Metal Education
Our Metal Guide will walk you through the strengths and weaknesses of the most common metals used in jewelry & rings.
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Precious Metals Used in Jewelry
Gold
Renowned for its gleaming luster and denseness, gold is the most popular metal for jewelry, adding a timeless and classic beauty to engagement rings.
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Platinum
Platinum is hypoallergenic and is four times more durable than gold. Its silvery-white surface is comparable to white gold, although it’s noticeably heavier.
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Palladium
Deemed a smarter, lighter alternative to platinum, palladium has gained immense popularity as the jewelry metal of choice by both women and men alike.
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Silver
Silver is used to craft many fine jewelry pieces on the market today. Once considered more precious than gold, pure silver is a soft metal with a white, lustrous hue.
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Alternative Metals Used in Rings
Cobalt
Recently, cobalt has become increasingly popular as a material for wedding rings because of its durability, silvery-white shine, hypoallergenic properties and affordable price tag. Perfect for an active lifestyle, cobalt is typically used in men’s wedding bands and rings. Cobalt contains a specific mix of alloys for a beautiful, yet durable, shine.
Tungsten
Tungsten jewelry is a popular metal choice in fine jewelry due to its durability and longevity. Tungsten is combined with carbon and other elements to form an alloy that is 10 times harder than gold. When professionally polished, tungsten has a high, long-lasting gleam and is more scratch-resistant than other precious metals
Titanium
Similar in color to platinum, titanium is a silver-grey metal that boasts incredible strength without added density and weight. Ideal for those with allergies or skin sensitivities, titanium is 100% hypoallergenic. Although lightweight, titanium jewelry is more resistant to bending and scratching when compared to pieces made from other metals.
Stainless Steel
Although not a traditional choice for fine jewelry, stainless steel is being used more frequently for men's rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Its solid durability, hypoallergenic properties, and silvery-white color contributes to its appeal. Perfect for those on a budget, stainless steel is considerably less expensive than other metals.
Metal Finishes
Precious metals can be finished in different ways giving the ring an attractive surface appearance. Some of the most popular metal finishes include:
High Polish
A high polish finish is reflective and shiny. It is the most popular finish for fine jewelry and classy engagement rings.
Satin or Matte
A satin or matte finish is smooth to the touch. This is a popular finish for wedding rings because although it's smooth, it's not shiny.
Brushed
A brushed finish shows texture and has a more disinct look. This is a popular choice for men's bands, as it shows little to no wear.
Hammered
A hammered finish is also popular in men's rings. The metal is hammered and then given a satin finish for a truly unique texture and style.
Financing