Skip to Content Skip to Navigation

Engagement Ring Metals

Yellow Gold

Pure gold mixed with a little silver and copper for a warm look.

SHOP YELLOW GOLD ENGAGEMENT RINGS >
 

       

White Gold        

Pure gold is combined with palladium and silver or with nickel, copper and zinc. Rhodium plating improves whiteness and durability.

SHOP WHITE GOLD ENGAGEMENT RINGS >
 


        

Rose Gold

Increasingly popular, these reddish gold options are pure gold plus copper. The more copper, the redder the metal.


Purity

Gold purity is measured in karats (not to be confused with carats, a measure of gem weight). Karats are divided into 24 parts, so 24 parts of gold - known as 24K gold - is pure. However, 24K gold is soft and easily damaged, so it's mixed - or alloyed - with other metals to make it more durable. For example, 14K gold is 14 parts gold, 10 parts other metal. Jewelry must be at least 10K to be sold as gold in the United States.

Care

Buff your gold engagement ring with a soft cloth to keep it shiny and smooth.

         

SHOP ROSE GOLD ENGAGEMENT RINGS >

Platinum

Platinum has a soft white hue. It's 30 times more rare than gold (which means it's more expensive) and 40% heavier than 14K gold - and it doesn't tarnish or oxidize. Because of its hardness, the details of intricately engraved or embellished rings often look sharper and more precise when done in platinum. Platinum is durable and naturally white, allowing diamonds and other gemstones to appear even more brilliant.

Purity

Platinum is known for its ability to withstand daily wear without thinning. Platinum in jewelry is 90% to 95% pure, which brings out the beauty of diamonds set in platinum engagement rings. It's also hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for those with skin sensitivities. 

Care

Over time, platinum will wear and scratch with use. Your jeweler can polish your platinum wedding band or platinum engagement ring to remove any scratches. Platinum's patina is celebrated by jewelry lovers and designers because it underscores the metal's authenticity. It's also a sign that the ring has strengthened from wear - platinum actually grows stronger every time it's scratched.


LEARN MORE ABOUT PLATINUM >

SHOP PLATINUM RINGS >