Should Men's Engagement Rings Be Gold or Platinum?

It’s not just the ladies who are on the receiving end of marriage proposals, so it makes sense that more couples are shopping for engagement rings for men (affectionately called “mangagement” rings). This can be a plain band that is complimented by the wedding band, or it can be a brilliant diamond ensemble.

There are as many styles of Mangagement™ rings as there are men who wear them, but one thing that can always make or break a nice ring is the type of metal in the setting.

Metal Styling Options

The two most commonly used metals in engagement rings for both him and her are gold and platinum. Both types of metals have pros and cons, so it helps to have an idea of what you are looking for and what factors might affect the wearing of the ring. Does the wearer work with his hands, or sit at a desk? Is he flashy and fabulous, or muted and low-key? Most importantly, how much does the couple have budgeted for a ring? In addition to general concerns, there are a few other things to consider when getting a men’s engagement ring in gold or platinum.

Metal Color

Platinum comes in a silvery gray color, while gold can come in a variety of colors, depending on what metals are mixed in with the gold to solidify it. Gold is a very soft metal, so a ring that is advertised as gold is actually only 70-75% gold, with the rest being a combination of stronger alloys so that it stays hard enough to hold its shape and set a gem. Generally, gold has a yellow color to it, but some alloys can be mixed in to make it pinkish (rose gold) or coated on top to make it silver (white gold). The color you want is dependent on personal preference, but if there are diamonds or other gems on the ring, it will help to consider what the ring’s color might do to their appearance.

Metal Cost

Your budget is going to play a big role in deciding which type of ring to get; the groom’s habits or even ring size might also play a role in budgeting for the ring. Platinum is a rarer metal and is sold by weight, so a larger ring is going to weigh more and thus be more expensive than a smaller ring. Again, consider the groom’s habits: where is he going to wear it? Is it going to get scratched or even lost? A platinum band can withstand the scratches, but a men’s engagement ring in gold may be more easily replaced, if need be.

Metal Allergies

A major thing to consider is whether or not the groom is allergic to the metal. As noted, gold is often mixed with other alloys to strengthen its composition, so ensuring that there are no allergens in it beforehand is an important step in buying a men’s gold engagement ring. Platinum is non-allergenic, removing all doubts, but can be pricier and only comes in its natural color. Checking with the jeweler or even ordering a gold ring with non-allergenic alloys is a consideration that many overlook until the ring is causing a rash.

The proposal is a momentous occasion, and there are a lot of important things to consider when buying the ring to mark it. We all want the perfect ring to celebrate this important milestone, so it pays to explore your options beforehand and know what you want. Whether your man’s engagement ring is gold or platinum, the love it stands for is what’s really important!