Ring Metal Types:
A Complete Guide to the Best Metal for Your Ring
The Foundation of Your Custom Ring
Choosing the right ring metal type is one of the most important steps in designing your custom engagement or wedding ring.
The metal you choose not only defines your ring’s overall aesthetic, but it can also influence how durable it is, how it should be maintained, and how it complements your skin tone.
At Krikawa, we offer a curated selection of ring metal types, each with unique characteristics to suit diverse preferences, lifestyles, and aesthetic visions.
Interested in where the journey begins? Start with Guide #1: Ring Size
Why Your Ring Metal Matters
The type of metal you choose for your ring affects:
Durability: Some metals are more scratch-resistant and can better withstand daily wear.
Color:Metals span from brilliant white to warm gold and romantic rosy hues.
Maintenance: Certain metals require more upkeep to maintain their luster and shine.
Hypoallergenic Properties:Some engagement ring metals may be better suited than others if you have sensitive skin.
As you design your ring, choosing the ring metal helps to ensure it remains a cherished and meaningful symbol of your love for years to come.
Overview of Metal Options
Explore the diverse ring metal types available at Krikawa.
Platinum
A naturally white, dense metal, platinum is known for its durability and hypoallergenic properties. Its rarity and strength make it a top-tier choice among engagement ring metals.
White Gold
An alloy of gold mixed with white-colored metals such as palladium or nickel, often rhodium-plated for a bright white finish. White gold is a popular white metal alternative to platinum. Available in 14k and 18k options.
Discover more about White Gold
Yellow Gold
A classic choice, yellow gold offers a rich hue and works both in traditional and modern settings. Available in 10k, 14k, and 18k options.
Rose Gold
A romantic alloy of gold, copper, and silver, rose gold provides a pinkish hue that flatters most skin tones. Its vintage appeal adds to its growing popularity. Available in 14k.
Green Gold
A mix of gold and silver, green gold displays a subtle and pale yellow-green hue. It’s perfect if you want a ring that feels distinctive and unconventional. Available in 10k, 14k, and 18k options.
Mokume Gane & Specialty Metals
Mokume Gane, which translates to “wood grain metal” or “wood pattern metal” in Japanese, involves a technique that fuses different ring metals into breathtaking organic patterns that recall ancient forests. It is an ideal choice of metal for an artistic, distinctive ring.
Comparative Qualities of Krikawa Precious Metals
Why do the physical properties of metals matter? Understanding the material properties of the different types of metals for rings will help you make a confident decision about which ring is right for you. The physical properties to consider are:
Hardness: Determines how scratch resistant your ring will be. The harder the metal, the more resistance.
Density: Also referred to as “specific gravity”, density is used to describe the weight and how heavy your ring may feel relative to its size. Color: The inherent hue of the ring metal, impacts how well it pairs with your skin tone.
Maintenance:How often your ring may polishing, cleaning, and upkeep.
| Alloy* | Approximate Composition |
Specific Gravity |
Melting Temp. (° F) |
Color | Vicker's Hardness |
| 950 Platinum | 95% Pt 5% Ru |
21.45 | 3235 | light cool gray | 130 |
| 18k Palladium White Gold | 75% Au + Pd | 14.6 | 1730 | light cool gray |
210 |
| 14k Palladium White Gold (Krikawa Standard) |
58.5% Au +Pd |
13.7 | 1710 | medium warm gray | 150 |
| 14k Nickel White Gold (Upon Request Only) |
58.5% Au
+Ni |
medium warmsih gray |
170 | ||
| 18k Yellow Gold | 75% Au | 15.6 | 1700 | rich yellow | 125 |
| 14k Rose Gold | 58.5% Au +Cu |
13.4 | 1520 | copper | 125 |
| 14k Green Gold | 58.5% Au +Cu |
bright yellow | |||
| 10k Green Gold | 41.6% Au +Ag |
11.7 | 1480 | light green yellow | 170 |
Metal Color & Skin Tone “Matching”
Did you know that selecting a metal that complements your skin’s tone may enhance the overall look of your ring?
Cool Skin Tones: Platinum and white gold accentuate your tone.
Warm Skin Tones:Yellow and rose gold will harmonize with you beautifully.
Neutral Skin Tones: Lucky you! Almost all metals will suit your skin tone.
Regardless of your skin’s tone, your personal style takes precedence over any color chart. The most important factor is choosing the ring metal that makes you feel confident and radiant.
FAQs About Engagement & Wedding Ring Metals
What is the most durable ring metal?
Platinum is the most durable and dense precious metal, ideal for everyday wear.
Which type of metal for rings is hypoallergenic?
Platinum is naturally hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice if you have sensitive skin. Some traditional white gold alloys may contain nickel, a common allergen that can cause skin reactions. At Krikawa, we take your comfort seriously and that’s why all of our metal alloys are nickel-free.
What’s the difference between platinum and white gold?
Platinum is naturally white, heavier, and more durable. White gold is an alloy of yellow gold and white metals, often coated with rhodium, and may require periodic replating. We have an in-depth comparison of pros and cons if you are interested in reading: White Gold Vs. Platinum
Which engagement ring metals require the least maintenance?
Different metals require different levels of maintenance and care. Platinum, because of its durability, generally requires minimal maintenance, while gold rings require more upkeep to maintain their shine. If you are considering white gold for your ring, it may need rhodium replating from time to time.
That being said, all rings require some maintenance to keep them looking their best and to ensure that stones are secure in the setting. It is important to have your ring professionally cleaned and inspected annually, which helps to identify and address any potential problems early.
Can I mix different metals in one ring?
Absolutely. Many of our custom designs combine multiple ring metal types for a bespoke look.
Which ring metals are best for heirloom-quality rings?
Platinum and high-karat gold, such as 18k gold are excellent choices for longevity and enduring appeal.
How do I discover my skin’s tone before choosing a complementary metal color?
The two most relied upon methods for discovering your skin’s tone and complementary metal color are:
Veins:Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light outside or by a window. If your veins look blue or purple, you have cool tones. If they seem green or greenish blue, you have warm tones. Do you see a mix of these colors, or can’t you distinguish the shades? You likely have a neutral tone.
Jewelry Test:The easiest way is to test metals in jewelry you already own. Try on gold and white jewelry and examine the jewelry and skin in natural light. If white gold or silver looks better on you, you are likely cool-toned. If yellow or rose gold looks better, then you are most likely warm-toned.
Are there eco-friendly options for my ring metals?
Yes. Krikawa offers rings made from recycled 100% gold, thereby reducing the need for minin materials from the Earth. Platinum isn't 100% recycled because it does not result in the high-quality we expect. Platinum group metals are responsibly sourced. We also source ethically mined diamonds and gemstones and have many lab-grown options available.
Your Metal Choice; The Tapestry of your Tale
Every tale, every tapestry, has a beginning. Each metal you choose can tell the unique ballad of who you are, your partner, and your commitment to one another.
Platinum symbolizes enduring love and strength.
Yellow Gold represents tradition and timelessness.
Rose gold embodies romance and delicacy.
Green gold denotes distinctiveness and individuality.
Mokume Gane reflects ancient artistry and respect for cultures.
Choose a metal that resonates with your journey and values.
Start Your Dream Ring with Metals in Mind
Choosing the perfect ring metal type is a vital step in making your custom engagement or wedding ring unique. Whether you’re drawn to the sinuous waves and patterns of Mokume Gane, to the classic shine of yellow gold, or to the luxury allure of platinum, your choice of metal is part of your deeply personal journey toward forever together.
By taking the time to learn a little bit more about the key different metals for rings, you’re doing more than picking a color—you’re shaping an heirloom to be deeply cherished.
Keep your metal selection front-of-mind as you continue to learn about designing your dream ring. The right metal will make your gemstone come to life, complement your lifestyle, and honor what makes the two of you so special.
Next Guide: Centerstone Choices
Eager to learn how to select a center stone? Visit Centerstone Choices
Need a refresher? Review Guide# 1: Ring Size
The right ring metal brings so much to a handmade ring, and you deserve a symbol just as unique as you. Design the ring you’ve always imagined, crafted in the metal that speaks to your heart. Schedule your free design consultation to get started today.
It would be our honor and pleasure to work with you to capture and turn your dreams into reality.
Why settle for a pre-made ring when you can have the ring of your dreams, in a metal color that suits your skin and your style. Your ring deserves to be handcrafted from the right metal. Pick the colors youself or let the team at Krikawa help you select the perfect metal, whether it is for your unique engagement ring or wedding band. Unsure what is going to look best with your skin tone or stone? We'll provide advice from our decades of experience, photograph your colors together, or ship your stone and metal samples together for you to see in person! Together, we’ll create the ring for a lifetime. Call 1-888-KRIKAWA or email us today.What Metal Will You Choose? White Metal. Right Metal?
- color
- hardness
- wear resistance
- maintenance
Whether this is your first piece of fine jewelry or a new piece to your collection, our designers will help you make the most of every detail. You’ll recognize the level of expertise and craftsmanship in every Krikawa ring. You’ll understand why a Krikawa ring is the ring you’ll wear for a lifetime.
Gold and Platinum Color Chart for Wedding Bands and Engagement Rings
Keep in mind, your ring will be much smaller than shown above! See this scaled chart for another reference. You can see here why, with our decades of experience in making custom rings, we recommend platinum and 18k yellow gold, or platinum and 14k rose gold for two-tone designs.
Ways to help differentiate the two metals include matte and brushed finishes, and broken surfaces (such as a groove between the two colors.
