Choose a metal

The next step in the process of finding your perfect ring is to choose the precious metal you would like. There are a number of possible choices, each one with its own advantages and particular look. Let us help you decide which one is exactly right for you. To start the decision process, think about the type of jewelry the bride-to-be normally wears. It is mostly silver colored or more gold? This should point you in the right direction so that your engagement ring will be a better match with her other pieces.
 

Gold

One of the first discovered and best known precious metals of all, gold is still used as a standard measurement of currency and its value fluctuates according to market demands. Its qualities are many; it is beautiful, strong, malleable yet resistant to corrosion and rust. Gold is mixed with other alloys to give it strength for use in jewelry; its purity level is measured in units called karats. 24K represents 100% pure gold, which is too soft to be useable for everyday wear, so most engagement rings are made from either 18K or 14K gold which give it the same characteristic golden look but with more practical sturdiness. The depth of gold’s color is determined by the amount and type of alloys used to strengthen it and you can choose a yellow gold, which has been mixed with copper and silver – or a white gold, which includes white alloys plated with either white or black rhodium. The dazzling finish of white rhodium plating brings out the brilliance of diamonds and is very popular for engagement rings, however, rhodium may wear down over time, so be aware that your ring will eventually need re-plating.

Rose gold has a distinctive rose color which is due to its particular mixture of a copper alloy. Vermeil has a richer golden hue, and industry standards dictate that it has to consist of sterling silver plated with a minimum of 2.4 microns of 10K gold, which ensures its durability. At Sylvia’s Antique Jewelry our vermeil pieces area made with at least 14K gold and up to 24K.

Sylvia’s Advice: if the stones you have picked have a hint of yellow, a yellow gold setting will make them appear colorless. A silver colored setting will have the opposite effect and enhance any unwanted yellow tones, making them more pronounced. Keep your gold jewelry away from harsh chemicals, particularly chlorine which can cause discoloration. Wash with mild detergent and buff with a soft chamois cloth.

What about Platinum? It is the rarest of all metals, in fact 30 times rarer than gold and contains only 5% alloys. Unlike some types of gold, it is also hypoallergenic and does not cause skin reactions. Platinum maintains its color and durability for a lifetime and only needs light surface cleaning, so it is the perfect choice for an engagement ring. It accentuates the brilliance and fire of your diamond; its sheen will never fade and it will never need re-plating.

Sylvia’s Advice: clean once a week with jewelry cleaner and rinse with hot water. Your Platinum jewelry should be polish by a professional jeweler once a year to remove scratches.

Palladium is in the Platinum group of precious metals and also does not corrode or oxidize. Like Platinum, it is also rare, 95% pure, hypoallergenic, highly durable and tarnish free – and has a beautiful silvery color which complements white diamonds. It is a less dense metal than Platinum, so it is not as easy to re-size or repair.

Sylvia’s Advice: clean your Palladium ring with a jewelry cleaning solution or by soaking it in warm water and mild soap. Gently rub and dry with a soft cloth.

If you thought Tungsten could only be found in your garage or in a light bulb, think again! In recent years, Tungsten (also known as Wolfram) has been increasingly used in the manufacture of jewelry. Known for its indestructibility, Tungsten is scratch resistant, tarnish resistant, hypoallergenic, maintains its original polish forever and is perfect for a busy lifestyle. It is the most durable metal available today; small wonder, then, that it has become the jewelry metal of choice for many couples about to get married.

Sylvia’s Advice: clean your tungsten jewelry with warm water and detergent free soap, avoiding harsh chemicals. Store in a soft cloth bag.
Titanium is the hardest metal known to man. It is three times stronger than steel and stronger and more scratch proof than gold or platinum. It is light weight and in its purest form, it is 100% hypoallergenic. It can also come in many exotic colors such as blues and purples, which can be given a satin finish to help protect the color and prevent scratches. As titanium cannot be soldered, it is not possible to re-size a ring to make it smaller though it can sometimes be stretched to make it bigger.

Sylvia’s Advice: to clean your titanium ring, use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Never use harsh detergents or chemicals, or toothpaste to clean it! We advise you to get your ring professionally polished once a year to keep it looking perfect.

Now that you understand more about precious metals and their inherent characteristics, we hope you find it easier to settle on the perfect choice for you and your bride-to-be. As always, our experts are here to help you with useful suggestions and advice.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at  800-969-6930  or  Email Us