Gold

Gold is one of the most desirable metals used in rings of all varieties – its popularity in men's and women's engagement and wedding rings is unsurpassed. 10kt, 14kt and 18kt are the most common karat values; the larger the karat, the higher the percentage of pure gold in the ring and the more expensive it will be. The hardness and durability of gold will vary depending on the karat, so it’s important to take these factors into account when selecting a gold ring.

Gold rings come in several gold colors – the most common being yellow, white and rose. Yellow gold is the most popular and quintessential color. White gold is also extremely desirable but tends to be a bit more expensive. When selecting a white gold ring, it is wise to choose one that is rhodium-plated, as this coating will enhance its white color and protect the gold underneath from wear and tear. Beloved for its unique blush color, rose gold is an increasingly popular option with modern flair.

Platinum

Platinum is a bright white metal and the most expensive and prestigious option for a ring. It is long-wearing and already exceptionally white, so it does not need to be rhodium-plated like white gold. Platinum is also used in rings at almost 100% purity. It is a dense metal, so a platinum ring will feel heavier on the hand than other options. Because of its higher cost, platinum is most often used in men's and women's wedding and engagement rings and less frequently in fashion or cocktail rings.

Silver

Silver  is a softer metal, making it more susceptible to scratching and other damage. It also has a greater tendency to oxidize than other metals, which causes discoloration or tarnishing, making the piece appear weathered. It should be noted that if oxidization does occur, silver can be restored rather easily with a simple silver jewelry cleaner. Still, for these reasons, silver is best suited for men's and women's fashion rings and other rings that will be worn on occasion rather than daily. This limitation means silver is not a common or wise choice for men's and women's engagement and wedding rings. Its affordability and striking luster still make it an attractive option for other cocktail rings and right-hand rings.

Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide is a compound of tungsten and carbon that is hard, heavy and durable. A tungsten carbide ring will stand up to any degree of wear and remain looking like new. One major benefit of tungsten carbide rings is that their durability makes them much more scratch resistant than rings made of other metals. A tungsten carbide ring will always retain its bright, shiny luster since it features a permanent polish, so it will not require as much maintenance as a ring made of another metal. 

One drawback to tungsten carbide's strength is that it cannot be cut and resoldered, which prevents rings made of this metal from being resized. Because of this, it is extremely important to have an accurate ring size measurement before buying a tungsten carbide ring.

Titanium

Titanium is another durable option that is often used in men's wedding rings, with growing use in women’s engagement and wedding rings, as well. Titanium is the strongest naturally occurring metal on earth, which makes it a particularly popular option for men's rings. Despite its strength, titanium is very lightweight on the hand.

It is also a good choice because it's 100% hypoallergenic, so titanium rings are safe to wear for those who may be sensitive to other metals. Its strength also makes it more scratch, dent and bend-resistant, and it can be anodized to appear in a variety of colors – two unique qualities that set it apart from other metals. Because of its strength, like tungsten, titanium cannot be resized or soldered, limiting its ring style options. 

Palladium

Palladium is one of the most luxurious options for rings. It is naturally white, durable, lightweight, and resilient to discoloration. As a member of the platinum metal group, palladium is one of the rarest precious metals, making it one of the most esteemed. Since it doesn't require alloys or plating, it is usually at least 95% pure. Palladium is most commonly used in men's and women's wedding bands, rather than decorative jewelry, due to its high price and longevity.

Learning about the most popular ring metals used in fashion and fine jewelry is not only interesting but an integral part of an informed jewelry buying experience. Browse the Ross-Simons selection of metal rings today to find the right fit for your desired style, durability, occasion, and aesthetic.