One of the most often asked questions I receive is, "What are the differences in metals that you use? And what is the best metal for me?" I've put together this guide to give a little insight into the different properties and characteristics of the metals I use in my studio so that I can help you make the best decision for your rings.

Let's talk about how to know which wedding ring metal is the one for you.

Which wedding ring metal is the one for you

When deciding what is best for your rings, the things to consider are color, durability, and cost.

Sterling Silver

Silver is a soft but sturdy metal that has a bright, lustrous shine. Pure silver is too soft for jewelry making so I use sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals to make it stronger. It is a very white metal that can be highly polished as well as oxidized or blackened, as shown above. Oxidation is a great way to create depth and volume and to show texture, it also gives my work an antique look. Silver is extremely lightweight, which can be great for those who aren't used to wearing jewelry. It is also the least expensive option for your rings. On the flip side, silver is not the most durable metal. It can scratch easily and won't last as long as your other metal options. In ancient times silver was called the lunar metal - cool and luminous, like the moon's reflection on water.

White Gold

In some of my jewelry designs, I use recycled 14k palladium white gold rather than traditional 14k white gold because when it's alloyed with palladium, white gold does not require plating (a thin coating of another metal to make it look whiter that wears off quickly). It also does not include nickel, to which a lot of people are allergic. 14k white gold is a heavier, harder, and stronger metal than silver with a darker color.

Palladium is a member of the platinum family, but it is alloyed (combined) with 14k gold for a lovely lustrous color and a hypoallergenic metal. Palladium white gold cannot be oxidized like silver, but it is an heirloom quality and extremely long-lasting metal that won't tarnish. White gold's natural luxurious qualities, durability, weight, and rarity make it more expensive than silver. This metal has a beautiful grey/white quality to it that is silky smooth.

14k Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is a wonderful aesthetic choice in metals for anyone who has a warmer skin tone, or just wants a little brighter color. I use recycled 14k yellow gold in my studio. The k, or karat, refers to how pure the gold is (the purest being 24k which is too soft to work with). Pure 24k gold is a very soft metal, so it is alloyed with other metals such as copper and silver to give it strength and durability. That being said, its malleability make it a dream to work with in jewelry. It will not tarnish and is long-lasting, but it's softer than white gold but harder than sterling silver. The metal is not too rare, so pricing will be in the mid range between silver and palladium white gold. Yellow gold is a classic choice that has a long-standing history, going back to Egyptian times.

14k Rose Gold

Rose gold is 14k gold that is alloyed with copper to give it that beautiful rosy-pink tone. While this is still mostly gold, the majority of the alloy it is mixed with is copper, so rose gold is not a good choice for people with a copper allergy. Rose gold is a gorgeous choice for the non-traditional, and looks amazing with all kinds of gemstones. The color is extremely warm and rich. As with other 14k gold, rose gold will not tarnish, rust, or corrode, but it is a softer metal and is susceptible to scratching over time, similar to yellow gold. It is very long-lasting and durable and an heirloom quality metal. Rose gold is very popular, and is very timeless and its rich tone is the perfect accent to wear everyday.

Platinum

Platinum is considered the most precious of all the metals. It's the most rare, most durable, the heaviest, and most valuable. This is the most luxurious choice and the longest-lasting. Platinum is a beautiful, silvery-white metal that has a lovely glow to it. It is hypoallergenic, will not tarnish or rust, and is an heirloom-quality metal. Rings made from platinum will be handed down through generations.

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