The aethethics of an engagement ring comprise of gemstones, designs, and wedding bands. It's important to match the band with the bride's finger size and the look of the diamond. Here are tips for what you need to know in selecting an appropriate metal band for an engagement ring.

Understand Why Metal Type Matters

Metal wedding bands contribute to the brilliance and shine of engagement rings. The most popular metal wedding bands are made of platinum or white gold. Both have a modern and noticeably attractive appearance. They match well with colorless to near-colorless diamonds that range from D to J on GIA's color scale.

The type of metal determines the color of the prongs that house the stone. So if the diamond already looks yellow, gold prongs will make the ring look even yellower. Colorless diamonds create a soothing contrast with the metal, making it easier to match. So, be aware that metal, whether it's gold, platinum, or silver, contributes to the ring's overall color scheme.

Evaluate Metal Quality

One of the reasons why platinum has been so popular for wedding bands in the past century is that it's corrosion resistant and able to withstand environmental elements. Like gold, it's a good alloy choice to mix with other metals. In the United States, jewelry marked and marketed as "platinum" must contain at least 95 percent platinum. If the platinum content is between 85 and 90 percent, it can be sold as "traditional platinum." If the band is 50 to 80 percent platinum, the other alloy metals must be included in the marking.

Gold is a more traditional choice for wedding bands and is still celebrated for its rarity, shine, color, and luster. As a popular alloy for wedding bands, gold has a value associated with its purity and fineness level, measured in karats. Gold karats are divided into 24 parts, with pure gold getting the 24-karat honor, often expressed as 24K. If an alloy is comprised of 75 percent gold, it's graded as 18K. The most popular karat level of gold is 14K.

As an affordable alternative, some couples choose rose gold, which mixes gold with copper and silver. Keep in mind that rose gold does not exist in nature and must be produced in a lab. Sterling silver is another more affordable choice for jewelry, but isn't typically chosen for wedding bands. It's also easier to tarnish, which is one of the reasons it's not as widely chosen for engagement rings.

Hunt for Deals on Wedding Bands

When you decide on engagement plans, it's best to choose the ring and wedding band as soon as possible so that the search doesn't become a last-minute ordeal. At the same time, don't rush out to buy the first attractive diamond ring you see in your search. First shop around to know what the choices and prices are, with the understanding thatyou're making a memorable lifelong statement.

Wedding band prices vary depending on material, finger size, and ring width. Usually $1,000 can buy a basic 14K gold or platinum band. You may need to pay more for customization, such as adding an inscription, which typically costs under $100. The key is to find a jeweler you can trust who can answer all your questions.

Conclusion

Wedding bands are an important part of the engagement ring package. Not only does the metal band have to fit properly, it needs to match the gem and contribute to its beauty. Contact the experts at Ralph Mueller & Associates for learning more about wedding jewelry options.