Your matching rings for couples is quickly approaching, and you may have already begun to consider your wedding bands. When buying an engagement ring you should know that this ring style is known for its stunning styles with a diamond centre, like a halo ring or three-stone diamond rings. They are sometimes seen as more important than traditional or synthetic diamond jewelry. When deciding on how to wear a wedding ring, you should consider carefully the wedding bands. There are also a variety of options, such as stackable wedding rings and eternity bands, that can elevate the simple traditional wedding band. Also, there are many options for men's wedding bands. Wedding bands for you and your partner and your engagement rings should represent your relationship. They should also embody everything that makes your relationship unique. Although the diamond cut and setting are all important, as is the style of the ring, it's also important to consider the precious metal.


 


 Wedding bands can be more simplistic in design. However, this isn't always the case. Metals and gemstones for engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes. From dazzling accents to precious metalwork, they can be anything. If you choose a classic style wedding band or a more modern design, you will need to determine which metal is best for you and for your significant other. You will also have to decide if you would like diamonds on your band. To learn more about the different diamond sizes, please visit our chart of diamond carat sizes.


 


 You have a wide range of options from white gold and yellow gold. Platinum is also a good option. Both platinum engagement rings as well as wedding bands look very similar to those made of white gold. The question "What is the difference between white gold vs. platinum wedding bands?" is often asked. These two metal types may look very similar but are actually quite different. Find out the main differences between white gold and platinum jewelry.


 


 White Gold Wedding Bands


 Gold wedding bands, especially white gold, are very popular. The name may suggest a color that is white, but it's more like silver. White gold comes in many forms. These are the three most common types of white metal:


 


 10k: 10 parts pure metal and 14 parts alloy mix is the ratio for this option. Although this may make it appear like a lesser choice, 10k is the most durable among the top three choices. Pure gold is weaker, so the alloys are added to make it stronger and more durable. This is the cheapest option of the three. If you want a metal which is both affordable and durable then 10k White Gold may be the best option for you.


 14k is the most popular gold for wedding bands. It's a good combination of affordability, durability and beauty. It's made from a mixture of 14 parts of gold and 10 portions alloy. It's ideal for fine jewellery because it's primarily made of gold, but has enough alloys in it to ensure durability and heirloom-quality. This is a middle price point, as it's both more expensive than 10k but less expensive than the 18k.


 18k White Gold: If you're looking to invest more in your wedding band then you may want to consider 18k. This is because the alloy mix contains only eight parts of alloy and 18 parts of gold, so it is more likely to be made from gold. Although this might seem like an advantage, having more gold can also be a disadvantage. Because gold is a soft metal, 18k will be more likely to scratch over time. This choice is a good one if you're going to treat your ring gently and remove it as needed.


 


 Platinum Wedding Bands


 A pure platinum wedding ring makes a wonderful choice for traditional or non-traditional rings. It has a finish that is similar to white gold. A platinum engagement ring can look like a white-gold ring. However, platinum has a few key differences.


 


 Platinum is one of the strongest metals available for engagement rings and wedding bands. It tends to require the least maintenance, as it doesn't tarnish like gold or even silver. We have written about the fading or tarnishing of rose gold in our blog if you are curious. Due to its durability, platinum is actually heavier than most other metals. It's heavier than other metals, which makes it seem more luxurious.


 


 One of the most common misconceptions about platinum jewellery is that it cannot be scratched due to its durability. While platinum jewelry is very strong, it can still scratch, much like 14k Gold. A gold wedding band that is scratched will actually lose some metal, hence the appearance of a scratch. Platinum, on the other hand is only moved when it gets scratched. The result is a patina or worn look, which some people prefer over the original shine.


 


 Due to the clear advantages of platinum over gold, its popularity is growing. However, some consumers remain sceptical that investing more money up front is worthwhile. Discover the main differences between white gold and platinum to help you decide which metal is right for your wedding.