GOLD
Gold Rings are the very essence of any traditional wedding ceremony. Often chosen for it's hyperallergenic properties, gold retains it's value through time more than any other precious metal. Anything that is not at least 10 karats (42 percent gold) cannot be legally sold as gold. Anything that you purchase that is real gold should have the karat amount stamped into the jewelry. On rings, the stamp will be on the inside; and on necklaces and bracelets, the stamp will usually be somewhere on the clasp. If the jewelry you are purchasing doesn't have a stamp stating that it's 10k, 14k, 18k, or 22k, chances are that it isn't real gold.
If the jewelry is stamped and you still question whether or not it is real gold, you can take it to certain jewelers to find out whether or not it is real gold.
Pro's:
Maintains it's value over time more than most metals. Gold is also hyperallergenic such that it rarely has any irrative effect on most poeople's skin. Gold also holds special symbolic value in many cultures.Con's:
Can be very expensive. Sometimes can be hard to match with certain colors of clothing. Can be a target for thieves and the like.
SILVER
Silver is actually one of the most widely used metals for wedding rings and bands in the world. It is very soft in its purest state. It’s as soft as gold, actually. That is why silver is generally alloyed with another metal, usually copper. But, to be considered real or sterling silver, the jewelry must be made of 92.5% silver. Silver is actually one of the most widely used metals in the world. It is very soft in its purest state. It’s as soft as gold, actually. That is why silver is generally alloyed with another metal, usually copper. But, to be considered real or sterling silver, the jewelry must be made of 92.5% silver.
All quality silver must, by law, be marked with the name of a U.S. registered trademark of the person or company that will vouch for its authenticity.
Pro's:
Maintains it's value over time more than most metals. Easily matches most outfits and wedding dresses. Adds a classic touch to any ensomble.Con's:
Can be very difficult to maintain and hold it's shine. Some people show allergic reactions to it. Doesn't provide much in terms of contrast between the body color and the stone being presented.
PLATINUM
Platinum is a white metal, but unlike gold it is used in jewelry in almost its pure form (approximately 95% pure). Platinum is extremely long wearing and is very white, so it does not need to be Rhodium plated like white gold. Platinum is very dense (heavy), so a platinum ring will feel heavier than an 18kt gold ring. Platinum is, however, very expensive. A platinum ring will be approximately twice the price of an 18kt white gold ring (excluding gemstone costs).
Choosing a platinum wedding band to suit both bride and groom can be far simpler than finding the perfect engagement ring. It's really just a question of choosing a design and width you’re comfortable with.
Pro's:
Being one of the worlds most precious metals, it holds it's value over time as well as it's appearance when taken care of. Also provides a nice contrast bringing the featured stone to ones attention.Con's:
Can be very expensive. As previously mentioned, up to twice the price of a white gold ring of similar size.
WHITE GOLD
White gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as silver and palladium. White gold can be 18kt, 14kt, 9kt or any karat. For example, 18kt yellow gold is made by mixing 75% gold (750 parts per thousand) with 25% (250 parts per thousand) other metals such as copper and zinc. 18kt white gold is made by mixing 75% gold with 25% other metals such as silver and palladium. So the amount of gold is the same but the alloy is different. When white gold rings are new they are coated with another white metal called Rhodium. Rhodium is a metal very similar to platinum and Rhodium shares many of the properties of platinum including its white color.
To keep a white gold ring looking its best it should be re-rhodium plated approximately each 12 to 18 months. Most local jewelers are able to rhodium plate jewelry for a cost effective price.
Pro's:
Simply one of the most gorgeous metals used in jewelry today. Some feel that silver is too cloudy and platinum is too chrome looking. This is the happy medium for many.Con's:
Upkeep can cost quite a bit as it will need to be replated with rhodium every so often. Also has a tendency to discolor over time when body oils are present.
GOLD & SILVER / PLATINUM
Mixed metal rings are usually not the popular choice for wedding rings but do provide an original look as well as an eye catching appearance. Usually a combination of different golds yellow/white or yellow gold and untreated low carat golds. One thing to keep in mind with mixed metals is allergic reactions to these metals as well as the possibility of problems keeping the metals looking nice.
Make sure that the metals used in the ring were properly fused as low quality rings may show discoloration near the join point and or oxidation. Also be sure the rings are properly stamped as mixed metal rings are often passed off as metals they are not.
Pro's:
Interesting, unique appearance providing character unmatched by single metal rings.Con's:
Can be difficult to maintain, and sometimes hard to match with some wedding dresses and/or tuxedos.