Ring Materials

One of the most intriguing aspects of rings is the vast range different materials that can be used in their construction, from a simple stainless steel band, to a platinum ring studied with diamonds or other precious stones. To help you choose the right material for your ring, we've put together a guide to these different materials, along with some of the advantages and disadvantages of using them.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has recently enjoyed a surge of popularity as a material for rings and other jewellery, partly due to its hypoallergenic and non corrosive properties. Stainless steel is very affordable compared to most other precious metals, but does not tarnish or lose its lustre - although it can show signs of scratches.

Silver

Silver has always been a popular material for rings, due to its high reflectivity and sleek look, and its reasonable cost compared to gold and other precious metals. However, silver is a relatively soft metal, which means that it can deform and scratch easily, and so is not very suitable to be worn on a daily basis. Silver also reacts with moisture and sweat, causing a green ring around the skin under the band, and a black tarnish on the ring itself.

Gold

Gold is possibly the most commonly used material to make rings - especially wedding rings and engagement rings as it is said to symbolise love and warmth. Pure gold is a very soft metal, and so is combined with other metals (such as copper, tin and bismuth) in order to increase its durability.

The quality of gold is measured in carats: 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct and 24ct, where 24 carat (ct) gold is pure gold, and all other standards are fractions of this - for example 14 carat gold contains 14 parts of gold (58.33%) to 10 parts of other metals. When choosing gold for a ring that you want to wear permanently, such as a wedding ring, it is best to choose 14 ct or 18 ct gold; anything higher than this would be too soft, and is unsuitable for setting any precious stones, whilst anything below this will tarnish easily and soon turn green or black.

Whilst pure gold is yellow in colour, other elements may be added to the gold alloy to produce different colours. For example, white gold is produced by adding nickel or palladium, whilst rose gold is made by adding copper. Other colours include:

• Green gold (75% gold and 25%) silver
• Black gold (made by electroplating the gold black rhodium or ruthenium) - care should be taken when choosing this material as the plating may tarnish or wear out easily
• Purple gold (79% gold and 21% aluminium) - very brittle
• Blue gold (gold and indium)

Titanium

Titanium is long lasting and light metal, and has an appearance similar to white gold. It is relatively inexpensive, and its light weight has made it a popular choice for men's rings.

Tungsten

Tungsten is a hard metal (making it resistant to scratches) with a heavy feel and a lustrous polish.

Palladium

Palladium is a white metal that is often used as an alternative to platinum or white gold. It is much lighter, slightly whiter, and approximately 12% harder than platinum. However, unlike platinum, it may react with strong acids.

Platinum

Platinum is possibly the most expensive precious metal used for rings, but its high durability and resistance to scratches means that it can last a lifetime of use. It has a similar look to white gold, but as it is very pure (usually at least 95%) it means that it is safer to wear by those who are allergic to the alloy metals typically found in gold. In addition, platinum does not oxidise and so will not tarnish.