Wedding Bands For Women: Gold Or Platinum?

Wedding bands for women come in a variety of styles, metals, and designs. From classic metal bands to more intricate designs like twisted bands or pavé eternity bands, the options are endless. When choosing a wedding band, it's important to consider style, personality, comfort, and fashion. The shape of the fingers and complexion may also play a role in the decision-making process. In terms of metals, popular choices include platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. The type of metal can be chosen based on factors such as durability, hypoallergenic properties, and price. For instance, platinum is known for its durability and hypoallergenic qualities, but it tends to be more expensive. On the other hand, white gold is a durable and scratch-resistant alternative to platinum, offered at a more affordable price.

Classic metal bands

Classic metal wedding bands are timeless and elegant. They are often chosen for their versatility and traditional look. When it comes to classic metal wedding bands for women, there are several options to consider.

One popular choice is white gold, which has a gorgeous shine and a stylish, modern appearance. White gold is created by combining pure gold with metals such as nickel, silver, or palladium. It complements fair and rosy skin tones and is also quite durable due to the mix of stronger metals. White gold is available in different purity levels, with 14K and 18K being the most common. It is a good choice for those who want a classic look without breaking the bank, as it is more affordable than other metal options.

Yellow gold is another classic option and has been a popular choice for wedding bands throughout history. It is a safe and traditional selection, with a timeless colour that will never go out of style. Yellow gold is easy to maintain and versatile, suitable for anyone to wear. It looks particularly stunning with olive and darker skin tones. However, one of the disadvantages of yellow gold is that it is not as durable as other metals and may require occasional maintenance to keep its shine.

Platinum is a precious metal that exudes luxury and exclusivity. It has a stunning white colour and is highly durable, with good resistance to wear and corrosion. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, making it a great option for those with metal allergies. Over time, platinum develops a beautiful patina and can be easily polished to restore its shine. Like white gold, platinum complements fair or rosy skin tones. However, it is more expensive than other metal options.

Rose gold, a combination of pure gold with copper and silver, offers a unique pink, red, and rose hue that many consider to be the most romantic metal for wedding bands. It is quite durable, especially in 14K, due to the presence of copper. Rose gold is also affordable and complements all skin tones. However, one disadvantage is that it may be more likely to cause skin issues due to its high copper content.

When choosing a classic metal wedding band, it is important to consider factors such as durability, maintenance, skin tone, and budget. Additionally, matching the wedding band to the engagement ring is a personal choice, and some women may prefer to have their wedding band made from the same metal as their engagement ring.

Pavé bands

Pavé wedding bands are a sparkling heirloom, with several rows of closely set pavé diamonds on precious metal bars. The diamonds are set into the band, also known as the shank, and small beads of metal are used to hold the stones in place. This creates a dense pattern of sparkle and a glamorous look. Micropavé wedding bands are a variation on this style, featuring the same technique but with much smaller diamonds for a more subtle twist.

Pavé wedding bands are available in a range of metals, including platinum, 14k gold in white, yellow and rose shades, and two-tone gold. They are a popular choice for eternity bands, where diamonds are set continuously around the entire ring. Stackable pavé wedding bands are also available, offering a bold and playful look, allowing the wearer to personalise their style.

Pavé wedding bands can be found at a range of price points and are an ideal accompaniment to almost any engagement ring.

Eternity bands

There are two common styles of eternity bands: shared prong and channel settings. In a shared prong setting, two stones that sit next to each other share a prong, forming a 'U' shape from the side, which exposes the diamond from the top and sides for added sparkle. A channel-set eternity band has diamonds laid side by side within a metal channel, creating a more encrusted appearance.

However, these are not the only styles available. Eternity bands can be set in a variety of ways, featuring any diamond cut, from round brilliant to cushion to emerald. This allows brides to choose a style that reflects their individual taste and represents their unique love story.

When it comes to metal types, eternity bands can be crafted from platinum, white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold. Platinum is known for its durability, as scratches blend in over time, creating a vintage patina finish. White gold emits a silver tone with a hint of white and ages gracefully, although it may not be ideal for active brides prone to scratches. Yellow gold is the quintessential choice, deriving its warm look from the mixing of pure gold with silver and copper. Rose gold, a newer favourite, combines pure gold with copper to create reddish tones but requires more maintenance to preserve its pinkish hue.

Solitaire bands

Solitaire rings are timeless, classic, and traditional. They are fully customisable, allowing you to choose your favourite stone shape, metal, and setting to create a heartfelt, handcrafted masterpiece. Solitaire rings are characterised by a single stone, most often a diamond, set on a metal band without any other stones. This solitary stone is the "star of the show", with the simple design allowing any diamond shape to shine.

Solitaire rings are considered the most classic engagement ring style and are often chosen for their timeless look. They pair beautifully with complex or simple bands, including eternity bands and simple wedding bands. Wedding bands that hug the engagement ring, such as curved or notched styles, will frame the engagement stone perfectly.

There are a variety of wedding band styles that complement a solitaire engagement ring. The Amore Vintage Wedding Band, for example, is a vintage-style ring with 0.10ctw recycled diamonds that can be paired with a solitaire ring. The Heroine Accented Wedding Band is another option, accented with 0.27ctw recycled diamonds, adding extra sparkle to a solitaire ring. The Lilac Stackable Wedding Band is a thin, delicate ring accented with 0.21ctw recycled diamonds, which is also a perfect match for a solitaire engagement ring.

Solitaire rings can be crafted from a variety of metals, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. Platinum is the most popular choice due to its incredible durability. When choosing a wedding band to pair with a solitaire engagement ring, it is essential to consider the cut and setting of the ring to create a cohesive look.

Mixed metal bands

Mixed metal wedding bands are a unique and versatile choice for women. These rings feature two or more distinct, contrasting precious metals, such as white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, and even the rare green gold. The most common combinations are white gold and platinum, or yellow gold with either of the two, as they have a similar silvery-white colour. However, it is the addition of rose gold or green gold that makes a mixed metal band truly stand out.

There are two ways to mix metals: across pieces, such as wearing a white gold ring with a rose gold necklace, or within a single piece, like a wedding band. A mixed metal wedding band is a great option if you love to wear jewellery in a variety of metals. The beauty of a mixed metal band depends on its design. For example, a simple yet striking design is to twist two delicate strands of two distinct metals together to form the band, highlighting the contrast in colours. Another option is to set a twist of one type of metal through the centre of a wide band made from a different metal.

Platinum is a popular choice for wedding bands, as it is durable, sophisticated, and hypoallergenic. It also has a higher purity than other materials, giving it a naturally cool tone, but a higher price tag. White gold is a good alternative if you want a similar look without the cost. Yellow gold is the quintessential and most popular choice, as its warm finish, derived from mixing pure gold with silver and copper, pairs well with any outfit and never goes out of style. Rose gold is a more contemporary choice, with a reddish tone that requires more maintenance to keep its pinkish hue.

Frequently asked questions