Choosing the Right Metal for your Diamond Engagement Ring

CHOOSE THE PRECIOUS METAL THAT'S RIGHT FOR HER! Ask yourself does she wear white colored jewelry or yellow colored jewelry? Then learn about your options.

Yellow Gold or White Gold

We sell both 14K and 18K gold rings. The capital letter K refers to the word karat and indicates the amount of pure gold present in the metal.

18K is gold which consists of 75% gold and 25% other metals.

14K gold consists of 58% gold and 42% of other metals.

Now you are wondering which is better? The truth is that both choices are good and will result in a beautiful high quality ring. Gold that is 100% pure would be much too soft for manufacturing jewelry and would wear away quickly. That is why gold is usually mixed (alloyed) with other metals. The type of metal the gold is combined with will be a factor to consider when choosing your ring. Gold is combined with other metals (alloys) to alter the color and hardness of the pure gold. Metals which are commonly used to alloy gold jewelry are copper, silver, zinc, nickel, platinum and palladium.

Rest assured that all Danforth Diamond jewelry is guaranteed to meet a minimum of 75% by weight of fine gold if it is marked 18K, 58.3% if it is marked 14K and 91.7% if it is marked 22K. In fact, here at Danforth Diamond we "over-karat" to make sure you get the best possible product.

Expert Guidance: Rings of 14K are often less expensive and harder than rings of 18K gold. However, 18K rings will often have a brighter yellow color and are more valuable. Gold is naturally yellow in color so if you are buying white gold consider the below information.

 
Important Information about White Gold

Regardless of karat, white gold alloys used in jewelry generally fall into two categories: those that use nickel to bleach or those that use palladium. The majority of white gold jewelry is manufactured using alloys containing nickel as the bleaching agent, because nickel has the strongest "bleaching power" in gold alloys. Palladium is also used to make white gold alloys. Nickel and gold do not mix together particularly well, and after alloying tend to separate into areas that are nickel-rich and gold-rich. This can lead to numerous problems if you purchase your jewelry from a manufacturer that does not know what they are doing. At Danforth Diamond, we only purchase metal from experienced reputable manufacturers that have been successfully making metal for over 99 years. Also at Danforth Diamond, we rhodium plate our white gold settings to give you the optimum color and reflective surface to enhance the diamond in your setting.

What is Rhodium Plating?

White Precious Metals to consider that are naturally white in color: Platinum and Palladium

Platinum is one of the rarest precious metals and also one of the most expensive. Rings made from platinum are more resistant to breakage, chipping and cracking than those made from gold. The density of platinum is higher than gold, making platinum jewelry about 25% heavier than 18K gold jewelry and 50% heavier than 14K gold jewelry. A ring made from platinum will provide a secure home for your diamond. Platinum is usually softer than gold, however, it is more durable over time and will not wear down as much as gold will. Platinum is very pure and will not cause irritation for people with allergies to certain metals. Platinum is considered the finest metal for ring design by many. Since platinum jewelry purchased from Danforth Diamond is guaranteed to be manufactured from a 950 quality platinum alloy, it makes it ideal for customers who think they may have allergenic problems with certain metals.

Palladium If you are looking for platinum but can't afford the price tag, palladium is for you. This metal has many of the same qualities as platinum at a much lower cost. It is rarer and more precious than white gold, has a similar price tag, will not tarnish and is more durable over time making it an excellent choice for those looking at 14k white gold. Palladium alloys used for making Danforth Diamond jewelry are 95% pure palladium and 5% of other platinum group metals such as iridium and ruthenium. The palladium alloys are white, hypo-allergenic, lightweight and durable.

Expert Guidance: Platinum rings are the most expensive and durable of choices. Palladium is an excellent choice and has many of the same qualities as platinum at 1/4 of the price. 14K and 18K white gold is an affordable alternative although it may wear more over time. Learn more about properties of platinum, gold and palladium. NEXT STEP

FOLLOW THE LINKS BELOW to continue your engagement ring education.

Set a Budget

Learn How To Buy Online and Save Money

How to Pick the Ring Style

Learn How to Choose a Diamond

For even more information about diamonds, diamond engagement rings and precious metals, please visit our Learning Center.

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