Asking the person you love to get married is one of the most important questions a person could ever ask, and diamond rings are an essential part of the proposal. There’s a lot to consider when you shop for engagement rings, and considering your significant other’s taste is crucial. You’ll need to choose the diamond size and shape, such as round, princess, oval, marquise, pear, oval, and emerald. You’ll also have to decide on the style of the ring.
You also need to select a metal. Before shopping for a ring, it’s best to understand your options and their benefits.
Platinum
Platinum is the most precious of all jewelry metals. Platinum used in jewelry is typically alloyed with small amounts of other metals but still has a very high purity level compared to gold, most commonly 95% pure. It is a naturally white metal with an excellent silvery-white luster that shows off the beauty and sparkle of the diamond. As a very dense metal, a platinum piece of identical specifications as a gold or silver piece will be heavier and as a result, more expensive.
Platinum is a durable metal. The metal is strong and the color won’t fade over time, so re-plating is not necessary. Also, platinum is naturally hypoallergenic and is an excellent choice if your significant other has a gold allergy or particularly sensitive skin. Because of its extreme hardness and durability, platinum heads don’t wear thin or deteriorate as quickly compared to gold. The prongs will continue to hold the diamond steadily in place, reducing the risk of the diamond falling out.
Despite its hardness and durability, any jewelry you wear every day will require cleaning and maintenance. Platinum rings will collect scratches and scuffs over time, and this can create a matte appearance on the surface of the metal known as a patina. For many people, the patina is a desirable quality in platinum rings. However, a professional polish can easily smooth the tiny furrows caused by the scratches on the platinum band to restore its original luster and shine.
Gold
Today’s most popular metal choice is Gold. Gold is measured by karats, and 24 karat gold is pure. Pure gold is too soft for rings and other types of jewelry and is combined, or alloyed, with other metals, such as nickel, copper, zinc, or silver to add strength and durability.You can choose from 18, 14, or 10 karat gold, and the number will determine how much gold is in the ring. An 18-karat gold ring contains 75 percent gold, versus a 14-karat ring containing 58.5% gold, while ten-karat gold contains 41.7 percent gold. 14k is the most commonly found purity, and is fairly durable, especially compared to 18k gold which is softer due to the higher purity of gold.On the other hand, higher purity of gold results in more luster and concentrated color.
In addition to purity, there are also a few colors to choose from, including:
White: White gold is a great choice if you like the look of platinum, but are looking for a more affordable alternative. White gold gets its silvery color by alloying pure gold with other white metals, such as nickel or palladium. White gold showcases diamonds well, allowing a center diamond and any accent diamonds to be the main focus of the ring. One drawback to white gold is that it is plated with rhodium to enhance the white color and shine. This wears over time, allowing the yellowish cast of gold to be seen. Many people choose to have their rings replated or “dipped” periodically to refresh the white appearance. This service can range from $85-$100 per piece due to the high price of rhodium
Yellow: 
Yellow gold is classic and is regaining in popularity today. Yellow gold is most commonly alloyed with copper and zinc to add durability. Choosing between 18k vs. 14k makes a big difference in yellow gold. 18k yellow gold will have a richer gold appearance, especially compared to 10k which will appear dull side by side. Yellow gold is a great choice if you want to accent the appearance of diamonds and celebrate the beautiful rich yellow color.
Rose: Rose gold, also known as pink or red gold, is created by alloying yellow gold with copper. Rose gold is a popular choice for those wanting their wedding and engagement rings to have a unique, romantic, or vintage look. Incredibly, this softly romantic colored gold is the strongest of the three, as copper is very sturdy and the resulting alloy is tougher than yellow or white gold. On the downside, copper can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, and is not considered to be a hypo-allergenic metal.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is the most affordable of all metal options, but it is far too soft to be used in a ring for daily wear. It is also too soft to hold high-value gemstones securely for a long period of time. Sterling silver scratches and tarnishes easily, so it would need to be professionally cleaned and polished to restore its original appearance frequently. If you don’t want your fiance to deal with the upkeep, platinum or gold will be better options for long-term wear.
If you’re ready to buy an engagement ring from a jewelry store in Kansas City, look no further than Toner Jewelers. We’re a locally owned and operated jeweler selling quality jewelry since 1980. We have a large selection of rings in every metal option, along with many earth-mined and lab-grown diamonds to choose from. Our sales staff has over 114 years of combined experience in the jewelry business. We would love to help you choose the perfect ring for the love of your life.