The Most Popular Metals for Rings

Composition

Yellow gold is an alloy made from pure gold mixed with metals like copper and zinc. Since pure gold (24K) is too soft for everyday wear, it's alloyed to improve durability. The most common karats for jewelry are 18K (75% gold) and 14K (58.3% gold)—each offering a balance between richness of color and strength.

Style Information

Yellow gold has the classic warm, rich hue most people envision when they think of gold jewelry. Its timeless appeal has made it a popular choice for centuries, especially in vintage and traditional designs. The metal’s warmth beautifully complements gemstones like garnets, rubies, and diamonds, creating a luxurious and elegant look.

One of our clients, a couple restoring a family heirloom, chose an 18K yellow gold setting for their diamond engagement ring to match the original piece from the 1940s. The deep golden tone gave the ring a regal, old-world charm that white metals just couldn’t replicate.

Yellow gold also develops a soft patina over time, adding to its character. Some people love this slightly aged look, while others prefer regular polishing to keep it bright.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Classic and timeless appearance
• Doesn’t require rhodium plating (unlike white gold)
• Easier to resize and repair than harder metals
• Complements warm skin tones and vintage styles

Cons:

• Softer than other metals, making it more prone to scratches and bending
• Higher karat gold (18K and above) can wear down faster over time
• May need periodic polishing to maintain its luster

Mohs Hardness Scale

• 18K Yellow Gold: ~2.8 (softer but richer in color)
• 14K Yellow Gold: ~3.5–4.0 (more durable, slightly lighter in color)

Yellow gold remains a favorite for those who appreciate tradition, warmth, and a bit of old-world elegance.

If you love the idea of a ring that ages gracefully and has a classic feel, this could be the perfect metal for you!

Composition

White gold is an alloy of pure gold mixed with at least one white metal, typically nickel, palladium, or manganese, which makes up approximately 10% of the alloy.

Since gold is naturally yellow, these metals help create white gold’s signature pale hue. However, white gold isn’t naturally bright white—it often has a faint cream or grayish tint.

To enhance its brilliance, most white gold jewelry is coated with rhodium plating, a rare metal that gives it a bright, reflective finish similar to platinum.

Style Information

White gold has a sleek, modern look that pairs beautifully with diamonds, making it one of the most popular choices for engagement rings and wedding bands. Its neutral tone also complements sapphires, aquamarines, and other cool-toned gemstones, giving them an extra pop of brightness.

Many customers who initially consider platinum often opt for white gold because it offers a similar aesthetic at a more affordable price. However, it’s important to note that white gold’s rhodium plating wears off over time, meaning it may need periodic replating (usually every 1-2 years) to maintain its bright white finish.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Bright and elegant—a great alternative to platinum
• More affordable than platinum but offers a similar look
• Strong and scratch-resistant, especially in 14K
• Complements diamonds and cool-toned gemstones beautifully

Cons:

• Rhodium plating wears off, requiring maintenance to keep its bright white color
• Lower karat white gold (14K) contains nickel, which may cause skin irritation in some people
• Not as naturally white as platinum, especially if unplated

Mohs Hardness Scale

• 18K White Gold: ~2.8 (softer but more luxurious)
• 14K White Gold: ~3.5–4.0 (more durable and scratch-resistant)

If you love the crisp, modern elegance of platinum but want a more affordable option, white gold is an excellent choice. Just keep in mind that occasional maintenance (rhodium replating) may be needed to keep it looking its best!

Composition

Rose gold gets its signature pink hue from a blend of pure gold and copper, with small amounts of silver sometimes added to adjust the tone.

The higher the copper content, the redder the gold appears—hence the variations in name: rose gold (soft pink), pink gold (balanced), and red gold (deeper coppery tone).

Historically, rose gold gained popularity in 19th-century Russia, earning it the nickname "Russian Gold." Today, it’s known simply as rose gold and has become a favorite in both vintage and contemporary jewelry designs.

The highest karat version, "Crown Gold" (22K rose gold), is rarely used in jewelry because of its softness. Instead, 18K and 14K rose gold are the most common, balancing strength with a rich color.

Style Information

Rose gold has a warm, romantic feel that flatters all skin tones, making it a versatile choice for many jewelry lovers. It pairs exceptionally well with colored gemstones like morganite, amethyst, and sapphires, enhancing their natural warmth.

Currently trending, rose gold has made a major comeback in engagement rings, wedding bands, and fashion jewelry.

Many couples choose it for its vintage charm and distinctive look compared to traditional white or yellow gold. Its ability to develop a subtle patina over time adds character, making it a favorite among those who appreciate jewelry that ages gracefully.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unique, romantic pink hue with a vintage-meets-modern appeal
• More durable than yellow or white gold due to copper’s strength
• Doesn’t require rhodium plating, unlike white gold
• Complements both warm and cool skin tones

Cons:

• Copper content can cause allergies in some individuals
• Not as widely available as yellow or white gold in some styles
• Over time, develops a patina (some love this, others prefer a polished look)

Mohs Hardness Scale

• 18K Rose Gold: ~2.75 (softer but rich in color)
• 14K Rose Gold: ~3.0–4.0 (more durable, slightly lighter in color)

Rose gold is a perfect choice if you’re looking for something timeless yet trendy, with a touch of romance and uniqueness. It’s a metal that tells a story—whether through vintage inspiration or modern-day fashion trends.

Composition

Platinum is a rare, naturally white metal known for its incredible resistance to corrosion, even at high temperatures. Unlike white gold, which requires rhodium plating to maintain its bright color, platinum is naturally white and won’t fade or develop yellow undertones over time.

Platinum jewelry is typically 90-95% pure platinum, alloyed with small amounts of iridium, ruthenium, or cobalt to enhance its durability. It is also one of the least reactive metals, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or metal allergies.

Beyond jewelry, platinum has fascinating uses—it’s even used in cancer treatments and medical implants due to its biocompatibility!

Style Information

Platinum’s cool, silvery-white sheen makes it a perfect alternative to silver, white gold, or palladium, especially for those who want a low-maintenance metal that won’t require replating. Because of its neutral color, platinum will not cast any tint on gemstones, making diamonds appear brighter and whiter compared to settings in other metals.

It’s also the heaviest of the precious metals, which adds to its luxurious feel. Some people love the substantial weight, while others prefer lighter alternatives like white gold. Over time, platinum develops a soft, matte finish known as a patina, which gives it a sophisticated, antique-like character. While some embrace this natural evolution, others opt for periodic polishing to restore its original shine.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Naturally white—no need for rhodium plating
• Extremely resistant to corrosion and everyday wear
• Doesn’t affect gemstone color, making diamonds look their best
• Hypoallergenic, great for sensitive skin
• Develops a unique patina over time, adding character

Cons:

• More expensive than white gold due to its rarity and density
• Heavier than other metals, which may not be ideal for everyone
• Can develop a patina over time, requiring polishing if a high shine is preferred

Mohs Hardness Scale

• Platinum: ~4 to 4.5 (more scratch-resistant than gold but softer than some alternative metals)

Platinum is the ultimate choice for those seeking luxury, durability, and a metal that will last a lifetime.

It’s an investment, but one that ensures elegance and resilience for generations to come.

Composition

Silver is one of the oldest and most widely used precious metals in history, dating back to at least 3000 BCE. Found in everything from jewelry and currency to fine tableware and investment bullion, silver has played a major role in trade and craftsmanship for thousands of years.

Pure silver, known as fine silver (99.9% pure silver), is too soft for everyday wear, so it is usually alloyed with copper to create sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper). This strengthens the metal while maintaining its signature luster and affordability.

Style Information

Silver’s bright, reflective sheen makes it a classic choice for both modern and vintage jewelry. It is extremely malleable, allowing for intricate designs that pair beautifully with a variety of gemstones, especially turquoise, amethyst, and moonstone.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, silver has long been associated with myth and legend. In folklore, it was believed to have protective properties, including the ability to ward off paranormal creatures like vampires and werewolves. Whether or not that’s true, there’s no denying silver’s timeless appeal and affordability, making it a popular choice for jewelry lovers of all kinds.

One customer I worked with wanted an engagement ring but was on a tight budget. They ultimately chose sterling silver because it allowed them to invest more in a high-quality gemstone while still having a stunning setting. Silver can be an excellent choice for those who want style without the high cost of gold or platinum.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Affordable and accessible, making it great for all budgets
• Highly reflective, creating a bright, eye-catching look
• Pairs beautifully with most gemstones
• Easy to resize and repair

Cons:

• Tarnishes over time, requiring regular cleaning and polishing
• Softer than gold and platinum, making it more prone to scratches and dents
• Not as durable for everyday wear, especially in rings

Mohs Hardness Scale

• Sterling Silver: ~2.5 to 3.0 (softer than gold and platinum, requiring more care)

Silver remains a timeless and versatile metal, perfect for those who love its brilliant shine, affordability, and rich history.

Whether you’re drawn to its vintage charm or its modern affordability, silver has a place in every jewelry collection.

Composition

Titanium is a lightweight yet incredibly strong metal that has gained popularity in jewelry, especially for men’s wedding bands. Unlike traditional precious metals like gold or silver, titanium is an industrial metal, valued for its exceptional strength, resistance to corrosion, and hypoallergenic properties.

Unlike silver or gold, titanium is not an alloy—it is typically pure titanium or mixed with very small amounts of other elements to enhance its properties. It is also highly resistant to rust and tarnish, making it one of the most durable metals for jewelry.

Style Information

Titanium has a modern, sleek, and industrial look that appeals to those who prefer minimalist and contemporary jewelry. It is often seen in matte or brushed finishes, though it can also be polished for a more traditional shine.

One of its standout features is its lightweight feel—despite being stronger than most precious metals, titanium is surprisingly comfortable to wear because of its low density. For those who dislike the heavier feel of platinum or gold, titanium offers a durable yet weightless alternative.

Another unique aspect of titanium is its ability to be anodized, which allows it to take on vibrant colors like blue, purple, or even rainbow hues, adding a bold and artistic touch to jewelry designs.

I once had a groom-to-be who worked with his hands a lot and was worried about scratching his wedding band. He chose titanium because of its strength and scratch resistance, and years later, he still loves how well it has held up to daily wear.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extremely strong and scratch-resistant
• Lightweight and comfortable, making it easy to wear daily
• Hypoallergenic, great for sensitive skin
• Resistant to corrosion and tarnish
• Modern, industrial look with anodized color options

Cons:

• Difficult to resize—most jewelers cannot adjust titanium rings
• Not a traditional precious metal, which may not appeal to everyone
• Can be brittle under extreme force, potentially cracking instead of bending

Mohs Hardness Scale

• Titanium: ~6 (much harder than gold, silver, and platinum, making it highly durable)

Titanium is an ideal choice for those who want a strong, modern, and low-maintenance metal that can withstand an active lifestyle.

Whether you prefer its classic gunmetal tone or an anodized pop of color, titanium offers a unique and long-lasting alternative to traditional metals.