Petite Trellis Solitaire Engagement Ring in Platinum

Types of Precious Metals for Ring Settings


You already know you're creating the one-of-a-kind ring she'll wear for the rest of her life, so you want to be sure she loves it. She will likely have a preference of the type of metal and the color for her engagement ring setting and we've created some guidance to help get you started:


characteristics price setting metal performance
Platinum
Enduring, strong, and lasts a lifetime

Composed of 95% platinum and 5% other pure alloys
A rare and expensive precious metal
Center diamond is set in platinum prongs
  • Strongest precious metal
  • Resistant to damage
  • Does not wear away
  • Develops a satin finish
  • Platinum is hypoallergenic
  • Highest level of purity
18k Gold
A classic metal with high gold purity

Composed of 75% gold and 25% pure alloys
Less expensive than platinum, yet highly valued
Center diamond is set in platinum prongs
  • Softer, malleable metal
  • Easy to polish and repair
  • Resistant to rust and tarnishing
  • 18k yellow gold is rich in color
  • Has a distinct heritage
14k Gold
A strong metal that is popular in fine jewelry

Composed of 58.3% gold and 41.7% pure alloys
Less expensive than 18k gold, yet offers great value
Center diamond is set in 14k white gold prongs
  • Known for strength
  • Longer wear due to hardness
  • Easy to polish and repair
  • Resistant to rust and tarnishing
  • Moderate in color compared to 18k yellow gold
Palladium
A rare metal with the highest purity

Composed of 95% palladium and 5% other pure alloys
Less expensive than platinum, yet offers great value
Center diamond is set in platinum prongs
  • Known for strength, yet lighter than platinum
  • Has a natural and permanent whiteness
  • Easy to polish and repair
  • Resistant to corrosion, oxidation, and tarnishing
  • Palladium is hypoallergenic
  • It is scratch-resistant

To get more guidance on what type of precious metal she prefers and the color, see our Engagement Ring Guide.