Gold or Silver Engagement Ring: Which One Is Better?

When it comes to choosing jewellery to propose with, making the decision between a gold or silver engagement ring can be quite daunting. In our experience, at Simon Wright when people talk to us about a silver bespoke engagement ring, they’re usually referring to the colour silver, and not the metal.

Silver, as a metal, is not ideal for a ring that will be worn on a daily basis as it is softer and more prone to damage than the metals we use to handcraft our custom engagement rings; these primarily being gold (which comes in various colours) and platinum (which is silver-coloured). Both make wonderful choices for a ring, depending on your personal preference.

So what is the best metal for engagement rings? To help you make an informed decision, we'll explore the pros and cons of gold and platinum engagement rings, delve into the differences between white gold vs yellow gold vs rose gold and take a look at why we recommend platinum for those looking for a silver-coloured engagement ring.

Gold Engagement Rings: Benefits and Downsides

As with any investment, weighing up the pros and cons is a must, and whether it’s your, or your betrothed-to-be’s custom engagement ring, ensuring you’re making the right choice is essential.

Benefits of Gold Engagement Rings

First of all, let’s take a look at why a gold bespoke engagement ring might be the right choice for you.

Durability: Gold is a highly durable metal, making it ideal for engagement rings that need to withstand the rigours of daily wear.

Variety: Gold comes in various hues, including yellow, white, and rose gold, allowing for a wide range of customisation. We’ll take a closer look at the different colours of gold shortly.

Value: Gold has intrinsic value and is considered a good investment, maintaining its worth over time. If you’re looking for a future heirloom, gold custom engagement rings are a very good investment.

Downsides of Gold Engagement Rings

In the interest of balance, let’s also take a look at why when it comes to gold vs silver engagement rings, gold might not be the right choice for you.

Cost: Higher carat golds which contain more pure gold can be expensive. Do your research first and decide what you want to spend so that you don’t go over your budget.

Maintenance: Gold, particularly white gold, requires periodic maintenance such as re-plating with rhodium to maintain its white colour.

Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to the nickel that is sometimes alloyed with gold. If you’re having a bespoke engagement ring in London crafted for you, you should be fine as there are laws in place regarding the nickel content of jewellery in the UK, but check with your jeweller before you get started on the process if you’re unsure.

We know this blog post is all about making a simple gold vs silver engagement ring decision, but we’re just going to make life a little bit trickier for you by giving you a few more options and explaining the different types of gold.

White Gold vs Yellow Gold vs Rose Gold

White gold has a sleek, modern look similar to platinum in appearance and is durable but often requires rhodium plating to maintain its colour. The natural colour of white gold can have a dull grey or yellow tinge to it, so electroplating the metal rhodium (from the platinum group of metals – metal nerd stuff!) is needed to maintain a bright white finish. Many people who prefer wearing silver on a day-to-day basis opt for a white gold engagement ring and wedding band as it’s hardy, high-quality and won’t clash with their existing silver jewellery.

Yellow gold is thought by many to be a timeless classic. Yellow gold has a warm, rich colour, is highly durable and doesn’t require plating, though it can scratch. Its cost varies depending on the carat, with higher carats being more expensive.

Rose gold has a unique, romantic pinkish hue and is typically more durable than yellow or white gold due to its copper content. A lot of antique gold jewellery has more of a rose tint to it, but modern rose gold is more copper coloured. If we’re talking about cost, it’s comparable to yellow gold, but the price can vary a little depending on the amount of copper used in the metal.

At Simon Wright bespoke jewellery in London, we do sometimes see customers who, for whatever reason don’t want a gold ring - even a white gold ring - and who feel like their only other option is a silver engagement ring. We advise them to consider a platinum engagement ring - as platinum is not only a lot stronger and more durable, but the ring will also hold its value in a way that silver won’t.

Bespoke Engagement Rings: A Closer Look at Platinum

When considering the best metal for an engagement ring, gold doesn’t really need much introduction and we hope that we’ve made your choice a little easier with our explanation of white gold vs yellow gold vs rose gold above.

But if you’re looking for a bespoke engagement ring and are not as familiar with platinum, in our opinion, it is an extremely worthy contender.

Platinum has a similar look to white gold but is more lustrous. It’s extremely durable and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for everyday wear. This durability also makes it an ideal metal for securing precious gemstones and maintaining the ring's integrity over time.

Its natural silvery-white sheen doesn't fade or tarnish, ensuring the ring retains its brilliance for years without the need for re-plating, as with white gold.

Platinum Engagement Rings: Benefits and Downsides

When it comes to the colour of your ring, in the gold vs silver engagement ring debate, if you’re wondering ‘should I get a gold or silver engagement ring to propose to my spouse-to-be with?’, as with gold, there are a few things to consider. And again, just to be clear, we’re talking about silver coloured rings, not the metal!

Benefits of Platinum Engagement Rings

Platinum is a popular choice for an engagement ring due to its durability and timeless elegance that pairs well with different coloured gemstones. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Durability: Platinum is more durable and scratch-resistant than gold, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear.

Hypoallergenic: Platinum is naturally hypoallergenic, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Low maintenance: Platinum retains its natural white sheen and doesn't require regular re-plating like white gold.

Round brilliant cut diamond four claw solitaire engagement ring

Downsides of Platinum Engagement Rings

Of course, the colour of the metal and the choice between a silver or gold engagement ring is absolutely yours, but to be completely fair, we also need to point out the relative downsides of platinum when it comes to a gold vs silver engagement ring.

Weight: Platinum is heavier than gold, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to wearing jewellery.

Difficult to polish: Scratches are harder to polish out of platinum, meaning if you want it to look brand new after years of wear, it will need a heavy polish to restore its look. This means removing some metal from the surface.

At this point, we may have got you wondering what is the best metal for engagement rings. The thing is, it’s completely up to you, whether you’re having bespoke engagement rings in London made for you or you’re buying off the shelf.

So what really is the best metal for an engagement ring? The right answer is that there is no right answer. If you wear gold, there’s probably little reason to consider anything other than yellow gold or rose gold. However, if you wear silver jewellery we would recommend platinum, to give the look of a silver engagement ring.

Should I Get a Gold or Silver Engagement Ring?

Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to whether a silver or gold engagement ring is better. Both platinum and gold have their own unique advantages. Gold offers variety, durability, and intrinsic value but requires slightly more maintenance. Platinum is more durable and requires little to no upkeep.

When deciding between a gold vs silver engagement ring, consider your budget, the wearer’s lifestyle, and their personal preferences. If you prefer a more traditional option, yellow gold might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a highly durable and more modern aesthetic, platinum engagement rings are well worth thinking about.

Finding Your Perfect Bespoke Engagement Ring in London

We know you have choices and finding the perfect gold jewellery in London can be hard. But at Simon Wright Jewellery we understand that, and Simon will work with you to bring the idea you have in your head into reality.

Whether you’re looking for bespoke jewellery in London to propose with, a gorgeous toi et moi ring to celebrate your anniversary, or bespoke cufflinks to delight your suit-wearing partner with, we are here to help you find the perfect piece.

Contact Simon Wright today and let’s talk about your vision.