At AZEERA, every ring we make is handcrafted to your exact specifications using the finest metals and gemstones in the world. While we go to great lengths to ensure a stunning result, the choice of precious metals for the various types of rings our customers buy does make a difference as far as how well the ring will go with your skin tone and how well the ring will suit your budget and lifestyle.
Read on to learn more about the precious metals for jewelry that we use at AZEERA and consider which you might like to use in your next custom gemstone ring.
The Precious Metals and Colored Gold Types Used in AZEERA Rings
All of the precious metals and alloy types we use at AZEERA have been chosen for their beauty, strength, and popularity—with options to suit every taste and budget. On the more affordable end of the scale, we have 14k yellow gold, 14k white gold, and 14k rose gold. For those with a larger budget in mind, we offer the stronger and more prestigious platinum.
Understanding Gold Karats—Is More Always Better?
When choosing precious metals for jewelry, it’s not always possible to use types of precious metals that are 100% pure—as a ring needs to be durable and scratch-resistant as well as aesthetically pleasing. For example, platinum and palladium display excellent strength without the addition of other metals—meaning that we can use 90-95% pure platinum and palladium in our rings. In contrast, 99.9% pure gold (known as 24-karat gold) is much softer and requires the addition of other metals to make it strong enough for use in jewelry.
The gold alloys that we use at AZEERA are 58.5% gold (known as 14-karat gold) and 75% gold (known as 18-karat gold). That means that 10/24 parts of our 14k gold and 6/24 parts of our 18k gold are made up of other metals. The “other metals” that we add to the mix include copper, nickel, zinc, palladium, cobalt, and silver. These base and precious metal types add strength to the ring and give the metal its signature yellow, white, or rose color.
Learn more about each of our metal types below:
Yellow Gold
When you imagine the color of gold, the variety you’re most likely picturing is yellow gold. Made from a combination of pure gold, copper, nickel, zinc, and/or cobalt, yellow gold has been used since ancient times and is often associated with royalty and decadence.
A perennial option that is lightweight and doesn’t tarnish, yellow gold is an ideal precious metal for multiple types of rings—including antique-style engagement rings and wedding rings. Go for a 14k yellow gold ring for budget-friendly option or an 18k yellow gold ring for a heavier ring that will maintain a higher value over time.
White Gold
Produced since the early 1900s as an alternative to silver, white gold offers a cool, silvery hue that complements any color of gemstone and looks stunning against cool skin tones. The platinum-like color is achieved with the addition of copper, nickel, zinc, and/or palladium precious metal types and needs periodic replating with rhodium to maintain its signature color.
A 14k white gold ring is an excellent choice if you want the look of platinum and would prefer a lightweight ring that is less prone to scratching. 18k white gold rings come at a slightly higher price, which reflects their higher gold content and enduring resale value. Choose this option for a more luxurious ring and treat it with special care to protect its shine and luster.
Rose Gold
Also known as “pink gold” or “red gold,” rose gold is a fashionable option among precious metals for jewelry that works just as well for modern designs and classic heirloom pieces. Made with the addition of copper and silver alloy, rose gold maintains its color over time and doesn’t require replating like other precious metal types. Another benefit of rose gold is that this gold color tends to cause less irritation as it doesn’t contain nickel.
Browse our selection of 14k rose gold rings for a lighter and more affordable touch of elegance, or consider our 18k rose gold rings for a heavier and more valuable ring that will stand the test of time.
Platinum
The rarest and most expensive of the precious metals and types that we use at AZEERA, platinum offers unparalleled strength and prestige that is perfect for setting large diamonds, rubies, and blue sapphires. Of all the precious metals used for jewelry, platinum has the greatest density—and as a result, it is also the heaviest.
Consider a platinum ring if you are sensitive to nickel or simply enjoy the opulent feeling of an expensive metal weighing on your ring finger. This premium metal does not tarnish but may require professional shining from time to time.
Palladium
Having a similar appearance to platinum, palladium offers excellent durability and will hold even the softest gemstone firmly in place. This modern choice will not tarnish and doesn’t require any special maintenance. Consider a palladium ring if you want the look of platinum without the heaviness or if you are sensitive to alloyed metals such as nickel.
Some Final Tips When Choosing the Precious Metals and Types for Your Custom Jewelry
When selecting precious metals for jewelry, we recommend choosing a metal color that goes with your skin tone and matches the other rings that will be worn on the same finger (such as your engagement or wedding ring). Click on the different metal options beside your chosen designs to see how the end result would look, and please contact us for one-on-one design advice from our founders. All of our rings come with free shipping and a lifetime warranty. Shop custom rings for a lifetime of happiness today!
