What is Platinum?

Platinum is our most popular metal for engagement rings and wedding bands. Its naturally white sheen never fades or changes color, accentuating the sparkle and brilliance of a diamond. Platinum's durability and timeless beauty make it the ultimate symbol of true, enduring, and everlasting love.

Density and Durability

Platinum is incredibly durable, making it the most secure setting for your diamond or precious gemstone. Our platinum rings feature platinum prongs for setting loose diamonds. As a naturally white metal, platinum doesn't require re-plating, ensuring it always retains its stunning beauty.

Platinum's Patina

Though platinum is the strongest of jewelry metals, it can develop a patina of wear over time. This unique characteristic is often desirable, adding a distinctive charm to the piece. If you prefer the pre-patina shine, simply buff it with a soft cloth to restore its reflective luster.

Purity of Platinum

Platinum jewelry is rare—30 times more so than gold. Our platinum is 95% pure, blended with 5% iridium, palladium, ruthenium, and other alloys. This high purity makes platinum naturally hypoallergenic, perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Buyer's Tips

When selecting a setting for a diamond, we recommend using a platinum head. Platinum's cool white sheen beautifully accentuates the sparkle and brilliance of a diamond, and its strength holds the gem securely.

How to Maintain Platinum's Luster

Maintaining platinum's luster is simple. Soak your platinum jewelry in a mild solution of warm soapy water, then gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush.

What Is Gold?

Gold has captivated people for centuries, from the elaborate adornments of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun to today's modern style influencers. It's no surprise that ancient cultures worldwide forged gold into jewelry and structures to signify status and wealth. Today, gold remains a beloved choice for engagement rings, necklaces, chains, earrings, and other fine jewelry.

Brief Gold History

Gold's allure has spanned millennia, mentioned throughout history and associated with civilizations like the Incas, Ancient Egyptians, and Sumerians, who wore earrings dating back to 2600-2500 BC. From the Greeks to the recently discovered Bulgarian gold jewelry dating to 4600 BC, gold has always symbolized wealth and prestige.

In more recent history, the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, ignited by James W. Marshall's discovery, continued gold's rich legacy. Today, gold remains a dominant metal in jewelry trends.

Gold's rarity and enduring value also make it a popular investment. Historically, countries like Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Japan, Great Britain, and the United States used the gold standard, tying currency to a set amount of gold. Although no longer in use, this system underscores gold's significant financial value. Today, gold's price fluctuates based on weight, and many investors purchase solid gold as a secure investment. In jewelry, 14K and 18K gold remain valued for their durability, style, and quality.

Gold Jewelry Purity

Gold's malleability makes it perfect for intricate designs and resistant to rust, tarnish, and corrosion. Pure gold is too soft for everyday wear, so it is alloyed with silver, copper, and a trace of zinc for added strength and durability, ensuring longevity.

Karat indicates the purity of gold, expressed in 24ths. 24k gold is the highest purity with a rich yellow color, but it's too soft for daily wear. Look for a number followed by "k" stamped on your jewelry to determine its karat.

At Alloy Custom Jewelers, we offer yellow, white, and rose gold in 14k and 18k. These are real, solid gold jewels without a base metal or gold plating, making them suitable for everyday wear.

Gold Hallmarks

Gold jewelry is stamped with a hallmark indicating its pure gold content, date of completion, and country of origin. Under federal law, gold jewelry must include a maker's mark or registered trademark.

Real gold jewelry will have a number followed by "k" indicating its fineness. Symbols like "GF" and "KP" denote gold-plated or filled pieces.

The Color Of Gold

While pure gold is yellow, alloying it with other metals results in different shades. Factors influencing gold color include the type and percentage of metal alloys used. Alloy Custom Jewelers offers gold in three colors: yellow, white, and rose, each valued for its unique beauty and durability.

What Is Yellow Gold?

Yellow gold combines silver, copper, pure gold, and a trace of zinc. The mix starts with 75% pure gold for 18k and 58.3% for 14k gold, resulting in a classic warm glow. Yellow gold is ideal for lower diamond color grades with a faint yellow tint. While 18k is softer and shows scratches more readily, 14k is harder and more resistant to scratches.

What Is White Gold?

White gold is yellow gold alloyed with nickel, palladium, and silver, then plated with rhodium for a silvery-white color. Occasional replating may be needed to maintain its whiteness. White gold is an affordable alternative to platinum and remains popular for its vintage and modern appeal.

What Is Rose Gold?

Rose gold, often called pink gold, is alloyed with copper to create its signature hue. The more copper, the rosier the color. Rose gold shares the same gold content as yellow or white gold, differing only in alloy ratios. Its romantic pink tones make it a popular choice for engagement rings and have seen a resurgence in recent years.

What Type Of Gold Does Alloy Custom Jewelers Use For Ring Heads?

For yellow and rose gold settings, we use platinum or white gold heads to secure center diamonds. Our 14k white gold designs use 14k white gold ring heads for strength and durability, offering a similar look to platinum at a more affordable price.

How Is The Price Of Gold Determined?

Gold prices fluctuate daily, influenced by purity (karat), weight, market value, and craftsmanship. Higher purity and intricate designs generally increase the price.

Gold Karat Chart

• 24 karat: 100% gold
• 22 karat: 91.7% gold (too soft for fine jewelry)
• 18 karat: 75.0% gold (luxury jewelry)
• 14 karat: 58.3% gold (ideal for fine jewelry)
• 10 karat: 41.7% gold (not available at Alloy Custom Jewelers)

14k Vs 18k Gold: What Karat Is Best?

Choosing between 14k and 18k gold depends on personal preference and budget. Both are durable and suitable for frequent wear. 14k gold offers a balance of durability and price, while 18k gold provides a luxurious appeal but is slightly softer.

Does Gold Tarnish?

Gold jewelry can tarnish over time, especially lower karat pieces. Proper care and cleaning can maintain its shine. Avoid exposing gold to corrosive chemicals, chlorine, lotions, soaps, or household cleaners.

Gold Jewelry Care Tips

Remove gold jewelry when engaging in potentially damaging activities. Clean gold jewelry with warm water, detergent-free soap, and a soft-bristled brush. Store pieces in soft cloth bags or original boxes to prevent scratches.

Gold Facts

• Fool's Gold: Pyrite resembles gold but breaks rather than bends.
• King Tut's Gold Tomb: Ancient Egyptians adorned their pyramids with gold, including a 240-pound gold sarcophagus for Tutankhamun.
• Global Fineness Trend Differences: Different regions prefer various gold karat weights.
• Seeing Gold in Space: NASA uses gold for its protective properties in space applications.
• The Gold So Far: USGS estimates 244,000 metric tons of gold have been discovered, primarily in China, Australia, and South Africa.
• Gold Flakes on Food: Edible gold flakes are featured in luxury dishes.

Explore All Gold Jewelry

Discover our range of gold jewelry crafted in 18k and 14k gold. Our 18k gold is 75% pure, and our 14k gold is 58.3% pure, with alloys for added strength. Choose the karat and color that best fit your style and budget.

What Is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is the most common alloy found in jewelry, consisting of at least 92.5% pure silver. The remaining 7.5% is typically copper, which complements silver's color beautifully. Known as 925, sterling silver is a high-quality alloy that creates stunning pieces for any occasion.

History And Hallmarks

Sterling silver has been used for jewelry and currency since around the 12th century. Silver coins from that era, called "Easterlings" in cattle markets, eventually became known as "Sterling," symbolizing the highest grade of silver. Referred to as “the metal of the moon” due to its milky white and greyish hue, sterling silver is commonly stamped with a hallmark indicating its pure silver content, completion date, and country of origin. Under federal law, it must also have a maker's mark or registered trademark. Acceptable quality marks for sterling silver include:

• Sterling
• Sterling silver
• Ster
• 0.925

Common Uses For Sterling Silver In Jewelry

Sterling Silver Necklaces
Sterling silver's lightweight and durable properties make it a popular choice for necklaces.

Sterling Silver Earrings
Lightweight and comfortable, sterling silver earrings come in various styles like studs, dangles, and hoops, often featuring gemstones and pearls for added elegance.

Other Types Of Sterling Silver Jewelry

• Bracelets
• Chains
• Men's Accessories

Caring For Sterling Silver Jewelry

With proper care, sterling silver jewelry can last a lifetime. Store your pieces in a cloth pouch or a separate compartment in your jewelry box to avoid scratches and damage. Avoid exposure to household chemicals like bleach and ammonia, and remove your jewelry before swimming in chlorinated water.

Clean Your Silver Jewelry Regularly
To prevent tarnish buildup, clean your silver jewelry regularly using a soft cloth and a polish formulated to remove tarnish. You can find suitable polishes, solutions, or cloths at hardware or specialty craft stores. Regular wear and cleanings help maintain your silver's brightness and sparkle.

Sterling Silver At Alloy Custom Jewelers

All our silver jewelry is crafted from beautiful sterling silver, offering high-quality pieces for any occasion.

Sterling Silver Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between sterling silver and pure silver?
Sterling silver contains at least 92.5% silver, while pure silver is 99.9% pure. Pure silver is very soft and typically used in manufacturing, whereas sterling silver, strengthened with additional alloys, is ideal for jewelry.

Is pure silver good for jewelry?
Pure silver is too soft for frequent wear and requires extra care. Sterling silver, on the other hand, is perfect for necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings due to its durability and ease of maintenance.

Is sterling silver valuable?
Yes, sterling silver is a valuable precious metal found in jewelry, housewares, and decor. The small amount of copper in sterling silver has little effect on its value. Instead, the value is influenced by the craftsmanship and design intricacy. Often, sterling silver jewelry is plated with rhodium for a bright white finish that is more resistant to scratching.

Does sterling silver tarnish?
Yes, 925 sterling silver can tarnish when exposed to certain chemicals, high humidity, or sulfur. Tarnish can be easily removed with a jewelry polishing cloth. For heavily tarnished pieces, jewelers can restore the original shine.

Explore Our Sterling Silver Collection

Discover our stunning collection of sterling silver jewelry, crafted with precision and care to suit any style and occasion.

The cut of a diamond refers to how well it has been shaped and faceted. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, creating maximum sparkle and brilliance. The quality of the cut affects the diamond's overall appearance and value. Cut grades range from Excellent to Poor.

Diamonds come in a variety of colors, but the most prized diamonds are those with the least color. The color grading scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds are the rarest and most valuable.

Clarity measures the presence of internal or external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes. The fewer imperfections a diamond has, the higher its clarity grade. Clarity grades range from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye).

Carat weight refers to the size of the diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable, but carat weight alone does not determine a diamond's quality. A well-cut diamond can appear larger than its carat weight suggests.

When selecting a diamond, consider the 4Cs and how they fit your preferences and budget. Each of these characteristics plays a crucial role in determining the diamond's overall beauty and value. Whether you prioritize size, clarity, or color, understanding the 4Cs will help you make an informed decision.

When choosing a diamond, one important decision is whether to select a lab-grown or a natural diamond. Both types have unique characteristics, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technological processes that replicate the natural diamond formation. These diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.

Advantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds

• Cost-Effective: Lab-grown diamonds are typically 20-40% less expensive than their natural counterparts.
• Ethically Sourced: Since they are created in a lab, there are no ethical concerns regarding mining practices.
• Environmentally Friendly: Producing lab-grown diamonds has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional diamond mining.
• Quality and Variety: Lab-grown diamonds offer a wide range of high-quality options, often with fewer inclusions and better color grades.

Certification

Lab-grown diamonds are graded and certified using the same standards as natural diamonds, ensuring transparency and trust in their quality.

Natural Diamonds

What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle. Each natural diamond is unique, with its own set of characteristics and history.

Advantages of Natural Diamonds

• Rarity and Value: Natural diamonds are rare and often hold significant value, both financially and sentimentally.
• Tradition: Many people prefer natural diamonds due to their long-standing tradition and the unique journey each stone has undergone.
• Investment: Natural diamonds can be a good investment, often retaining or increasing in value over time.

Certification
Natural diamonds are graded by reputable gemological laboratories, providing detailed information about their 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight).

Choosing Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds

When deciding between lab-grown and natural diamonds, consider the following factors:

• Budget: Lab-grown diamonds offer a cost-effective option without compromising on quality.
• Ethics and Sustainability: Lab-grown diamonds are an excellent choice for those concerned about ethical sourcing and environmental impact.
• Sentiment and Tradition: Natural diamonds carry a sense of history and rarity that many find appealing.

Both lab-grown and natural diamonds are beautiful and durable, making them perfect choices for any piece of jewelry. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a diamond. Explore our collection to find the diamond that best suits your needs and desires.

What Is A Diamond Shape?

The shape of a diamond refers to its geometric outline and overall physical form. Each diamond shape has unique attributes and cut specifications that significantly impact the stone’s overall appearance and appeal.

What Is The Best Diamond Shape?

The round diamond is a bestseller, renowned for its unrivaled sparkle and brilliance. It looks stunning in various settings and is flattering on many different hand and finger shapes. Non-round fancy-shaped diamonds, such as princess, emerald, pear, and Asscher, offer beautiful style options and often cost less than round diamonds of the same carat weight, allowing you to maximize your budget. Ultimately, the best diamond shape is the one you fall in love with and enjoy every day.

FIND YOUR DIAMOND

Are Diamond Shape And Diamond Cut Interchangeable?

Technically, no. Conversationally, yes. While shape refers to the outline of a diamond, cut describes the facets, proportions, dimensions, and reflective qualities that make a diamond sparkle. However, it's common for customers and jewelers to use the terms interchangeably.

What Is The Length-To-Width Ratio Of A Diamond, And Why Does It Matter?

The length-to-width ratio indicates the dimensions of a diamond that are considered most aesthetically pleasing for each shape. You can filter diamonds by length-to-width ratio in our diamond search, or find this ratio listed under diamond characteristics on our product pages. Preferred length-to-width ratios vary by diamond shape.

The Relationship Between Diamond Shape And Diamond Color

Certain diamond shapes mask color better than others due to how they interact with light. For instance, round brilliant diamonds reflect more light, masking more color.

The Relationship Between Diamond Shape And Clarity

Some fancy-shaped diamonds require higher clarity grades to enhance their brilliance or hide inclusions. Understanding how shape impacts clarity can help you make an informed decision.

How Diamond Shape Affects Price

Shape is a crucial factor in determining a diamond’s price. Round diamonds tend to be more expensive due to their brilliance, market demand, and higher manufacturing costs. Non-round diamonds, or fancy shapes, often offer nine beautiful options: princess, emerald, Asscher, cushion, marquise, radiant, oval, pear, and heart.

Popular Diamond Ring Shapes

Round Brilliant Diamond
For nearly a century, diamond cutters have optimized the fire and brilliance of round diamonds using advanced theories of light behavior and precise mathematical calculations. Round diamonds offer flexibility in balancing cut, color, and clarity grades while delivering exceptional sparkle. For maximum brilliance, we recommend an Ideal cut with Excellent polish and symmetry.

Princess-Cut Diamond
The princess cut, boasts beautiful brilliance and a unique cut, making it a favorite for engagement rings. Its pointed corners create a square or rectangular shape. Since princess cuts can show slight color in their corners, you might want to budget for a higher color grade.

Emerald-Cut Diamond
The emerald cut features rectangular facets on its pavilion, creating a unique optical appearance. Its large open table and step-cut pavilion highlight a diamond’s clarity. If you choose a lower clarity grade, review the clarity plot on the diamond certificate to assess the visibility of inclusions. For a squared outline, consider Asscher-cut diamonds.

Asscher-Cut Diamond
Similar to the emerald cut, the Asscher cut has rectangular facets and a square shape. When choosing a lower clarity grade, review the clarity plot on the diamond certificate. This shape may show slight color in its corners, so consider a higher color grade.

Marquise-Cut Diamond
The marquise shape maximizes carat weight, making the diamond appear larger. Its brilliant cut looks beautiful with round or pear-shaped side stones and is flattering to fingers.

Oval-Cut Diamond
Oval diamonds have a brilliance similar to round diamonds and are popular for their length, which accentuates long, slender fingers.

Radiant-Cut Diamond
Radiant-cut diamonds feature trimmed corners and are versatile in jewelry settings. This shape can vary in its degree of rectangularity.

Pear-Shaped Diamond
Also known as teardrop, the pear shape has a single point and rounded end. Its unique look is popular for various jewelry types. An elongated pear shape creates a slimming effect on the fingers.

Heart-Shaped Diamond
The heart shape symbolizes love and is a distinctive choice for various jewelry types. This shape may show slight color in its point, so consider a higher color grade.

Cushion-Cut Diamond
Popular for over a century, cushion-cut diamonds have rounded corners and larger facets for increased brilliance. These facets can show inclusions more easily, so review the clarity plot if choosing a lower clarity grade. Cushion shapes range from square to rectangular.

What Is The Bow-Tie Effect And Which Diamond Shapes Does It Affect?

Certain fancy-shaped diamonds can display a shadow or dark area horizontally through the center, resembling a ‘bow tie.’ This effect is common in oval, marquise, pear, and sometimes heart shapes. While skilled cutters can minimize the bow-tie effect, it’s important to balance the realities of economics to cut the largest, nicest diamond from the rough crystal.

Colored Diamonds

Only one in every 10,000 diamonds possesses natural color, making colored diamonds exceptionally rare and sought after for their vibrant hues. When purchasing a colored diamond, the primary focus is on the intensity and distribution of the diamond's color, rather than traditional criteria like cut proportions and clarity. Here's a guide to help you understand colored diamonds and find the perfect one for you.

Color

Color intensity, or the depth and richness of the color, is the most crucial factor when selecting a colored diamond. The more intense the color, the rarer and more valuable the diamond. Our colored diamonds possess natural color and are never treated with artificial coloring techniques such as dyeing or irradiation.

Carat

After color grade, carat weight significantly impacts the price of colored diamonds. Large colored diamonds are much rarer than smaller ones, leading to a steep increase in price with carat weight. Understanding carat weight will help you make an informed decision.

Clarity

Clarity is less critical for colored diamonds compared to their colorless counterparts because the diamond's color often masks inclusions. This makes clarity a secondary consideration when choosing a colored diamond.

Cut

Colored diamonds are cut primarily to emphasize their color, unlike colorless diamonds, which are cut to maximize sparkle and brilliance. The cut enhances the natural color of the diamond, making color the most important characteristic considered during cutting.

Shape

While the cut describes a diamond's light performance and finish, shape refers to the diamond's overall outline when viewed from the top (e.g., round, princess, or marquise). Colored diamonds are often cut into non-traditional shapes to enhance their natural color. Due to their rarity, finding a specific shape in a specific color may be challenging at times.

Certification

All our colored diamonds are independently analyzed and graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), one of the most respected laboratories in the diamond industry. Each diamond comes with a colored diamond identification and origin report, detailing its specifications and ensuring its natural origin.

Setting Colored Diamonds

Choosing the right setting material is essential to enhance the natural color of your diamond. For example, yellow diamonds often look best in yellow gold, while pink diamonds are beautifully complemented by rose gold settings. For personalized advice on the best setting for your colored diamond, consult our diamond and jewelry experts.

Shopping for Engagement and Wedding Rings

Shopping for engagement and wedding rings shouldn't be a mystery. At Alloy Custom Jewelers, we strive to simplify the buying process, empower and educate our customers, and ultimately help them make a purchase they will cherish for a lifetime. Here’s everything you need to know to find the perfect rings for you.

Simplifying the Buying Process

We believe that choosing the perfect engagement and wedding rings should be an enjoyable and straightforward experience. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through every step, ensuring you have all the information and support you need.

Empowering and Educating

Our goal is to empower you with knowledge so you can make an informed decision. We provide comprehensive education on various aspects of rings, including diamond characteristics, metal types, and design options. With this knowledge, you can confidently select a ring that truly represents your unique style and love story.

Finding the Right Rings

With a wide range of stunning designs and customization options, finding the right engagement and wedding rings has never been easier. Whether you prefer classic solitaires, vintage-inspired settings, or modern designs, we have something to suit every taste and budget.

Explore our collection and learn all you need to know to make a choice that you'll cherish forever. Let us help you find rings that symbolize your love and commitment in the most beautiful way.

Shopping for engagement and wedding rings shouldn't be a mystery. We strive to simplify the buying process, empower and educate our customers, and help them make a purchase they will cherish for a lifetime. Here's everything you need to know to find the perfect symbol of your love.

Wedding Rings Guide

If you're wondering how to buy a wedding ring, you've come to the right place. Our experts will answer your most pressing questions, explain the meaning of a wedding ring, help you choose the right metal for your wedding band, and offer tips on designing your wedding set with matching or unique pairings.

What Does A Wedding Ring Symbolize?

A wedding ring is a symbol of love and fidelity between you and your partner. It signifies to the world that you're in a committed relationship and celebrates the vows you exchange on your wedding day. While an engagement ring symbolizes the promise of marriage, the wedding ring makes the marriage official.

Diamond Wedding Rings

Many people wonder if a wedding ring should have diamonds. While diamond-studded bands are popular, many beautiful wedding rings for both women and men are simple metal bands.

The Difference Between A Wedding Ring And Wedding Band

A wedding ring (or wedding band) is exchanged during the wedding ceremony. The terms are used interchangeably and mean the same thing.

Wedding Rings For Women

Women's wedding rings range from simple metal bands to elaborate styles like diamond eternity rings. Popular designs include classic platinum bands, micropavé diamonds, French pavé diamond eternity rings in yellow and rose gold, and vintage-inspired styles with milgrain and fancy-shaped diamonds.

Combining Your Engagement Ring And Wedding Ring

Traditionally, the wedding ring is worn on the finger next to the pinky on the left hand, a custom originating from the ancient Greek belief that this finger was connected to the heart by a vein of love. Many women move their engagement ring to their right hand during the ceremony and then wear it back on the left hand after the wedding, placing the wedding ring closest to the heart. More couples are now shopping for engagement rings together, considering how their engagement and wedding rings will complement each other stylistically and symbolically.

Wedding Rings For Men

Men's wedding ring options are expanding beyond classic unadorned bands. Today, you can find designs in durable metals like cobalt, tantalum, titanium, and tungsten, as well as bands with channel-set diamonds, diamond pavé, and engravable styles.

EXPLORE MEN'S WEDDING RINGS

What Are Wedding Ring Sets?

A wedding ring set includes an engagement ring plus matching his-and-her bands. A wedding set includes both the bride's and groom's rings, while a bridal set includes only the bride's rings.

Popular Metals Used In Wedding Rings

Our wedding rings span from timeless plain-metal styles to elaborate designs with diamonds or other gemstones. Popular metals include platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Platinum is 95% pure, hypoallergenic, and durable but more expensive. White gold offers a platinum-like look at a lower price. Our yellow, white, and rose gold bands are available in 14k or 18k options, as pure 24k gold is too soft for wedding rings.

Finding Your Ring Size

We offer tools and tips for measuring your ring size. You can use our printable guide and a ring you already own or order a free ring sizer for the most accurate measurement.

We are here to help you find the perfect rings that symbolize your love and commitment. Explore our collections and let us guide you in making a choice that you will cherish forever.

Choosing the perfect wedding ring is a meaningful part of your journey. Whether you prefer a simple classic band or a sparkling diamond design, there are many beautiful options to consider.

Diamond Wedding Bands

Our collection of diamond wedding rings spans an array of timeless styles, from petite micropavé in white gold to channel-set diamonds in platinum bands. These rings add a touch of sparkle and elegance to your wedding day.

Eternity Wedding Bands

Eternity wedding bands feature an endless row of perfectly-matched diamonds or colored gemstones set in platinum, 18k, or 14k yellow gold. These bands symbolize everlasting love and commitment.

Classic Wedding Bands

Classic wedding bands focus on simplicity and elegance. These timeless designs often feature unadorned metal bands crafted in popular precious metals like gold and platinum.

Gold Wedding Bands

• Yellow Gold: Known for its rich glow, yellow gold is hypoallergenic and resistant to rust, tarnish, and corrosion. It is available in 14k and 18k options, with 14k being slightly harder and more resistant to scratching.
• White Gold: Offers a platinum-like appearance at a lower cost. White gold is mixed with nickel and silver and plated with rhodium for enhanced durability. Occasional replating may be required to maintain its brilliance.
• Rose Gold: Rose gold's romantic pink hue is created by using a copper alloy. It offers a unique and modern-vintage appeal. Rose gold is more durable than yellow gold but can cause skin discoloration or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Platinum Wedding Bands

Platinum is a noble metal, naturally white, and highly durable. It develops a lovely patina over time that can be buffed to restore its shine. Platinum wedding rings are a perfect symbol of enduring love.

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Bands

Vintage-inspired bands offer a contemporary take on old-world charm, featuring fancy-shaped diamonds and beautiful milgrain details. These rings evoke the look of family heirlooms or celebrity styles from the past.

Curved Wedding Bands

Curved wedding bands are designed to contour around an engagement ring, complementing its shape. Popular designs often include sparkling diamond pavé.

Gemstone Wedding Bands

For those who love a bold pop of color, gemstone wedding bands are an excellent choice. Options include diamond and gemstone eternity bands, curved bands with hidden gemstone accents, and various designs featuring fancy gemstone shapes.

• Sapphire Wedding Bands: Sapphires, known for their velvety-blue hue, also come in a range of colors. They are prized for their beauty and durability, making them ideal for everyday wear.
• Ruby Wedding Bands: Rubies, with their fiery crimson hue, symbolize romance and vitality. Like sapphires, rubies are hard and durable.
• Emerald Wedding Bands: Emeralds are prized for their definitive green hue and association with Venus, the goddess of love. High-quality emeralds have a lush, saturated color.

Infinity Wedding Bands

Infinity wedding bands feature intertwining strands, incorporating the infinity sign to signify an infinite relationship. Many designs include diamond pavé for added sparkle.

Stackable Wedding Bands

Creating a personal wedding ring stack goes beyond the classic engagement ring and wedding band pairing. Popular combinations include adding a third band to bookend the engagement ring or multiple skinny bands for added bling.

Five-Stone Wedding Bands

Five-stone wedding bands showcase a lineup of your favorite diamonds, often used to celebrate milestones like a fifth anniversary. These bands are stunning and can feature fancy-shaped diamonds.

Choosing the Right Wedding Ring

Selecting the perfect wedding ring involves considering the metal, style, and personal preferences. Whether you opt for traditional metals like gold and platinum or explore alternative options, finding a ring that symbolizes your love and commitment is essential. Explore various styles, metals, and designs to find the ring that perfectly represents your unique journey together.

Wedding Rings: A Symbol of Lifelong Commitment

Choosing a wedding ring is a significant decision, representing a lifelong commitment. Today, men have more options than ever, with various metals and styles that cater to different tastes and lifestyles.

Popular Metals for Men's Wedding Bands

Gold Wedding Bands:
Gold rings are available in yellow, white, and rose gold. Gold is hypoallergenic, rust-resistant, and easy to resize. To maintain a gold ring, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and clean it with warm water, detergent-free soap, and a soft brush.

Platinum Wedding Bands:
Platinum rings are prized for their durability and rarity. Platinum is hypoallergenic and can be resized. It develops a patina over time, which can be polished to restore its shine. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush.

Alternative Metals for Men's Wedding Bands

Titanium:
Titanium rings are lightweight, strong, and hypoallergenic. However, they cannot be resized and may show scratches over time.

Tungsten:
Tungsten rings are extremely hard and scratch-resistant, but they can crack under impact and cannot be resized.

Cobalt:
Cobalt rings are durable and have a similar appearance to white gold. They are more resizable than titanium or tungsten but not as easily adjusted as gold or platinum.

Tantalum:
Tantalum is durable with a unique blue-grey color. It can be resized more easily than titanium and tungsten but not as much as gold or platinum.

Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel rings are affordable and modern but less durable than gold or platinum and harder to resize.

Men's Diamond Wedding Bands

Men's diamond rings come in various styles, including channel-set and diamond eternity bands. Consider matching metal colors or diamond shapes with your partner's ring.

Cost of Men's Wedding Rings

The average price of a men's wedding band in the U.S. is $600. Prices vary based on metal and design, ranging from $160 for a simple band to in excess of $2,000 for a platinum band with diamonds.

Wedding Ring Sets for Him and Her

Coordinate your rings with your partner's by choosing a wedding ring set that includes matching design elements.

Comfort Fit Men's Wedding Rings

Comfort fit rings have a rounded interior, reducing pressure on the finger and making them easier to slide over the knuckles.

Choosing the Right Metal for Your Wedding Band

While alternative metals offer unique styles, gold and platinum remain top choices for their longevity and timeless appeal. Gold is easy to resize and valuable, while platinum is durable and resistant to tarnish.

Finding the perfect wedding ring is an important part of your journey together. Explore various styles, metals, and designs to find a ring that symbolizes your unique love and commitment.

Request a Free Ring Sizing Guide Here

Welcome to the ultimate guide for custom engagement rings, featuring everything you need to know to maximize sparkle—and your budget.

What Does an Engagement Ring Symbolize?

An engagement ring symbolizes a proposal of marriage. It’s a tangible sign of love and commitment, indicating that the person presenting the ring wants to make the relationship official. Traditionally, an engagement ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand in Western cultures, but some cultures wear it on the right hand. Choose what feels right for you.

The Difference Between an Engagement Ring and a Wedding Ring

An engagement ring is presented during a marriage proposal, while a wedding ring is exchanged during the wedding ceremony. Engagement rings are often more ornate, while wedding rings are simpler. Some couples choose matching bands or stacking rings to complement the engagement ring.

How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?

The old adage of spending three months’ salary on an engagement ring is outdated. The average engagement ring cost in the United States is $5,900, but what matters most is your personal budget and priorities. There are beautiful options available for every budget, from $1,000 to $10,000 and beyond.

Popular Metals Used in Engagement Rings

• Platinum: Durable, hypoallergenic, and naturally white. It develops a lovely patina over time.
• White Gold: Offers a platinum-like appearance at a lower cost. Requires occasional replating.
• Rose Gold: Romantic pink hue created by copper alloy. Popular for vintage-inspired styles.
• Yellow Gold: Classic choice with a warm glow, available in 14k and 18k options.

Popular Engagement Ring Settings and Styles

• Prong-Style Settings: Classic style that holds the diamond securely.
• Bezel Settings: Surrounds the diamond for a modern look.
• Channel-Set Styles: Stones set into the band for added sparkle.

Choosing the Right Diamond

Understanding the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) is essential. The most important C is cut, as it affects the diamond’s sparkle. The best seller is a single center stone averaging slightly under 1.0 carat. Fancy-shaped diamonds, such as pear, oval, and emerald, offer unique designs and can be more cost-effective.

Customizing Your Engagement Ring

Design a ring that reflects your unique style. From choosing the perfect setting to selecting the ideal diamond, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece. Our expert artisans ensure every ring is handcrafted to perfection.

Finding Your Ring Size

Measure your ring size using our printable guide and a ring you already own, or order our free ring sizer for the most accurate measurement.

Start Your Journey

Ready to find your perfect ring? Explore settings and diamonds to create a custom engagement ring that symbolizes your love and commitment.

A treasure born from rivers, lakes, and seas, pearls form in the bodies of certain mollusks when an irritant like sand enters their shell. Over time, the mollusk coats the irritant with layers of protein, called nacre, to create a beautiful, lustrous jewel.

Natural Pearls: Form entirely without human intervention, making them incredibly rare and considerably more valuable than cultured pearls.

Cultured Pearls: Technicians help the process by inserting a man-made irritant to stimulate the creation of nacre. These pearls are more affordable and as beautiful as natural pearls. Most pearls on the market today are cultured.

Size:

Pearls range from 5 to 16mm, with Freshwater pearls usually being the smallest and South Sea pearls the largest.

Shape:

Perfectly round pearls are the rarest. Semi-round and baroque pearls are also popular for pendants and earrings.

Color:

Pearls come in a variety of colors. Hold different colors against your skin to find the one that brings out subtle secondary tones.

Luster:

Look for your reflection in the pearl; a quality luster with many layers of nacre will reflect your face back at you.

Surface:

Smooth surfaces are prized, but even the most valuable pearls may have blemishes, reflecting their natural growth process.

Freshwater Pearls: Smaller, with a wide range of natural colors including white, cream, and pink. Perfect for delicate pieces like earrings and cluster jewelry.

Akoya Pearls: Round and symmetrical, Akoya pearls are known for their lustrous glow and rich white hue. Ideal for strands and earring sets.

South Sea Pearls: The rarest cultivated pearls, known for their large size and smooth surface. Their high luster makes them perfect for statement pieces.

Tahitian Pearls: Naturally colored black pearls with shades varying from dark gray to true black, often with green or purple overtones. Ideal for center-stage pieces like strands, bracelets, and earrings.

Last on, First Off: Protect them from body care products by putting them on last and taking them off first.

Careful Cleaning: Wipe your pearls clean with a soft cloth after wearing them and deep clean periodically with mild soap and water.

Gentle Storage: Store your pearls inside a soft cloth bag to protect against scratches.

Service Regularly: Take advantage of free cleaning and repair services for all pearl and gemstone jewelry.