Buying a diamond engagement ring to propose to a loved one is always a significant investment, and whether your proposal is successful or not, you'll want to be absolutely sure that your diamond engagement ring is worth the money. This means choosing a ring made with high-quality, ethically sourced diamonds, but choosing the right metal for a diamond engagement ring is equally important.

Platinum and yellow gold may be the 'classic' choices, but a variety of precious metals can be used to create stunning engagement rings, and white gold is becoming increasingly popular. This unique material has many advantages over other potential band metal choices, but it also has some shortcomings you should be aware of before investing in a white gold diamond engagement ring.

What are the advantages of choosing a white gold diamond engagement ring?

Beautiful Looks

White gold is not a distinct type of gold, strictly speaking, and most white gold rings consist primarily of yellow gold, mixed with small amounts of other metals such as copper. However, this gold alloy is covered by a layer of rhodium, an extremely rare and valuable precious metal that is chemically bonded to the surface of the gold.

This rhodium plating gives white gold its unique, stunning appearance. While reminiscent of platinum, the soft silvery hues of a white gold engagement ring tend to be more muted and less reflective, especially on white gold rings with brushed finishes. This is ideal for diamond engagement rings, as the beautiful but relatively muted metal makes the diamond(s) all the more visible and vibrant by contrast.

Cost-Effective

White gold is also an excellent alternative to platinum when it comes to price, and white gold diamond engagement rings tend to cost appreciably less than their platinum counterparts. The price of gold also tends to be more stable than other precious metals, allowing you to plan ahead and budget your savings to buy a ring more easily.

Wide Selection of Designs

The popularity of white gold diamond engagement rings means that jewellery and ring retailers usually offer a wide variety of ring designs, from understated rings with inset stones to eye-catching cocktail rings. Like ordinary gold, white gold is also relatively malleable and easy for ring designers to work with, and white gold engagement rings are available in shapes and designs that cannot be replicated with other metals.

What are the disadvantages of choosing a white gold diamond engagement ring?

Discolouration

The rhodium coating of a white gold engagement ring is very tough and resistant to abrasion, but unfortunately, it is not invincible. After a few years of constant wear, you may start to notice a white gold ring starting to discolour and turn yellow. This is caused by the rhodium plating thinning and wearing away. Rhodium plating can be repaired quickly and inexpensively by most jewellers, but taking your ring to be repaired every few years can be inconvenient.

Nickel Content in Low-Quality Rings

Some inexpensive, low-quality white gold engagement rings contain small amounts of nickel, an elemental metal that can cause a severe and painful allergic reaction in some people. While most of these 'tainted' rings are imported and sold illegally, you should still avoid purchasing one in the hopes of grabbing a bargain. You should only ever purchase white gold diamond engagement rings and other pieces of white gold jewellery from a reputable jewellery manufacturer or retailer.

For more information, contact a jeweller that sells diamond engagement rings.