Finding the Right Metal for Your Wedding Ring

Platinum has a natural white luster without any plating, and its color does not change over time. Dense and tough, it is comfortable for everyday wear, and at high purity it is relatively safe for people with metal allergies.

Alloying and crafting platinum is demanding and takes real skill, so making and repairing it tends to cost more. It may be less liquid than gold, but it is a wonderful choice if you want a wedding ring that stays the same for a lifetime. Connerstone uses PT950, which is 95% pure.

Alloying yellow gold with white metals produces white gold with a slight champagne tone. To achieve a bright white like platinum, it is usually finished with rhodium plating.

The plating wears gradually, so periodic replating and cleaning are needed. Plating that is too thin can wear off quickly, which is why an even alloy, careful finishing and ongoing aftercare matter.

Pure gold has a deep color but is soft, so it may not suit an everyday ring that needs to hold a diamond securely. Alloyed with other metals, 14K and 18K gold are stronger and shinier, easy to care for, and keep their warm color for years.

Unlike white gold it needs no plating, but the alloy ratio must be precise to keep the color and gold content consistent and reduce the chance of allergies.

Rose gold gets its warm, rosy hue from its alloy. If you already wear rose gold jewelry, a rose gold wedding band will blend right in for a consistent look.

Keeping the color beautiful and the gold content accurate requires an even blend of gold and alloy metals. If your skin is sensitive, check the alloy components such as copper, and compare higher-gold options like 18K first.