Engagement Rings Gold- For couples who want a more traditional wedding, gold engagement rings are the ring of choice. Gold is a highly malleable metal. If left pure, gold would be too soft for jewelry. To add strength and durability to the gold, alloys such as copper, zinc, and nickel are added.

There are two criteria that determines the value of gold jewelry: 1. How many different metal alloys are mixed; 2. How much pure gold versus alloy metals are in the jewelry. The more alloys and higher amounts results in a lower quality gold engagement ring. A way to determine the value of your gold jewelry is check the karate. Pure gold is 24K (popular in Asia) while alloyed gold ranges from 22k (India), 18K (Designer Jewelry), 14K (Standard), 10K (Minimum amount allowed in U.S.), 9K (UK Standard), 8K (Minimum in Germany). In most countries, law requires that all gold is clearly stamped.

Engagement Rings Silver- Gold and platinum jewelry can be very expensive. A popular alternative among young people and those on a budget are silver engagement rings. Silver has been around for centuries. It has been shaped into flatware and rings, armor and necklaces.

Of all precious metals, silver is the most reflective and can be shined to near mirror quality. As with gold, fine silver is too soft in its natural state and must be combined with alloys to increase strength. The most popular concentration of silver is 92.5% mixed with 7.5% other metal alloys (nickel, palladium, zinc). Silver jewelry items are required by law to exhibit a clear stamp. However, beware of silver knock-offs. Some manufacturers sell nickel engagement rings that are coated with a thin layer of silver in hopes to pass them off as the legitimate item. Know what you are buying and do research beforehand before making any large purchases.