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An engagement ring is made up of several parts,
one of which is the metal ring itself - almost always
gold, white gold, or platinum.
Each metal has
different properties. Each is a different color,
and each has a different luster or shine. Note that
platinum and white gold are extremely similar in
color and shine.
Gold (often called
Yellow Gold) is an alloy,
made by mixing gold with metals like copper and
zinc.
White Gold is an alloy,
made of gold and metals like silver and palladium.
A note about gold karat weight:
24-karat gold is pure gold but so soft it cannot
readily be used in jewelry - which is why it is
mixed with other metals to give it strength.
14-Karat Gold
(14 out of 24) is most commonly used for jewelry.
This is a bit more than one-half pure gold. It is
most affordable, and surprisingly durable.
18-Karat Gold
(18 out of 24) is also popular, and is about three-quarters
pure gold. However, since there is more of the softer
gold present in 18-karat gold, it can be slightly
more susceptible to wear. It is more expensive than
14-karat simply because there is more gold present.
Note that 18-karat white gold still contains
gold (naturally yellow). Thus, over time, wear can
begin to work upon the piece, and it can begin to
show its gold basis.
Platinum
is a white metal, but unlike gold, it is used in
almost its pure form (approximately 95% pure). It
is extremely long-wearing and dense, so will be
heavier than a gold ring of the same style. Platinum
is actually relatively soft - but since it is 95%
pure, polishing will always bring it back to new.
It also has great abrasive resistance. This means
that should it be dented, scraped, or rubbed through
wear, it simply moves within itself and does not
come off or wear away. Thus, platinum can always
be "pushed" back into shape and polished
to look brand new. Platinum, however, can cost twice
as much as gold.
The decision on what type of metal to choose for
the ring itself is purely personal preference. Often,
a woman will have hinted towards a metal she likes.
Other times, you may have to inspect her existing
jewelry to get an idea of what she’d be most
happy with.
It's important to note that diamonds under a "J"
color
may have an slightly amber hue. These can be quite
affordable, but still of higher quality. This hue
will not be as visible on a yellow gold ring as
in a platinum or white gold ring.
On any ring itself, there are several places
where gems (most often diamonds) are set. “Set”
means a stone is either embedded into the ring,
or fixed on top of it.
There is usually a larger center stone/diamond.
It is usually attached to the ring using “prongs”,
which are small metal arms protruding from the
ring, reaching out and holding the stone in
place. 4- and 6-prong choices are most popular.
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A ring that has only the larger center stone/diamond
is called a “solitaire”, and is the
most popular engagement ring choice. Without the
added cost of “side stones” a buyer
can often use those dollars for a larger center
stone/diamond.
Side stones are additional diamonds
set next to the main stone. Sometimes, there will
be one slightly smaller stone on either side of
the main stone. Other times, a channel is cut into
the ring where many (usually square, or "princess
cut") small diamonds are placed in equal amounts
on either side of the main stone. This is known
as “channel cut” or “channel set”,
as the stones are down inside the body of the ring,
flush with its surface. These stones may extend
just a short distance away from the main stone.
If they extend all the way around the entire ring,
this is known as an “eternity” ring
or eternity band.
Finally buying "matching sets" has become
popular. The engagement ring comes with a wedding
band that is matched to it. A setting with side
stones may have a matching wedding band that looks
like the engagement ring, but minus the center stone,
and replaced with side stones across.
Again, the type of ring to choose is simply personal
preference.
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