Gold, Titanium Or Palladium?

Finding the right metal for a wedding ring used to be a simple choice between yellow and white gold. Now, there is a whole range of possibilities to consider when choosing one that suits your lifestyle and budget.

- Felicia Tan

YELLOW GOLD

Pure yellow gold (24K) is too soft. Most rings come in 18K – usually 75% pure gold combined with other metals to increase its strength. 

$$$: Besides the daily market price of gold, you have to pay for labour and design as well. A custom ring will cost more because of the singular care that goes into its production.

Care: Yellow gold tends to scratch easily and requires frequent polishing. As its parts are more likely to bend or break, it also needs to be checked regularly and repaired.

WHITE GOLD

This comes from mixing yellow gold with metals like manganese and palladium to make the alloy white. Rings are usually coated with rhodium to make them look even whiter. 

$$$: It costs more as rhodium is expensive. 

Care: As it is stronger, it doesn't scratch as easily and won't require frequent polishing. However, the rhodium wears off and will need replating.

ROSE GOLD