There are a number of metals which can be fashioned into engagement rings including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and titanium. It’s very much a personal choice which one you do choose but without doubt, the most common and classic choice is to have an engagement ring fashioned out of gold. A significant majority of Jewellery including engagement rings are made of gold.
Gold has been used in jewellery for thousands of years, with its use dating back to ancient civilisations. It has been recorded that gold was first used in Jewellery in Egypt over two and a half thousand years ago.
We can provide engagement ring insurance for all types of rings, regardless of the type of metal that has been used in the manufacture.
Why is Gold so popular?
Gold has been valued for thousands of years for a variety of reasons. It has a number of very useful physical properties: It’s rare, durable, malleable, a good conductor of heat and electricity and of course, it’s look; gold has a distinct, warm yellow colour that is not commonly found in other metals.
As well as these attributes, because of its uses and rarity, gold is a store of value.
Gold is considered a safe-haven asset. In times of economic uncertainty or inflation, investors often turn to gold as a reliable store of value. It retains its value over lengthy periods, making it a hedge against economic instability. Overtime, gold usually increases in value.
Gold used in the manufacture of Engagement Rings
When it comes to gold being used in the manufacture of engagement rings, there are a number of variants that can be used.
Yellow Gold - This is the most popular choice and comes in a number of different varieties, all are gold but with different physical attributes. (In the examples below, the term "carat” is used to refer to the measure of the purity of the gold. It is denoted as "K" and represents the fraction of pure gold out of 24 parts in the alloy. 24K gold is pure. 18 K gold is thus 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals)
- Pure Gold (24K): 100% gold, very soft and malleable, not typically used for rings due to its softness. Normally less pure gold is used in the making of jewellery as it is more durable and hard wearing.
- 18K Yellow Gold: This type is usually used in Jewellery as it is 75% gold mixed with 25% other metals like copper and zinc, offering a balance of purity and durability.
- 14K Yellow Gold: 58.3% gold mixed with 41.7% other metals, more durable and popular for rings.
- 9K Yellow Gold: 37.5% gold mixed with 58.3% other metals, the most durable but less gold content.
White Gold - White gold is an excellent choice if you want the platinum look, but at a lower price. It is also easier to work with than platinum, meaning more intricate designs can be achieved.
- 18K White Gold: 75% gold alloyed with white metals like palladium or nickel, often plated with rhodium for a bright white finish.
- 14K White Gold: 58.3% gold alloyed with white metals, also typically rhodium-plated for enhanced whiteness and durability.
Rose Gold - Because of its copper content, it will not fade overtime as much as other metals.
- 18K Rose Gold: 75% gold mixed with copper and silver, giving it a pinkish hue.
- 14K Rose Gold: 58.3% gold mixed with a higher proportion of copper and silver, making it more durable with a distinct rosy colour.
The above are typical for items of Jewellery manufactured in the United Kingdom. Rings purchased in other parts of the world can vary in purity. In regions of the world where there is a strong cultural tie to gold, the level of purity used in rings may be higher, and 24K rings are more typical.
When you choose your ring, a jeweller will be able to point out the different attributes to you and how each would complement your choice of precious stone to be set into the ring.
We are a specialist insurer of items of jewellery including engagement rings and would welcome your enquiry, either click here to be taken to our Engagement Ring Insurance page where you can obtain an online quotation or call assetsure on 0208 0033 190 and speak to one of our UK based advisers.
