Every detail matters when you set out on the journey to choose a diamond engagement ring. From the brilliance of the diamond to the precious metal that holds it, each element plays a part in the beauty and longevity of the final piece.
Traditionally, engagement rings have been crafted out of a handful of precious metals: platinum, and yellow, rose and white gold. The choice of precious metal would depend on such factors as personal style, lifestyle factors (eg a very active person might choose a more durable metal such as platinum) as well as metal colours that suit your skin tone.
Metal Choices for Diamond Engagement Rings
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the ultimate in timeless, classic elegance. It beautifully complements the brilliance of diamonds and is robust enough to withstand daily wear.
Like other gold colours, yellow gold comes in a range of alloys, which all have different pure gold content. Alloys most commonly used in jewellery are 9 karat, which is 37.5% pure gold, 14 karat (57.5% pure gold), and 18 karat (75% pure gold). The higher the pure gold content in the alloy, the more valuable it is - an important factor to consider in heirloom pieces such as engagement and wedding rings. In addition, 9k gold, with its lower gold content tends to oxidise slightly and needs regular care, while 14k and 18k yellow gold alloys maintain their colour.
18k yellow gold is a classically beautiful metal that complements a range of diamond shapes and settings. If you prefer a warmer colour diamond for your diamond ring, it will look beautiful set in yellow gold, as the colour of the metal complements the warmer colour of the diamond beautifully.
White Gold
Similarly to yellow gold, white gold comes in a range of pure gold percentage alloys - most commonly, 9k, 14k and 18k. The remaining metals in an alloy determine the final colour of the white gold - eg white gold containing palladium is a beautiful grey colour, while white gold alloys containing other components are a yellowish colour. To bring white gold to its bright white colour, it is rhodium plated. Rhodium plating wears off after a while and white gold requires re-plating every few years to maintain its bright appearance. The natural greyish colour of white gold is very beautiful, but if you are looking for a bright silvery-white colour, platinum is a more low-maintenance choice as it does not require rhodium plating.
Rose Gold
Rose gold has a beautiful, soft pinkish hue due to the presence of copper in the alloy. Typically, the higher the pure gold content, the softer the pink colour of rose gold is. The lower karat alloys tend to oxidise more due to the higher copper content. Rose gold looks wonderful paired with diamonds, as well as coloured gemstones, and is a lovely choice for either a diamond or a sapphire engagement ring.
Platinum
Platinum is incredibly durable and naturally white, without the need for rhodium plating. The crisp white colour of platinum enhances the sparkle of diamonds, but diamonds typically need to be a higher colour grade to look their best set in platinum or white gold. Platinum is heavier than white gold, due to higher density, and has a beautiful heft in the hand. Platinum is available in alloys of 95% purity (platinum 950) or 60% purity (platinum 600). Platinum 950 is a hypoallergenic metal, ideal for people with skin sensitivities.
Whichever metal you choose for your diamond engagement ring, it is important to ensure that only high quality alloys are used in the production of your ring, and your jeweller can guarantee the content and purity of the alloy.
At Lizunova, we use ethically sourced precious metals, produced by a local, sustainable supplier here in Sydney. The metals we use in our jewellery consist of newly mined and recycled precious metals. The recycled metals undergo a process of refining, where pure gold or platinum content is separated from other metals in an alloy, and a new alloy is made to the highest standards.
When you do your research, and pour heart and soul into choosing or designing an engagement ring you genuinely love, you begin the journey of owning a piece of jewellery that will become the fabric of your love story. We would be delighted to assist you on your journey and create a special heirloom piece for you to cherish for years to come. Book your one-on-one engagement ring design appointment or visit our Sydney studio to view our rings and diamonds in person.
