and love story.Whether you prefer the timeless allure of gold or the unmatched elegance of platinum, TigerStones offers a diverse collection crafted to celebrate your unique love story. Explore our exquisite range today and begin your journey towards forever.

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