Metals Guide
Choosing Your Metal
The metal sets the tone — warm, cool, or timeless. Here's what to know about each.
14K vs 18K Gold
14K gold is 58.3% pure gold mixed with alloy metals. It's more durable, more scratch-resistant, and more affordable. The trade-off is a slightly less saturated gold tone.
18K gold is 75% pure gold. It has a richer, deeper color — especially noticeable in yellow gold — and a more luxurious feel. The trade-off is that it's softer and slightly more prone to scratching.
For engagement rings worn daily, 14K offers the best balance of beauty and durability. For special-occasion pieces or if color richness is a priority, 18K is the move.
White Gold
The most popular choice for engagement rings. White gold is an alloy of pure gold mixed with white metals (typically palladium or nickel) and finished with a rhodium plating that gives it a bright, silvery-white look.
It pairs beautifully with diamonds because the cool tone enhances the stone's colorless appearance. Diamonds in the G–J color range look their whitest in a white gold setting.
Rhodium plating does wear over time and will need re-dipping every 12–18 months to maintain its bright finish. This is a quick, inexpensive service we include in our Lifetime Care program.
Available in: 14K and 18K.
Yellow Gold
The original. Yellow gold is warm, classic, and has been the standard for engagement rings for centuries. It doesn't require rhodium plating, so the color is permanent and maintenance is minimal.
Yellow gold is having a strong resurgence — it pairs particularly well with elongated diamond shapes like oval, emerald, and pear. It adds warmth and complements a wide range of skin tones.
One note: yellow gold settings make near-colorless diamonds (G–J) appear slightly warmer. If you want an icy, colorless look, consider pairing with a D–F stone or choosing white gold.
Available in: 14K and 18K.
Rose Gold
A modern favorite. Rose gold gets its warm, pinkish hue from a higher copper content in the alloy. It has a romantic, vintage-inspired character that feels both distinctive and subtle.
Rose gold pairs well with nearly every diamond shape, and its warm tone is universally flattering on skin. Like yellow gold, it doesn't require re-plating.
Copper makes rose gold slightly more durable than yellow or white gold — it resists scratching marginally better.
Available in: 14K and 18K.
Platinum
The most premium and durable option. Platinum is a naturally white metal that never needs plating — its color is inherent and permanent. It's denser and heavier than gold, which gives a platinum ring a substantial, luxurious feel on the hand.
Platinum doesn't wear away — it displaces. When scratched, the metal pushes to the side rather than being lost, so the ring retains its weight over decades. Over time, platinum develops a soft matte patina that many people love. It can always be polished back to a high shine.
It's hypoallergenic, making it the best choice for sensitive skin. And because it's naturally white, it showcases diamond color more accurately than white gold.
Our recommendation: Platinum for your engagement ring if budget allows. 14K or 18K gold for wedding bands and everyday pieces where value matters more.
Caring for Your Metal
All metals scratch with daily wear. This is normal and inevitable. Here's how to keep each one looking its best:
White Gold: Re-dip in rhodium every 12–18 months. Clean with mild soap and a soft brush.
Yellow & Rose Gold: No plating needed. Clean with warm water, a drop of dish soap, and a soft toothbrush. Dry with a lint-free cloth.
Platinum: Will develop a natural patina. Polish professionally once a year if you prefer the high-shine look, or leave it — the patina is beautiful.
For All Metals: Remove your ring when applying lotion, cleaning with chemicals, or doing heavy manual work. Store in the pouch that comes with every Diamondaire order.
Know your metal. Now find your size.