Engagement Ring: Choosing Your Precious Metal

Choosing an engagement ring can be an overwhelming task. White gold or silver? Solitaire or trilogy? Round brilliant or princess cut? Ring shopping might come as second nature to your other half, but if you want to give her the ring of her dreams, you need to know your stuff too. We've come up with a handy engagement ring guide to have you shopping like a pro in no time. Having previously looked at diamond cuts, today we are going to examine the different band materials you have to choose from...

PLATINUM

Arguably the finest engagement ring material out there - platinum. Naturally white in colour, its cool gleam is a perfect complement to a sparkling diamond. Five times rarer than gold, this durable metal is very difficult to scratch. The bright shine of a platinum band also has the advantage of not fading over time, and will never require replating, unlike a gold ring. Platinum is also naturally hypoallergenic, so is a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin. We love the shine on this stunning Laings Signature Collection 1.00ct Princess Cut Diamond Platinum Ring.

WHITE GOLD

Shine white like gold with this modern metal. White gold is an alloy of yellow gold and some other durable metals, like palladium and zinc, giving it added durability, as well as its beautiful white glow. White gold is plated in an extremely robust metal called rhodium, designed to give it an added durability and shine. A popular contemporary choice, white gold is a more modern take on the traditional yellow gold engagement ring. This stunning chocolate diamond is perfectly complemented by a white gold band in our Laings 18ct White Gold Brown Diamond Trilogy Ring.

YELLOW GOLD

Traditional yet trendy, yellow gold engagement rings have truly stood the test of time. The warm golden glow can be attributed to the mixture of metals that make up this alloy. This material features the same advantages and disadvantages as white gold, requiring replating at regular intervals to keep to keep the durability and shine at a premium. Even as fashion trends come and go, yellow gold will stand the tests of time as a truly timeless choice. Consider complementing the yellow gold with a trilogy style, like this Diamond By Appointment 18ct Yellow Gold Trilogy 0.50ct Oval Cut Diamond Ring.

ROSE GOLD

The gleam of aluminium and the traditional gleam of yellow gold are alright for some, but there is a lot to be said for the tender pink hues of rose gold.  An alloy of yellow gold and copper creates this uniquely romantic material colour. Favoured by celebrities from Leighton Meester to Blake Lively, this fabulously vintage engagement ring metal makes make a super chic addition to any outfit. Choose an equally classic round brilliant diamond to match, like our Laings 18ct Rose Gold 0.66ct Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring.

So now you know the A-Z of engagement ring metals! If you have any more questions about engagement rings, diamond rings, or anything else, please do get in touch at [email protected], or you can stay in touch using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Till next time!