Choosing the right metal for your engagement ring is more than just a design decision—it impacts durability, comfort, and even how your diamond shines. In this article, Benjamin Khordipour, a GIA Gemologist, renowned author, and celebrity jeweler, shares expert insights to help you pick the perfect metal that suits your style and stands the test of time.
Skip to the bottom to read our top insider tips for which metal to pick!
Which Metals Can Be Used for Engagement Rings?
When it comes to engagement rings, choosing the right metal is as important as selecting the perfect diamond. Each metal offers unique characteristics, from color and shine to durability and cost. Popular choices include gold, platinum, and alternative metals like palladium or titanium, each bringing its own blend of beauty and practicality. Gold itself comes in multiple karat options, offering different levels of purity and durability.
Understanding the qualities of each metal can help you balance aesthetics with practicality. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of platinum, the warm hues of rose gold, or the modern appeal of white gold, knowing the properties and resizability of these metals ensures your choice will last a lifetime—both in style and function.
| Metal | Cost per Ounce | Resizable | Hardness Grading | Popularity Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K Gold | $1,950 | Yes | Soft | 2/10 |
| 18K Gold | $1,750 | Yes | Medium | 10/10 |
| 14K Gold | $1,650 | Yes | Hard | 7/10 |
| Platinum | $1,050 | Yes | Very Hard | 10/10 |
| Palladium | $1,250 | Yes | Very Hard | 7/10 |
| Titanium | $800 | No | Very Hard | 6/10 |
| Sterling Silver | $25 | Yes | Soft | 4/10 |
| White Gold (14K) | $1,650 | Yes | Hard | 8/10 |
| Rose Gold (14K) | $1,650 | Yes | Hard | 8/10 |
We will now go through each metal and explain how to use it for your engagement ring and its pros and cons.
24K Gold: Pure Gold
24K gold is pure gold, composed of 99.9% gold without any added alloys, and is mined from the earth in its natural, radiant form. While its unmatched brilliance and vibrant yellow color make it stunning, its softness limits its practicality in engagement rings, often requiring reinforcement or intricate designs to provide structural integrity.
Typical Cost for Mounting: Creating a 24K gold engagement ring mounting typically costs between $1,200 and $2,000. This price is for the mounting or setting only and does not include the cost of gemstones or diamonds.
24K gold holds its value exceptionally well due to its purity, making it an excellent choice for resale or investment, though the craftsmanship cost is typically not recouped.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic and resistant to tarnishing.
- Offers a luxurious and vibrant yellow hue that symbolizes tradition and wealth.
- Retains high intrinsic value due to its purity.
Cons:
- Extremely soft and prone to scratches or bending, making it less durable for daily wear.
- Limited use in intricate designs due to its malleability.
- Higher cost compared to lower karat gold options, despite being less durable.
18K Gold: The Designer’s Choice
18K gold is made by mixing 75% pure gold with 25% alloys such as silver, copper, or zinc, enhancing its durability while retaining a rich, warm yellow hue. This blend makes it the most popular choice for designer engagement rings, offering a luxurious feel without the softness of 24K gold.
Typical Cost for Mounting: Crafting an 18K gold engagement ring mounting generally costs between $900 and $1,800. This price is for the setting only and excludes the cost of gemstones or diamonds.
18K gold retains significant value due to its high gold content, though slightly less than 24K gold, as the alloyed metals reduce overall purity.
Pros:
- Strikes a balance between durability and luxury.
- Comes in a variety of colors (yellow, white, and rose) due to alloy combinations.
- Less prone to scratches compared to 24K gold.
Cons:
- Slightly softer than 14K gold
- Pricier than 14K gold for a similar look.
- Can have allergic reactions to sensitive skin
- It isn’t as favored by expert jewelers (like platinum)
14K Gold: The Affordable Favorite
14K gold consists of 58.3% pure gold blended with stronger alloys, making it more durable and cost-effective than higher-karat options. Its balance of affordability, durability, and beauty makes it the most popular choice for engagement rings.
Typical Cost for Mounting: A 14K gold engagement ring mounting typically costs between $600 and $1,200, excluding the cost of gemstones or diamonds.
14K gold holds moderate value when resold, as its lower gold content makes it less desirable than higher-karat options for investment purposes.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and ideal for daily wear.
- Available in multiple colors, including yellow, white, and rose gold.
- Affordable compared to 18K and 24K gold.
Cons:
- Lower intrinsic value due to reduced gold content.
- It can cause mild allergies in individuals sensitive to certain alloys.
Platinum: The Jeweler’s Choice
Platinum is a naturally white metal that is mined from the earth and prized for its rarity, strength, and hypoallergenic properties. Its unmatched durability and natural brilliance make it a top-tier choice for engagement ring settings, especially for showcasing diamonds.
Typical Cost for Mounting: Creating a platinum engagement ring mounting typically costs between $1,200 and $2,500, not including the cost of gemstones or diamonds.
Platinum holds its value well due to its rarity and high demand, although its resale value may fluctuate based on market conditions.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and resistant to wear and tarnish.
- Naturally white, requiring no additional plating.
- Hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin.
Cons:
- Heavier than other metals, which may feel uncomfortable to some.
- Higher upfront cost compared to gold options.
Titanium: The Innovative Metal
Titanium is a naturally occurring, lightweight metal known for its incredible strength and resistance to corrosion. Its modern, sleek look makes it a contemporary choice for minimalist engagement ring designs.
Typical Cost for Mounting: A titanium engagement ring mounting generally costs between $500 and $1,000, excluding gemstones or diamonds.
Titanium retains limited resale value due to its abundance and low intrinsic material value compared to gold or platinum.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant, ideal for active lifestyles.
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- Hypoallergenic and resistant to tarnish.
Cons:
- Difficult to resize, limiting long-term adjustments.
- Limited design options due to its hardness.
- Dispite its recent spike in favor, its still not a favored metal for engagement rings
Sterling Silver: The Original Alternative
Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper, to increase strength and durability. Its affordability and versatility make it a popular choice for decorative engagement rings or temporary settings.
Typical Cost for Mounting: A sterling silver engagement ring mounting typically costs between $100 and $300, excluding gemstones or diamonds.
Sterling silver holds resale value because, like gold, it is a commodity and precious metal.
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available, suitable for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Easy to work with, allowing for intricate designs.
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Cons:
- Tarnishes easily and requires regular maintenance.
- Softer than other metals, making it prone to scratches and dents.
- Less durable and not ideal for long-term daily wear.
Palladium: The Lightweight Alternative
Palladium is a rare, naturally white metal in the platinum family, valued for its lightweight and hypoallergenic properties. It offers a sleek, modern look for engagement rings, with a slightly more affordable price tag than platinum.
Typical Cost for Mounting: A palladium engagement ring mounting typically costs between $800 and $1,800, excluding the price of gemstones or diamonds.
Palladium holds its value relatively well, although its market value is less stable than platinum or gold.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable for daily wear.
- Naturally white and resistant to tarnish, requiring little maintenance.
- Hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin.
Cons:
- Limited availability and fewer design options compared to gold or platinum.
- Less durable than platinum, especially for intricate settings.
White Gold: The Platinum Alternative
White gold is an alloy of yellow gold mixed with white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver, and is typically plated with rhodium to enhance its bright, reflective finish. Its sleek, contemporary appearance makes it a favorite for engagement rings, especially for accentuating diamonds.
Typical Cost for Mounting: A white gold engagement ring mounting generally costs between $600 and $1,500, excluding gemstones or diamonds.
White gold holds moderate resale value, but its rhodium plating requires regular maintenance to retain its original luster.
Pros:
- Elegant, bright appearance complements diamonds beautifully.
- More affordable than platinum with a similar look.
- Durable enough for daily wear.
Cons:
- Requires periodic rhodium re-plating to maintain its shine.
- May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to nickel alloys.
Rose Gold: A New Romantic Choice
Rose gold is crafted by combining yellow gold with copper alloys, giving it a warm, pinkish hue that exudes romance and vintage charm. Its unique color makes it a popular choice for engagement rings with intricate or vintage-inspired designs.
Typical Cost for Mounting: A rose gold engagement ring mounting typically costs between $600 and $1,200, not including gemstones or diamonds.
Rose gold holds moderate resale value due to its gold content, though its popularity as a fashion statement contributes to its desirability.
Pros:
- Stunning, romantic hue that suits many skin tones.
- Durable and resistant to tarnishing due to its copper content.
- Offers a unique and stylish alternative to traditional metals.
Cons:
- Copper alloy may cause allergies in sensitive individuals.
- Less widely available than yellow or white gold.
Insider Tips to Consider When Choosing the Right Metal
Here are our top things to consider when choosing which metal to use for your engagement ring.
- Lifestyle Compatibility: If you lead an active lifestyle or work with your hands, opt for a harder metal like platinum or 14K gold for added durability.
- Skin Sensitivity: Choose hypoallergenic metals like platinum or titanium if you have sensitive skin to avoid reactions to alloys like nickel.
- Maintenance Requirements: Consider the upkeep of your chosen metal. For example, white gold requires rhodium re-plating, while sterling silver tarnishes and needs regular polishing.
- Budget Constraints: Set your budget early. Sterling silver and 14K gold are affordable options, while platinum and 24K gold are on the higher end of the price spectrum.
- Long-Term Value: Higher-karat gold, platinum, and silver retain their value better than metals like palladium and titanium for resale or investment potential.
- Gemstone Compatibility: Match your metal to the type of gemstone setting you want. For example, platinum is ideal for securely holding large diamonds, while softer metals like 24K gold may not be suitable for intricate settings.
- Color Preferences: Decide on a color that complements your style and skin tone. Yellow, rose, and white gold offer distinct looks, while platinum and titanium provide modern, neutral tones.
- Future Trends: Stay mindful of metal trends. White gold and rose gold are currently popular, but timeless options like platinum and yellow gold never go out of style.
- Wedding Band Pairing: Ensure the engagement ring metal pairs well with your future wedding band to avoid mismatched aesthetics or wear issues.
Contact Us
Ready to find your perfect ring? Contact our expert jewelers at Estate Diamond Jewelry to find the ring that fits your style preferences and budget.