One of the most important decisions that must be made when selecting a diamond engagement ring is the type of precious metal that will be used for the ring. While engagement gold rings are one of the most popular choices, they involve a number of considerations. Once of the most import factors that affects this decision is the purity of the gold used for the ring. Simply comparing yellow versus white gold or platinum is not enough of a comparison. The purity of each precious metal must be considered for an accurate comparison.
Engagement rings look good regardless of the design. The ring can be a straight forward basic wedding band or a customer engraved ring. However, deciding to purchase an engagement ring is only first of many things to consider. The purity of the gold used for an engagement ring is often overlooked and many shoppers do not understand how purity affects other aspects of the ring such as pricing. The following is a compilation of facts about the purity of gold that will help you understand it better and help you with your engagement ring decision:
Yellow Gold
• Karat’s are a measure that represents how much gold is in a particular ring or piece of jewellery.
• The purity of gold ranges from 10k to 24k gold. The purist form of gold is 24 karats (99.99 percent pure). Gold is commonly found in 10, 12, 14, 18, 22, and 24 karat.
• Pure gold is the standard that all others are measured against and is commonly known for being the most mouldable, malleable, and pure metal available.
• Gold is softer than other precious metals. Pure gold is known for being especially soft and easy to scratch. This is why other base metals are often added to gold to harden it.
• Since gold it is so soft, it is easily manipulated and easy to shape.
• Gold is very durable. It does not rust and is known for its longevity.
• Gold is one of the more heavy precious metals.
• The price of gold increases in relation to its purity. Therefore, the price of a 10kt engagement gold ring would be considerably less than a 24kt ring with the same features.
White Gold and Platinum
• While there is a wide range of purity levels for shoppers to consider, white gold engagement rings commonly come is 9kt, 14kt, and 18kt.
• White gold is known for being more stylish and lighter in color than traditional yellow gold. White gold is created by mixing pure gold with other white metals such as silver, nickel, or palladium. This is also why white gold is commonly found in less pure forms.
• When yellow gold is alloyed with nickel, the resulting white gold acquires the properties of nickel which is strong and hard. The characteristics of white gold depend on the proportions of the metals used and their properties.
• Platinum, a common metal that is considered for engagement rings, is approximately 95% pure in its natural state, making it extremely dense and heavy compared to gold. As a result of its purity, platinum is a very expensive precious metal.
When consider the type of metal for an engagement ring, many shoppers are torn between yellow gold and white gold, and the level of purity to select for their engagement gold ring. The information above will help shoppers make a more informed decision and ensure they purchase a ring that will win the heart of their loved one!
Source by Derek V
Gold Engagement Rings - A Purity Fact Sheet
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