A step by step process for choosing your engagement ring (Part 2 of 2)

7. Pick the Metal Out…

Many engagement rings are platinum, yellow or white gold. You should do your research and pick out the best type of metal.

8. The Specs on Platinum…

Did you know that platinum is known for being one of the strongest metals out there? In fact, it is considered to be rarer than gold and is also more expensive than gold too.

9. The Specs on Yellow Gold…

Yellow gold is one of the most common types of metal for both engagement and wedding rings.  Gold carats are denoted in twenty fourths, pure gold has 24 carats – that is 24/24 parts by mass is gold or 100% gold.  You never get 24 carat jewellery as the gold is too soft to be used for general jewellery purposes.  To make jewellery suitable for wear and tear, gold is blended with copper, silver and sometimes nickel to harden it.  The carats tell you how much other metal has been added.

Most engagement rings will be 18 carat gold which is 18/24 gold by mass or 75% gold.  All good jewellery will be hallmarked by the jeweller on indicate the carat.  Our recommendation is to use 18 carat gold on all jewellery as it provides the best combination of strength, appearance and resistance to tarnishing.

10. The Specs on White Gold…

When one measures white gold, they will be measuring it by the same standards as they measure yellow gold. White gold is treated in order to show a silver like finish (rhodium plated).  This finish is eventually going to wear off and will need to be re-rhodium plated, which is relatively fast and inexpensive and can be easily done by your jeweller.

11. Don’t forget to Choose that Setting…

When it comes to the important aspects of selecting that engagement ring, you should not forget to select the setting. There are many different ring settings on an engagement ring. Some of the common ones are solitaires and bridal sets. Before you go shopping for that special ring, you should have the setting you are looking for in your mind.