Engagement Ring Setting/Bands

Learn about Ring Settings: Differences between Gold, Platinum, and Silver. Setting and Center rings

When it comes to searching for the right engagement ring, platinum and gold are the most popular. Platinum tends to be a favorite for many people because of its strength and durability. It also happens to be thirty-five times rarer than gold, so it could get a little pricey, but since this is an engagement ring, you might as well go all out, no? However, the negative part about platinum is that it tends to scratch easily, but it doesn't tarnish. Gold doesn't scratch as easily, but it sometimes changes color after many years, depending on the metals the ring was put together with. White gold is pretty popular for engagement rings too, but the problem with white or yellow gold is that it is not as strong as platinum and if it is white gold, the color tends to go back to being the original yellow, since white gold is man-made through plating. Typically, most gold engagement rings are 18 karat.

Once you know what kind of ring you're looking for, keep in mind that besides the regular solitaire setting, there are also sidestone settings and matching bands. Solitaire settings are rings with just the diamond in the center and sidestone settings are the same as solitaire, but the sides of the ring are adorned by smaller diamonds. Matching bands are two rings that account for one engagement ring. While one ring holds the diamond(s), the other ring is simply a band that assists the main ring. There are so many types of rings that differ in size, weight, and carats; you want to be sure she'll like it and that it fits her.

Hint: Select white gold or platinum. Yes, these types of metals cost more, but it will enhance the white light reflecting from the top and clearness of the diamond stone.