The choice of precious metal for your engagement and/or wedding ring is a very important decision. In the jewellery industry, Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium are commonly used in combination with each other and other metals to produce alloys with specific properties that make them ideal for jewellery making. Each metal has unique qualities, including strengths and weaknesses, but which is the best choice for you?

Gold
Gold has been a universal symbol of wealth and has been sought after since the beginning of recorded history. Gold lasts forever and will not rust, tarnish or corrode. It is an everlasting metal that can stand the test of time. Alloyed gold comes in a range of colours; yellow, white and rose, where the purity of fine gold will differ depending on the carat you choose. The higher the carat, the higher the fine gold content.

White Gold
White gold is an alloy formed from using fine yellow gold and other naturally white precious metals to make the final metal white in colour. White gold can come in a variety of carats and is regularly plated with rhodium, a platinum family precious metal, to make white gold look even brighter and whiter.

Rose Gold
Rose gold is an alloy of fine yellow gold which utilises copper to create a pinkish hue. Rose gold, like white and yellow gold is available in different carats, with 9K considered the best choice for a stronger pink and rose coloured hue.

Platinum
Platinum is the rarest and most valuable of all the precious metals. Only a small amount of platinum is produced every year which adds to its rarity. Platinum jewellery contains more fine metal than most other jewellery, being at least 95% pure. This rich purity makes platinum hypoallergenic and its natural white colour will not tarnish or lose its lustre.

Palladium
Palladium is in the same precious metal family as platinum and is naturally white, with a slightly darker shade of white when compared to platinum. Palladium is a strong and durable metal which will last forever.

Titanium
Titanium, although not a precious metal, is a naturally grey, charcoal coloured metal which has incredible strength and durability. Titanium is a lightweight option for jewellery and is also hypoallergenic.

The above information has been adapted from Peter W Beck, Wedding Ring and Jewellery Catalogue, Vol 7.

Diamonds and Pearls Jewellery have worked with the team at Peter W Beck for many years. The company offers a wonderful range of wedding ring designs and always produce jewellery at the highest quality.