Engagement Rings

Germany Report 2026

Why Does White Gold Discolor?

In our stores, we're frequently asked why white gold turns yellowish. Using our ring sample alloys, we can easily show our customers the difference right there on the spot. That's more difficult in our online shop, so we've compiled everything important for you in this article to help you become an precious metal expert. What Color Is White Gold? White gold is always slightly warm yellowish-gray. There is no white gold in nature. White gold is rather a mixed alloy made from gold, silver, and palladium, which is produced in jewelry manufacturing. The bright palladium acts as a decolorizing agent and removes the yellow-gold color from the alloy. White gold is therefore not entirely chrome-colored and shiny, as the rings appear at first glance when you pick them up from the jeweler. So where does the color difference come from? The jewelry industry additionally refines the white gold material so that the ring has a more chrome-colored shine and thus appears even more valuable. Figure 1: White gold engagement ring already with worn coating (rhodium plating almost completely faded) Important: However, this refinement is only a galvanic coating and has a short lifespan! After wearing the ring for 3 to 6 months, most rings have lost the coating on the underside. Even with great care, this coating will fade over time. As the wearer, you cannot change this. Alarmed customers tell us in this context that "my white gold ring is now spotty or the white gold is peeling off, discoloring, or tarnishing". But that's simply not true. After months, the actual color emerges. The yellowish warm white gold! Figure 2: White gold ring with coating and without coating (rhodium plated) If you don't like the color of white gold, you should not buy a white gold ring. You should switch to platinum: The advantage of platinum is that this metal is not yellowish but already bright and shiny. Platinum rings do not need additional coating. Which White Gold Is More Yellowish: 14kt or 18kt White Gold? The lower the gold content, the more yellowish the ring. This means a 333 white gold ring (8kt) is more yellowish than 14kt (585 alloy) or 18kt (750 alloy) white gold Black Spots on White Gold Rings? White gold rings with low alloy content such as 8kt or 9kt (333 or 375) can develop black spots. Why is that? A white gold ring with low gold alloy contains a high silver content. Silver can oxidize over time and unfortunately turn black. 5 Facts About White Gold » White gold is always yellowish-gray » It can additionally be refined with rhodium, which gives it its bright grayish shine » 9kt white gold is more yellowish than 14kt or 18kt white gold » White gold with low alloys such as 8 or 9kt have a high silver content and can oxidize black What Does It Cost to Re-Rhodium Plate a Ring? When refreshing a ring, the entire old rhodium plating must first be laboriously removed before the ring can be re-rhodium plated. Additionally, the ring must be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath before it can be re-coated (rhodium plated). As a rule, costs range between €25 and €85, depending on the weight of the jewelry piece and the jeweler's prices. At BREEDIA, a refresh including rhodium plating costs a flat €40. What Does Rhodium Plated Mean? You can find a detailed article on the topic of rhodium plating here. What Is the Difference Between White Gold and Platinum? We have explained the difference between white gold and platinum in detail here. Can White Gold Turn Black and Become Spotty? Yes, white gold alloys with low gold content have a high silver content (9kt or 8kt). For people who sweat heavily or are allergic to silver, white gold rings can also turn black and become spotty. For long-term wear, you should switch to platinum jewelry. Can White Gold Discolor? No, the white gold color tone is always the same. What wears away is the coating (rhodium plating), which reveals the actual color. Is Yellow Gold Also Rhodium Plated? No, only silver and white gold alloys are suitable for refinement with rhodium. Do you have more questions about white gold? How Can I Clean My Discolored White Gold Ring? Read now: Clean engagement ring With These Tips to the Perfect Proposal Find Ring Size 10 Facts About Engagement Rings Engagement Ring Costs? Back to Magazine

Lifetime Guarantee on Engagement Rings

« Beware of Dubious Promises » Wouldn't it be wonderful if your precious engagement ring looked exactly as it did right after purchase for a lifetime – without scratches or other damage to the surface or the set diamond? Disreputable providers make this promise with a lifetime guarantee on engagement rings. We show that no such guarantee promise exists after ring purchase, but lifetime service for your ring should be a matter of course. Dubious Guarantee Promise When you want to buy a proposal ring, you expect a great deal both from the piece of jewelry itself and from the associated services. After all, it's an investment that you ideally make only once in your life, and depending on the jewelry you choose, it's not a small one. You should be able to rely on certain services and are pleased when they go beyond excellent purchasing advice, free engraving, and quick availability. This is as understandable as it is correct. But what if the provider advertises a lifetime guarantee on engagement rings? Quite apart from the fact that this term is rather vague without further explanation, it is simply disreputable. No one can genuinely guarantee for an indefinite period that rings – whether subject to direct external impact or not – will not break, cracks will not form in the setting, or that the set diamonds and colored gemstones will have no defects. What Does Lifetime Mean for Engagement Rings? If you think a bit about the choice of terms, you quickly wonder what a lifetime guarantee on engagement rings is supposed to mean. Is it about the "life" of the piece of jewelry or how long the wearer lives? In the latter case, the logical consequence would be that the guarantee expires after her death and any heirs would have no further claim to it. This discrepancy alone makes it more than clear that a lifetime guarantee on proposal rings cannot exist. Quite the opposite – such a promise is meaningless and disreputable. Statutory Warranty Claims In Germany, consumer protection is given very high priority. Fundamentally, as a buyer you have a statutory warranty claim of two years, whose rights always exist against the seller. This claim differs significantly from a guarantee, as it is exclusively a voluntary service of the manufacturer. The latter can be offered free of charge or for a fee – only the guarantor decides this, and they can also attach various conditions to it. The statutory warranty, on the other hand, always secures the consumer's rights for two years when the purchased product is defective. From repair to replacement to return of the goods if the so-called "subsequent performance" is not possible, there are various options here. Extended Right of Withdrawal After Receipt of Goods Rings that you would like to purchase in the online shop of our family business can be examined by our customers in peace at home, allowing them to prepare for their marriage proposal or wedding. At VERLOBUNGSRING.de, we offer an extended right of withdrawal of a total of 60 days after the goods have been delivered. Trying on is therefore no problem – after all, you should be sure that it really is the perfect ring. Even if the rings have already been engraved, the right of withdrawal naturally applies, but in this case the purchase price will not be fully refunded. If you are unsure, we recommend ordering proposal rings first without engraving. This also makes it possible to thoroughly compare different models at home until you find the dream ring you want to buy. Engraving on engagement and wedding rings can also be done later at no additional cost. No Guarantee on the Surface In contrast to the statutory warranty claim and our extended right of withdrawal, a lifetime guarantee on engagement rings is a meaningless and dubious promise from disreputable providers. It is clear that everyone expects a lot from the precious piece of jewelry – it's not just about material value, but especially about emotional value full of romance, and most women want to wear their engagement ring every day. No one can seriously guarantee that after long wear there will be no damage to the surface, because it is simply impossible when a piece of jewelry is worn day after day. In short: a guarantee on the surface is always disreputable and you should not believe such promises. Like Life – Traces Are Natural A sparkling proposal ring, like the one you can buy from us, can be compared a little to life: as beautiful as it is, certain traces in the form of minor damage or external signs always remain. What laugh lines are on the face or gray hair on the head, small scratches or notches on the surface and finest damage to the diamonds and colored gemstones are for jewelry. No matter whether you choose a ring made of yellow gold, silver or platinum, wear marks appear regardless of the alloy from day one. The more the jewelry is stressed, the faster this process occurs. Any guarantee that would include such wear marks is simply disreputable and would be equivalent to a promise that car tires never wear out even with daily driving. Every consumer would immediately become suspicious! The BREEDIA Service – Always at Your Ring's Service At BREEDIA, we offer you a service for all rings purchased from us that is completely independent of time. We deliberately avoid the word "lifetime" because we do not want to make disreputable promises regarding the surface of your precious jewelry. For us, it is clear that every proposal ring shows signs of wear after a certain time, which cannot be avoided. When you buy an engagement ring from us, we examine the piece of jewelry very carefully to assess defects that may result from wear and tear or excessive stress – for example, during gardening or lifting heavy objects. After a fair cost estimate, you are welcome to commission us with the repair. Should a defect occur that resulted from a manufacturing error on our part, our experts in the manufactory will of course take care of it free of charge. Enjoy your sparkling proposal ring – from day one and of course without time limits! Guarantee on Engagement Rings – A Conclusion Beware of disreputable promises from providers who advertise a lifetime guarantee on engagement rings. There is definitely no guarantee against surface damage that inevitably occurs from daily wear, and wear marks on diamonds or colored gemstones cannot be completely avoided either. In contrast to such questionable guarantee promises, credible services are those that offer you time-independent repairs and refurbishment. At Breedia, customers can rely not only on careful and professional manufacturing in our own manufactory in Germany, but also on a service that includes all areas of excellent advice, risk-free purchasing with extended right of withdrawal, free engraving, and professional refurbishment. This way you can enjoy your precious piece of jewelry for a long time, which accompanies you day after day, and in case of need always have a contact person who is happy to help and advise. With These Tips to the Perfect Proposal Find Ring Size 10 Facts About Engagement Rings Engagement Ring Costs? Back to Magazine

Ring Settings

Exquisite, fascinatingly shimmering gemstones lend wedding rings and engagement rings elegance, glamour and value. To ensure you enjoy the stone for a long time, it must be securely set in the ring. We explain what makes a good ring setting and which options you can choose from in our article. Expertly set for optimal protection A high-quality ring is more than just a circular object made of a durable precious metal. Numerous refined details – such as the shape, height and width of the profile, the texture of the surface, as well as decorative and/or practical grooves – determine the appearance and value of the piece of jewelry. So does its setting. A stylish engagement ring typically features a luxuriously sparkling stone, sometimes even a combination of several stones. As a rule, these are diamonds. Gemstones such as sapphire or ruby are also popular. To ensure that the glamorous accent of your ring is not lost, it must be carefully and securely set in your piece of jewelry. For this, goldsmiths and jewelry designers use special ring settings. Among the different designs available, you will find the right setting for stones of different types and finishes. Engagement rings in all shapes Classic Rings Pavé Engagement Rings All Engagement Rings That special something A ring setting can do more than simply hold one or more diamonds or other gemstones firmly and securely on a wedding or engagement ring. The different designs also have a decorative character that should not be underestimated. This is achieved through the smallest design elements that designers carefully integrate into their creations. One of the most popular settings – the prong setting – creates, for example, dotted accents around the gemstone, while the bezel setting wraps around the stone like a frame. Which ring setting is best suited for the diamond ring is therefore ultimately determined by personal aesthetic taste. Proven settings for your rings Ring settings are available in numerous designs. In our article, we present the most important and popular options. These include the prong setting the tension setting the pavé setting the channel setting the bezel setting 1. The Prong Setting The prong setting proves to be a particularly popular ring setting. It is extremely popular for an exciting and beautiful solitaire diamond ring. A diamond set in this way rises noticeably from the body of the ring and is thus particularly prominently displayed. The prong setting owes its name to its open setting wall, which has individual prongs (claws) that point upward. The larger the gemstone, the more prongs are used to hold it and protect it from impacts. For small diamonds, two prongs may be sufficient, while medium and large stones require four to eight prongs. The most popular variants have four or six prongs. When choosing the number of prongs, it is important to find a good balance between security and aesthetics. The more prongs used, the more the eye is drawn away from the gemstone. A special feature: The surface of the prongs can be designed in different ways. In addition to the popular point shape, a romantic engagement ring can also be equipped with prongs in a lovely heart or flower shape. The numerous different designs have also given rise to an important sub-form of the prong setting: the V-prong setting. In this case, the prongs wrap around the corners of the stones. This provides particularly good protection for square or teardrop-shaped gemstones. It is the pointed shape that gives the setting its name. 2. The Tension Setting 3. The Pavé Setting Pavé – that is French and means cobblestone. When the pavé setting is expertly executed, it appears as if the ring is made almost entirely of diamonds or the gemstones used. An engagement ring with pavé setting usually consists of an impressive solitaire and a ring surface "paved" with small stones that match in color or are visually offset. While the solitaire is usually set with prongs, the small stones are held by the ring wall (and small grooves) as well as by contact with the neighboring stone. Small mini-prongs are often used to provide the best possible protection and to close any gaps created by round-cut stones. The pavé setting can be used partially or all around as desired. 4. The Channel Setting The channel setting is essentially a minimalist version of the pavé setting. An important difference: if there are no grooves, only a single row of stones can be used – unlike the pavé design. As the name suggests, a kind of channel is worked into the ring with the channel setting. The stones used do not protrude or barely protrude beyond the edge of the rings and are thus particularly well protected from impacts. 5. The Bezel Setting The special feature of the bezel setting lies below the gemstone used. The bottom of the ring setting is open here. When the piece of jewelry is removed, light can pass through the (transparent) stone and create reflections. When the stone and ring setting lift off the finger, you also benefit from this beautiful play of light without removing it. To make the opening work and keep the stone securely anchored to the piece of jewelry, a metal support is soldered to the inner wall of the jewelry. The gemstone is held by this support. With these tips to the perfect proposal Find ring size 10 Facts about engagement rings Engagement ring costs? Back to Magazine

Which precious metal for the engagement ring?

Which precious metal for the engagement ring? The choice of metal influences appearance, wearing comfort, durability, maintenance requirements and price. Below you will find a clear overview of silver, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum – including alloys 375 / 585 / 750 with pros and cons. 1) Precious metals compared Tip: Swipe the table left and right on your smartphone. Metal Appearance Hardness / Everyday suitability Care Price level Typical recommendation Silver (usually 925) Bright, cool white Relatively soft; scratches more easily Tarnishes (oxidation), requires regular cleaning € Budget option, rarely for "a ring for life" White gold (e.g. 585/750) Whitish to slightly warm; often refined with rhodium Very good for everyday wear; depends on alloy With rhodium-plated white gold: rhodium can wear off → occasionally re-rhodium €€–€€€ "Platinum look" with gold character, very popular Yellow gold (375/585/750) Classically warm-golden Good everyday suitability; 585 often "sweet spot" Uncomplicated; scratches can be polished out €€–€€€ Traditional, timeless, suits warm skin tones Rose gold (375/585/750) Pink-warm, modern Often slightly harder due to copper content; everyday suitable Uncomplicated; can develop a slight patina over the years €€–€€€ Modern, flattering, very popular with soft looks Platinum (usually 950) Naturally white-grey, very elegant Extremely robust; very high density, feels valuable Develops a matte patina over time, but remains materially true white €€€–€€€€ Maximum durability, ideal for very active everyday life 2) Metals explained – advantages & disadvantages Budget-friendly Silver (usually 925 sterling) Advantages: very affordable; beautiful bright appearance; easy to work with. Disadvantages: tarnishes; softer than gold or platinum and therefore more susceptible to scratches and dents. For whom? If budget is the priority or the ring is worn only occasionally. Popular platinum look White gold Advantages: elegant, bright appearance; very popular as an alternative to platinum; in 585 or 750 very suitable for everyday wear. Disadvantages: Many white gold rings are rhodium-plated. The rhodium layer can wear off over time. For whom? If you want a white, elegant look but prefer gold as a material. Timeless classic Yellow gold Advantages: classic, warm and low-maintenance; scratches can be easily refinished. Disadvantages: Depending on the surface, signs of wear may be more visible. For whom? Ideal for a traditional, warm and timeless look. Modern & romantic Rose gold Advantages: modern, warm tone; often slightly harder due to copper content; flatters many skin tones. Disadvantages: The color tone is a matter of taste and can develop a slight patina over the years. For whom? If you want something special that looks soft, modern and yet elegant. Premium & durable Platinum Advantages: naturally white, very durable, high density and particularly valuable feel. Disadvantages: more expensive than gold; develops a matte patina over time, but can be polished. For whom? If maximum robustness, true white and premium feel are important. 3) Gold alloys: 375, 585, 750 – what does this mean? The number describes the fine gold content in parts per thousand. The higher the number, the more gold it contains – and the more valuable and usually more expensive the alloy is. At the same time, the metals added, such as silver, copper or palladium, influence color and hardness. Gold alloys at a glance The alloy determines how high the fine gold content is – and affects color, value, price and everyday suitability. 375 9 Karat gold 37.5% fine gold budget-friendly robust for everyday use lower material value 585 14 Karat gold 58.5% fine gold best balance very suitable for everyday wear ideal for engagement rings 750 18 Karat gold 75.0% fine gold premium choice richer color higher gold value Tip: Swipe the table left and right on your smartphone. Alloy Fine gold content Typical properties Advantages Disadvantages Recommendation 375 (9 Karat) 37.5% More foreign metals → often harder, color can appear less "golden" More affordable; robust for everyday use; good entry-level option Lower material value; depending on alloy, can appear duller more quickly; not always first choice for very high-quality settings When budget is the focus and the ring is kept simple 585 (14 Karat) 58.5% Very common standard: good balance of value, appearance and stability Very suitable for everyday wear; good material value; beautiful color depth; ideal for engagement rings More expensive than 375; with white gold possibly rhodium issue "Sweet spot" for most: top value for money 750 (18 Karat) 75.0% Higher gold content → richer color; slightly softer than 585, depending on mixture Higher material value; luxurious appearance; particularly "golden" with yellow gold; very popular in premium segment Higher price; can be slightly more delicate with very filigree designs Premium choice when appearance & value are paramount Key takeaway 375 = budget-friendly & robust 585 = best balance and very frequently recommended 750 = premium, richer color & higher gold value 4) Quick decision: Which metal is right for you? Maximum durability Platinum 950 is ideal if true white, robustness and premium feel are important. White look, but budget-conscious White gold 585 offers a bright, elegant appearance and is usually cheaper than platinum. Classic & warm Yellow gold 585 or 750 looks traditional, timeless and particularly valuable. Modern & romantic Rose gold 585 flatters many skin tones and looks soft, modern and elegant. Very tight budget Silver 925 or gold 375 are affordable options, but require more care or consideration. Best all-around choice 585 gold is for many engagement rings the best compromise between price, appearance and stability. Tip: Swipe the table left and right on your smartphone. If it's important to you… Then often the best fit is… Why? Maximum durability, "true white" Platinum (950) Naturally white, extremely robust, very valuable feel White look, but budget-conscious White gold (585) Similar appearance, good everyday suitability, usually cheaper than platinum Classic, timeless, warm Yellow gold (585 or 750) Classic with beautiful color depth Modern, soft, romantic Rose gold (585) Flatters many skin tones, modern look Very tight budget Silver (925) or gold 375 Affordable – but plan for more care and wear 5) Practical tips For everyday wear: 585 gold or platinum are usually the safest long-term choices. With white gold: Ask if the ring is rhodium-plated and how often re-rhodium is typically needed. With very filigree settings: prefer 585/750 gold or platinum rather than silver – simply for stability. Look & matching: Think about future wedding bands – should they match in color? Note: Hardness and everyday suitability also depend heavily on ring shape, width, surface matte or high-gloss and the specific alloy recipe. With these tips towards the perfect engagement Find ring size 10 facts about engagement rings Engagement ring costs? Back to magazine

Ring Profiles for Engagement Rings

You've gotten engaged or want to propose to your loved one, but you're still missing the symbolic rings? Take your time – you'll be surprised at how many different shapes are available! It's not just a choice between oval, round, and angular. The outer and inner curves are also crucial. Discover here how important the profile is for your engagement ring or wedding ring. Ring Profiles Explained Simply If you think choosing the right rings for your wedding and engagement is merely about the right precious metal for the ring, the perfect diamond, and finally the correct ring size, you're mistaken: The ideal engagement or wedding ring is designed in a shape tailored to the wearer. Since fingers are individually shaped, an appropriate ring profile provides greater wearing comfort. But how do ring profiles differ from one another, and which one is right for you? The shape, height, and width of a ring are decisive for its profile. Beyond personal taste in design, the wearing comfort plays an important role. Since this symbolic jewelry is worn almost continuously, it should fit comfortably on your finger. The inside of the ring is crucial here. When viewed in cross-section, the differences in basic shape are most apparent. The degree of curvature is responsible for a pleasant wearing experience. A greater curve allows more space between your finger and the ring, whereas a flat inside sits more on the skin and is therefore more noticeable. Furthermore, the ring slides more smoothly over your knuckle the more pronounced the curve is. What Ring Profiles Are Available? The fact that a ring profile can feel and look so different suggests that there are more than twenty different profiles. We'd like to examine the most common ones here with their characteristic features: 1. Flat and Angular A ring shaped flat "all around" presents itself in a distinctive and modern way. This creates straightness and an angular appearance. For those who prefer a substantial feel in their wedding ring, this shape is optimal. Additionally, the flat and usually wide surface provides room for decorations of any kind and space inside for generous engravings. 2. Softened Edge The bilateral flat variant with rounded edges is somewhat softer in design. This way, the angular exterior and solidity are retained, but the straightness is softened. 3. Flat Outside, Curved Inside If you prefer the flat look optically but don't want to sacrifice wearing comfort, simply combine a flat outside with a curved inside. The beauty of it: The flat outer shape reflects light, making the precious metal shine in a special way. 4. Flat Exterior Meets Strongly Curved Interior A wedding or engagement ring of this type resembles the previously described shape, but additionally offers the advantage of particularly pronounced wearing comfort: For prominent knuckles, such a piece of jewelry will feel very good – it glides smoothly along your finger thanks to its strongly curved interior. 5. Bilateral Curve in the Profile It becomes a round affair when the rings are curved both inside and outside. Kept rather slim, this shape impresses with understated elegance. This classic of ring profiles is guaranteed to become a beloved everyday companion. 6. Curved Inside and Outside with Angular Effect This ring profile comes with a round shape and modern-angular touch: Curved inside and outside, the wedding ring gains a striking effect through flat edges. If you value comfortable wearing but want to incorporate contemporary elements, you'll choose this version. Engagement Rings in All Shapes Classic Rings Pavé Engagement Rings All Engagement Rings 7. Short Profile versus All-Around Curve Curved comfortably inside and outside, this variant also slides smoothly onto your finger. Thanks to its low profile height, this piece of jewelry also impresses with its delicate appearance. 8. Additional Degrees of Curvature Furthermore, many other combinations of profiles are possible regarding the curvature and degree of curvature. There are rings that are only slightly curved on both sides. This creates a simple exterior and can be well decorated with gemstones, joints, or steps due to the not-too-round surface. An unusual version is a ring whose outside is curved inward. This special shaping of ring profiles makes the light reflected on it sparkle in an interesting way. The inside has a slight degree of curvature. A slight curve on the surface combined with a strong curve on the inside makes wearing a pleasure and maintains its classic, elegant design optically. But of course, it can also work the other way around: The pronounced curve from the outside gives the profile a classic look, but the slight inside curve makes it appear graceful. The wedding ring looks contemporary but not quite as angular when it's only slightly rounded both inside and outside. The edge running diagonally inward puts the finishing touch on this ring profile in terms of modernity. When the inside runs diagonally outward, a new, modern, and pleasantly wearable creation is formed with a slight curve, making the wedding or engagement ring a real eye-catcher. If you'd like this style a touch more rustic or desire decorations, you'll choose the more angular version of the inside running diagonally outward. The Perfect Wedding Ring for Life Would you have thought there are so many different shapes for ring profiles? If you now feel like you've lost track, rest assured: When selecting appropriate wedding rings, you'll receive detailed and individual advice to make choosing your ideal pieces of jewelry easier. In the end, you'll benefit from the extensive selection of ring profiles when you finally get to wear the engagement and/or wedding ring tailored to your taste on your finger. Tips for the Perfect Proposal Find Your Ring Size 10 Facts About Engagement Rings Engagement Ring Costs? Back to Magazine

Engagement Rings with Prong Settings

« Holding what's precious firmly in place » Engagement rings with prong settings are placed on the ring fingers of future brides and sometimes future grooms millions of times every year. The prong setting is one of the most popular ring settings for gemstones such as diamonds. Often confused with crabs beloved by seafood lovers, prong settings for rings have little in common with their ocean-dwelling namesakes beyond their similar spelling. This guide explains exactly why this particular type of ring setting is so popular, what makes it so special, and how it differs from other setting types. The prong setting as optimal protection for all that sparkles and shines Rings are among the most worn pieces of jewelry worldwide, and for good reason. Hardly any other accessory catches someone's attention as quickly as rings. And hardly any other piece of jewelry carries as much symbolic meaning as a ring, particularly engagement and wedding rings. Depending on which hand the jewelry is worn on, one can almost immediately determine the wearer's current life or relationship status—whether engaged or married. Diamond rings are the most coveted ring variety as engagement or wedding rings. However, many other gemstones also make excellent highlights and are highly appreciated. To enjoy a gemstone ring for many years to come, particularly secure ring settings are essential—that is, the methods by which the stone is set into the ring. Prong settings – precious items held firmly in place When valuable diamonds, rubies, or sapphires are to adorn special rings such as an engagement ring, a way must be found during the ring's creation to best prevent the loss of these often very expensive stones. At the same time, the appearance must not suffer from this "security measure." Various methods have been developed for this purpose and are generally known by the term "ring settings." Along with the ring profile, which encompasses height and width, ring shape, materials used (precious metal), decorative aspects, chosen stones, and surface finish, the chosen setting ultimately determines both the final appearance and the eventual value of the ring. Engagement rings with prong settings, also known as chaton settings The widespread prong setting is also known as a chaton setting and is recognizable by the relatively high-sitting stones on the ring. The term "prongs" refers to very fine metal rods whose task is to hold the diamond in place. So that diamonds receive the necessary hold, the goldsmith or jeweler mills individual precious metal rods inward at the upper edge. The remaining prong parts are then pressed over the stones and carefully filed. Whether engagement rings have a prong setting can be recognized directly even by laypeople thanks to the characteristic manufacturing method and incomparable appearance. Incidentally, this ring setting is preferably used for enchanting solitaire diamond rings. For gemstone settings, hardly any other ring setting creates such breathtaking pointed accents. The latter stand out skillfully in the center due to their distinct elevation from the ring body. Small but fine differences By means of prong settings, rings in combination with their gemstones can be presented in a variety of ways. Whether an engagement ring has 4 or 6 prongs can make a big aesthetic difference. If the gemstone is set with four metal rods, for example, it is given a rather rectangular appearance. 6 prongs, on the other hand, beautifully emphasize a more round stone. Another advantage of prong settings is the almost completely exposed central gemstone, which allows for maximum light entry. The prevailing light has the opportunity to fall on every side of the stone, which particularly in the case of a diamond leads to light reflection. This creates the unique sparkle, radiance, and glitter of a diamond, and the gemstone gets its well-known and coveted "fire." Furthermore, a prong setting can always be easily adjusted, which is why it can be used with any cut shape. Why prong settings Engagement rings with prong settings adorn billions of fingers worldwide, but few know why this ring setting has such a special name. Prong settings feature open setting walls that extend upward in the form of separate points, called prongs. These come in various widths and designs. Engagement rings in all shapes Classic rings Pavé engagement rings All partner rings The arrangement of the small precious metal wires occurs at regular intervals, as if the diamond were lying in a "basket." Ring settings for gemstones must be particularly secure, and the larger the stones to be protected, the more prongs must be used. This is the only way to ensure that the necessary hold is present and that the gemstone is optimally protected all around from impacts, for example. Diamond rings with a small stone usually require only two prongs. The situation is different with medium to large diamonds. Here, 6 prongs or even more may be necessary. An engagement ring with 4 or 6 prongs is not uncommon. During the ring's manufacture, a precise assessment must be made according to the size of the stone, as the balance between appealing aesthetics and necessary protection is quickly disturbed. The more security prongs that must be attached, the more the gemstone disappears from view. However, prong settings offer another special feature: the metal rods can be designed differently in their surfaces. While the pointed form is very popular, attractive flower or heart shapes can also be created using the protective prongs. Furthermore, within these diverse design possibilities, an elementary sub-form of prong settings has developed, namely the V-prong setting. This is characterized by the prongs wrapping around the corners of the gemstone. In particular, drop or square diamonds receive their necessary protection through the V-prong setting. The name of the setting is based, incidentally, on its pointed tapering shape. Engagement rings with prong settings require care An engagement ring or engagement rings should ideally last many years, as they usually become cherished keepsakes. However, since certain harmful influences such as dirt and dust occur during everyday wear, the rings must be cared for accordingly. This requires simple regular cleaning in lukewarm soapy water, consisting of normal detergent or a small amount of ammonia. Using a toothbrush with very soft bristles, any impurities can then be brushed away. Under no circumstances should engagement rings come into contact with chemicals. Tips for the perfect proposal Find your ring size 10 facts about engagement rings Engagement ring costs? Back to magazine

How do I find the perfect engagement ring?

« The most important criteria for selection » How wonderful it is to be in love and to be able to give your great love a sign of deep connection. Usually, a ring comes to mind first. But the more you think about it, the more difficult the question becomes of finding the right engagement ring. So that this question doesn't become an endless source of stress, our magazine has a few exciting tips that can be helpful in your search: 1. Sharpen your senses Observation is a human gift. Most women prefer jewelry that matches their existing jewelry style. Here, keen observation skills are very helpful, as women often change their jewelry. What's important is recognizing what type of jewelry it is. The engagement ring should match the existing jewelry as closely as possible. 2. How do I recognize jewelry style? There is delicate jewelry decorated with many details, minimalist jewelry that looks simple and understated, or ornate jewelry that appears decadent and bold. Add to this jewelry with settings and the diverse materials made of silver, platinum, gold or alloys in various color styles. Finding the right one requires a great deal of finesse. 3. Clothing style often reveals much Clothes don't just make the person, they also reveal much about the people who wear them. For example, a glamorous clothing style could suggest that an ornate ring with large settings and plenty of embellishments is in the running. A simple clothing style, on the other hand, could point to minimalist rings. It's helpful to search online for terms such as: Boho-Chic, Vintage, glamorous, classic, ornate, minimalist, or engagement or wedding rings for confident women. Engagement rings in all shapes Classic rings Pavé engagement rings All engagement rings 4. Narrow down your search Often, certain people know best about the tastes of those close to them. But this is both a blessing and a curse, because on one hand, useful information could be obtained, but on the other hand, some of the mystery could be revealed. 5. Choose rings together Choosing engagement rings together is becoming increasingly popular. While engagement rings were traditionally purchased by the future husband, a new picture has emerged in the modern world. Women want to help choose, adjust, touch, try on, and enjoy all the excitement of anticipation. This way, it's easy to find an engagement ring that both parties like. However, you should be aware that the romantic proposal and the mysterious presentation of the ring box with the equally mysterious engagement ring will unfortunately no longer take place. 6. How much should an engagement ring cost? An old American rule of thumb says that the value of an engagement ring should be at least three months' salary to honor your partner appropriately. In Germany, there is no such rule of thumb, but there is a recommendation of half a net monthly salary. However, this should be clarified in advance to see whether the engagement rings will also serve as wedding bands, because if not, you can get beautiful rings on a small budget that serve the same purpose. What's important is not to plunge into avoidable debt before marriage. 7. Secretly find out the ring size It becomes difficult when no rings can be found for comparison. So it's best to wait until the appropriate ring is removed and you get unnoticed access to it. In an unobserved moment, you could take the ring and draw the inner outline on a piece of paper to then find out the size. If the jewelry piece is not needed by the person to be gifted, you can even go directly to the jeweler and have the ring size measured. Since this is an engagement ring, a finger ring should be measured that is on the left hand and its ring finger. This is important because all fingers have different measurements. 8. What if the secretly purchased ring doesn't fit? In most cases, the jeweler provides a 30-day exchange guarantee. This is usually enough time to choose an engagement ring together. Finding a suitable engagement ring is then usually not difficult. However, if nothing suitable is found, some retailers also offer money-back refunds. However, this is only a courtesy offer; they are not obligated to do so. 9. Find an engagement ring – the search for great happiness Finding a ring that expresses what you feel is often a great challenge. Especially when it comes to a marriage proposal, you want to leave nothing out that will make the romantic event a lasting experience. For many, the moment of ring presentation is the magical moment. The engagement is just a taste of things to come, but marriage is the sealing of shared happiness for eternity. A ring configurator is a great invention and also helps with decision-making. Finding a ring with this tool should definitely be tried as an alternative option. Since there are many materials available for finger rings, the choice is often difficult. Which material is right? This question is not easy to answer because tastes are very different. However, with the ring configurator, you can already visually see how the chosen variation looks. Usually, the following materials are available: Gold (rose gold, white gold, yellow gold) Platinum Silver The materials are as diverse as people themselves. While some prefer gold, others love silver rings or are fans of platinum. Each material has its own unique advantages. Gold is naturally a very soft material and is therefore almost exclusively processed in an alloy. The alloys allow for a wide range of color variations. The characteristic rosy shimmer of rose gold rings appears warm and suits almost every skin tone. Finger rings made from this material are very popular choices for engagements. White gold alloys have become very established and are often chosen as modern bridal jewelry. Whether for an engagement or a marriage proposal, a white gold ring is always an eye-catcher. Silver engagement rings are a good combination with a gold wedding band. These combinations create a beautiful contrast. While a simple silver ring shimmers on the left side, the golden counterpart could shine on the right side. The effect of stainless steel is often underestimated, yet there are beautiful creations that, with skillful cutting or impressive settings, offer an affordable alternative while still being very suitable as a finger ring for an engagement. The most important criteria for finding the perfect engagement ring at a glance: Personalization (engraving, stamping, logo) Budget (investment, financing) Material (gold, platinum, silver, stainless steel) Setting (diamonds, gemstones, pearls) Ring size (correct measurement) Find a proposal ring: gemstones as settings? Many people are getting married for the first time and that's why everything should be as perfect as possible. The question of whether the engagement or wedding ring must have a gemstone is as individual as marriage itself. What's important is that both of you like the rings, because ultimately it's not so much about the visual aspect, but rather the emotional value. With this attitude, you can quickly find a ring. With these tips to the perfect engagement Find ring size 10 facts about engagement rings Engagement ring costs? Back to magazine

Clean Your Engagement Ring in an Ultrasonic Bath

« For a New Sparkle on Your Finger » Eventually, even the most beautiful engagement ring loses its shine and radiance! A ring worn daily must certainly withstand a lot. If you clean your engagement ring in an ultrasonic bath from time to time, this meaningful favorite piece will shine just like on the first day. Learn here how ultrasonic cleaning works, which materials and rings it is best suited for, and which jewelry pieces you should use other cleaning methods for. How Does the Ultrasonic Bath Work? Anyone who already uses an ultrasonic cleaning device at home knows the basic principle. Glasses wearers are always fascinated by how clean the (sun)glasses leave that mysterious bubbling bath at the optician. Not everyone knows that this device can also gently free a valuable piece of jewelry, a diamond-set ring, or a dirty gold coin from the tiniest dirt particles in a short time and make them shine like new. The ultrasonic bath works according to the cavitation principle. This means that in the water-filled cleaning device, ultrasonic waves create pressure fluctuations that produce tiny vapor bubbles on the surface of objects. With these rapidly evaporating bubbles, stubborn residues and dirt on rings, coins, gold jewelry, and other objects suitable for ultrasonic baths dissolve as if by magic. What Are the Benefits of Ultrasonic Bath Cleaning for Engagement Rings? Your simple, modern, or luxurious engagement ring or wedding ring is probably a piece of jewelry you wear every day. The artfully crafted ring, perhaps set with precious stones, reminds you of the magical moment of your engagement and fills you with joy as you think about your upcoming wedding. While we regularly change other jewelry and accessories and clean them manually from time to time, we wear engagement rings day and night with pride and pleasure as a symbol of our love on our ring finger. At first, small deposits and dirt are barely visible to the naked eye. Eventually, a patina develops that makes the ring suddenly appear dull and slightly less radiant. If you now try to remove the stubborn layer of dirt with a cloth, a toothbrush, or even chemical products, you can damage your valuable ring in the long term or even make it more susceptible to future dirt deposits. The vibrations in the ultrasonic bath reach hidden places that you would not be able to reach yourself even with careful hand care. A luxuriously diamond-set engagement ring is actually cleaned much more gently and effectively in an ultrasonic bath than with any other method. Is the Ultrasonic Cleaning Device Suitable for Every Engagement Ring? Elaborately set with many diamonds, luxurious engagement rings are real eye-catchers, but somewhat more susceptible to dirt deposits than smooth rings. For the particularly hard gemstones in luxury engagement rings made of white gold, yellow or rose gold, the ultrasonic bath is ideal for regular cleaning. Tiny residues on the gemstones of the ring shank are difficult to remove with cotton swabs, brushes, and other tools. Moreover, you risk damaging your ring or even losing a diamond if you apply too much manual force when cleaning your engagement ring. Delicate structures and smooth precious metals regain their magical shine completely through ultrasonic treatment! But be careful: never put a ring or chain with more delicate gemstones, such as coral, emerald, turquoise, malachite, amber, or opal, in an ultrasonic bath, as these more porous stones can be damaged by the enormous pressure fluctuations. Pearl earrings or pearl necklaces should also not go in the ultrasonic bath. Likewise, gold-plated or silver-plated pieces that may already have scratches or small cracks are not suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. In general, fashion jewelry with wood or leather elements and oiled or lacquered stones should definitely be avoided. Zirconia in brilliant cut, on the other hand, can be safely cleaned in ultrasonic fluid. Engagement Rings in All Styles Classic Rings Pavé Engagement Rings All Engagement Rings Why Is Ultrasonic Cleaning the Best Method for Diamonds? It is no coincidence that we give diamonds for engagements. Ever since the James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever" or Marilyn Monroe's famous song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," we have known that these precious gemstones are made to last forever. A sparkling diamond on your engagement ring made of white, yellow, rose gold, or platinum is a timeless piece of jewelry that will bring joy for many years after the wedding. The prerequisite for this is that the hardest and most precious of all gemstones are regularly freed from their thin layer of dirt. Otherwise, this prevents light from entering the brilliantly cut gemstone and giving it its special sparkle. High-quality diamond rings are therefore predestined for quick and uncomplicated cleaning in the practical ultrasonic device due to their hardness. How Often Can a Piece of Jewelry Be Cleaned with Ultrasound? The more regularly you clean engagement or partner rings, the easier it becomes. You can also keep smooth wedding rings in excellent condition with a classic soap bath and a soft cloth. For engagement rings set with many gemstones and artfully curved designs, ultrasonic cleaning is always the faster, more efficient, and at the same time gentler method. In an ultrasonic device with an insert basket, you can easily clean suitable jewelry pieces daily if needed. Since germs and bacteria settle on your ring in everyday life despite hand washing, the daily ultrasonic bath is a hygienic cleaning method for constantly worn jewelry. Even hard-to-reach areas are gently freed from health-damaging germs and annoying dirt particles. Is an Ultrasonic Cleaning Device Worth It for Home Use? Between engagement and wedding, sometimes weeks pass, often months or years. If you have chosen your wedding rings to match the precious metal of your engagement ring, the difference will be particularly noticeable. Without care and regular cleaning, the material of the rings looks completely different. It is fascinating to see how quickly the color of the engagement ring matches the partner ring again after the ultrasonic treatment. Of course, you can have your rings regularly cleaned in an ultrasonic bath at the jeweler. Anyone who values hygiene and perfectly maintained jewelry, bracelets, and necklaces will certainly be pleased with a versatile ultrasonic bath for themselves and their valuable pieces. Tips for the Perfect Engagement Find Ring Size 10 Facts About Engagement Rings Engagement Ring Costs? Back to Magazine

Engagement Ring in Turkey

« What it means and how to wear it » Which hand the engagement ring is worn on is neither definitively fixed nor the same in every country. In Turkey, where engagement with a subsequent celebration has a long tradition and holds great significance for the couple and their families, it is worn on the left ring finger, just as in Germany. We show you what an engagement in Turkey means, what role the ring plays, and how it is worn. Further reading tips: Marriage proposal in Turkey and Wedding in Turkey. An event of great significance While in Germany engagement is rather something that takes place romantically between two people – exceptions confirm the rule – and is rarely celebrated in a big way with family and friends, things are quite different in Turkey. In the country on the Bosporus, the marriage proposal has a long tradition and is associated with several celebrations and rituals. Of course, nowadays in Turkey too, there is nothing against a modern marriage promise that the engaged couple celebrates for themselves alone – but if the marriage proposal is accepted, the traditional celebrations begin, which are simply part of it. Often this also includes a sparkling proposal ring, though very devout couples still refrain from this piece of jewelry. Of course, there are always exceptions and couples who implement a traditional view or those who hold a different view. Kız Isteme – not without the parents Just asking your partner if she wants to marry you and putting the engagement ring on her finger? That's not enough in Turkey. Rather, a truly "complete" marriage proposal also includes speaking with the bride's parents, where the prospective groom, together with his parents – who are already informed about the planned wedding – asks for their daughter's hand. If this is handled very traditionally, even the groom's father takes on this task. Söz Kesme – the small engagement celebration If both families agree that the marriage should take place, the engagement rings are exchanged. However, only for couples who do not strictly follow the Islamic faith: in that case, the bride is not really the groom's wife until the marriage is solemnized, but rather a kind of stranger who does not wear a ring. Alternatively, and as is usually customary with us, only the lady wears a proposal ring, for example a beautiful solitaire ring. After the ring exchange, you can happily begin celebrating to acknowledge the engagement as sealed. Additional family members are often invited to the visit with the parents and the subsequent small engagement celebration, and you celebrate together with grandparents, uncles and aunts when the engagement ring in Turkey is placed on the lady's hand (or both partners' hands). Nişan – the grand engagement celebration Now it's time to go big: up to 200 guests are not uncommon at a Turkish engagement celebration. Here too, people like to stick to time-honored traditions. What color is the future bride's dress? Who pays for the dress? Who covers the costs of the engagement celebration? During this celebration, the proposal rings are exchanged once more in the presence of all guests. A special feature is that – if both spouses wear a proposal ring – the rings that will later be used as wedding rings are often chosen for this purpose. This is the reason why when buying engagement rings, people often dig a little deeper into their pockets. After all, there are no additional costs for wedding rings. Once the "official" part of the event is over, the celebration begins – often lavishly and late into the night. The engagement ring in Turkey and its meaning In contrast to Germany, the USA, and many other Western-oriented countries, the engagement ring in Turkey has a completely different meaning. While for us it is an expression of love and connection to each other without any religious significance, in the Muslim country it has a strong connection to religion. Depending on how devout a couple is and how the Quran is interpreted by the responsible imam, a couple not only refrains from wearing a ring for the marriage proposal, but even from wearing wedding rings. This religiously motivated tradition has its origin in the assumption of imitating members of non-Muslim faiths by visibly wearing a ring for all to see. If, for example, a proposal ring is regarded as a gift from the man, the woman can wear it without hesitation and display it proudly. The left hand To the question "Which hand do you wear the engagement ring on?" there is a very simple answer: if a Turkish couple decides on a proposal ring, it is worn on the left ring finger, just as in Germany. After the wedding, it can be placed on the right ring finger as a stacking ring with the wedding ring. No gold for devout men When an engagement in Turkey takes place and the engagement rings also serve as wedding rings, the choice often falls on jewelry that is not made of gold. Muslim men are forbidden to wear gold jewelry, as the precious metal is equated with excessive luxury that should be avoided for religious reasons. As a result, most couples, at least if they are devout, choose rings made of silver or platinum. Whether the latter is not even greater luxury is perhaps another matter. If only the lady wears a corresponding ring, it can certainly be made of gold in the alloy of her choice – women are without exception allowed to wear gold jewelry and they gladly and frequently make use of this. Beautiful tradition The proposal ring in Turkey is often purchased by the groom's family – in which case no secret marriage promise between two is possible and the interpretation of religion must allow the wearing of rings. If you then decide that both partners wear rings, these are connected with a beautiful red ribbon, which is then cut during the engagement celebration. This happens after the ring exchange, when both partners already have the jewelry on their fingers. In this way, the proposal rings take on a beautiful meaning: the intimate bond between woman and man, sealed in thought by the parents and the other relatives and friends invited to the celebration. Engagement rings in all shapes Classic rings Pavé engagement rings All engagement rings A conclusion – the engagement ring in Turkey Even if not every couple or at least every bride-to-be wears it, the proposal ring still has tradition in Turkey. While strictly devout Muslims often reject it, it is part of many other couples' celebrations and plays a major role in the various engagement festivities. Often the wedding rings are also used as engagement rings from the start and are therefore worth a larger investment. While devout men are generally not allowed to wear gold jewelry, women can adorn themselves with gold as they please. If a couple decides on a ring for the marriage proposal, it is worn on the left hand, as is customary in Germany, and can be worn on the right hand after the marriage as a stacking ring together with the wedding ring. Or it can continue to adorn the left ring finger – if that suits the newly married wife better. With these tips to the perfect engagement Find ring size 10 facts about engagement rings Engagement ring costs? Back to magazine

Should you insure your engagement ring?

« When an extra insurance policy is worthwhile » Misplaced, lost or stolen – when jewelry goes missing, it's not only frustrating, it's often emotionally very painful. Because almost always, special memories and emotions are connected to the piece of jewelry in question. This is especially true when it comes to the sparkling engagement ring. Here, the emotional loss certainly takes center stage at first, but the material value should not be underestimated either. How to protect yourself against material loss, which insurance must be taken out for this purpose, and whether it's worth taking out ring insurance – we clarify these questions in the following article. How can I insure my engagement ring? Whether through carelessness or forgetfulness, it happens quickly. The ring is set aside while washing hands during a trip and forgotten. Or thieves steal the discarded piece of jewelry during a break-in. The loss always hurts, especially because the wedding or engagement ring reminds you of the romantic proposal and is a symbol of your love for your partner. Once the emotional shock has worn off, the question often arises of whether at least the material damage can be compensated. Household contents insurance typically has a maximum limit of 20 percent of the insured sum. This coverage replaces damage to valuables that are stolen, for example, during a home burglary. A higher maximum limit can also be agreed upon if very valuable items or expensive pieces of jewelry are kept in the home. However, household contents insurance only covers jewelry within the scope of hazards that result from fire, water damage, storm, hail, burglary and robbery. This requires, on the one hand, that the valuables were damaged by the mentioned hazards and, on the other hand, that in the event of a break-in, the thief takes the valuable item such as the engagement ring or the person is robbed on the street. In the case of self-caused loss of the engagement or wedding ring, household contents insurance is usually not obligated to provide coverage. Is household contents insurance enough? When taking out household contents insurance or additional insurance, it is first important to inform yourself thoroughly. Before concluding the insurance contract, you should definitely ask whether and to what extent the items to be insured are covered. But even afterwards, the insurance broker or insurance company can provide information about the respective options. For example, in the case of underinsurance, an appropriate insurance sum for the respective piece of jewelry could be determined retroactively. With most insurance companies, it is not customary for coverage of unintentional loss of jewelry to be included in the policy. To adequately cover this risk, a special valuables insurance is recommended. This is usually somewhat expensive, but it covers all valuables. This way, the valuable ring can be insured and kept safely at home. A safe could also reduce insurance premiums if it meets the insurance company's requirements. Which valuables should be insured separately? You often only realize how valuable valuables are when they go missing. That's why it's good to take precautions and take out insurance, particularly valuables insurance. Valuables in the sense of most insurance companies include jewelry, antiques, art objects, gemstones, stamps and coins. Items made of gold, silver and platinum can also be insured. Collectibles such as watches or antique items are also considered valuables. So you should be aware that insurance only considers these within the scope of household contents. This means that these items are only insured under the household contents insurance policy. An ideal value or an age-related increase in value is not taken into account. This assessment would also be too complex, which is why there are special art insurance policies or so-called object protection for these cases. This also applies to sports equipment or expensive bicycles. Insuring a luxury engagement ring therefore usually requires careful coordination with the insurance company. What does the insurance cover? This depends entirely on the type of insurance in question. For example, basic household contents insurance only provides a certain basic level of protection, while comfort insurance can include additional options. In principle, you can insure anything. However, you should seriously consider whether everything really needs to be insured. In general, most insurance policies have an upper limit, which is usually set at 20 percent of the insured sum. Cheaper insurance providers sometimes only cover 10 percent of the insured sum. However, there are now also premium policies that insure valuables between 30 and 50 percent. It's important to know that in the event of loss of your engagement ring, most insurance companies typically only replace valuables up to the percentage agreed upon in the contract. Engagement rings in all styles Classic rings Pavé engagement rings All engagement rings Keep insured items up to date Over time, your household contents may change. While old furniture is often replaced with expensive and newer pieces, your jewelry collection may also grow. Then it's important to inform your insurer about the new expensive ring, for example. Few people insure their engagement ring separately. This usually only becomes apparent in the event of a claim, but by then it's too late. With an existing insurance policy, it's therefore important to have a value comparison carried out by an insurance specialist after purchasing the ring. This will determine whether the coverage is sufficient in the event of a claim or whether you might even be overinsured. In the case of overinsurance, premium savings would even be possible if certain valuables or expensive jewelry no longer exist. Playing it safe: A dedicated ring insurance is also possible Insuring your expensive engagement ring without relying on household contents insurance is of course also possible. The ring can certainly be insured separately – this special coverage is not only available for wedding or engagement rings. Necklaces, bracelets and watches can also be insured this way. However, the various policy options can differ significantly in their scope of coverage. While one provider covers loss due to your own negligence, another may exclude this. Some policies only provide coverage in the event of theft. An important factor in these insurance policies is the storage location. For example, a claim for loss may only be valid if the piece of jewelry was properly stored or was on your person at the time of the incident. If the terms and conditions only mention a high-quality safe as a suitable storage location, the insurer will only cover these cases. This means that a stolen engagement ring from a nightstand may not be replaced. Tips for the perfect proposal Find your ring size 10 facts about engagement rings Engagement ring costs? Back to magazine

White Gold or Platinum?

« What's the Difference? » At first glance, they look quite similar. A silvery shimmer and an elegant appearance make these two precious metals shine equally. But is the engagement ring made of white gold or platinum? What is the difference? For experts, no problem! For laypeople, there are some criteria to find out. So where are the differences between these optically similar rings? 1. The Composition of an Engagement Ring in White Gold or Platinum When you look at the two precious metals more closely, you will find that they are completely different. Therefore, even with jewelry in white gold or platinum, there is no similarity upon closer inspection, except for the color. But even there is a subtle difference, as we will see later. Rings made of white gold consist of up to 75% pure gold, depending on the alloy. To create the silver coloring and increase the ring's hardness, silver and palladium are also added, because gold is naturally yellowish and too soft in pure form for a piece of jewelry. The final manufacturing step of a white gold ring consists of rhodium plating, which means the wedding or engagement ring is coated with the precious metal rhodium. This gives it a shine and intensifies the silver tone. Platinum rings are particularly popular with people who have an allergy to gold or silver due to their high platinum content. Here we do not speak of an alloy as we do with gold, because a platinum ring typically consists of up to 95% pure platinum. The remaining parts are added metals intended to make the piece of jewelry less sensitive to scratches or breaks. Because the density of the precious metal is quite high, jewelry made of platinum weighs up to 24% more than gold jewelry. 2. Color The color appears quite similar at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, you will notice that white gold rings often have a more silvery shine than platinum rings, which tend to fall slightly into the gray range in color. Therefore, you should not combine these two precious metals and should choose the same material for wedding and engagement rings. Engagement Rings in All Styles Classic Rings Pavé Engagement Rings All Engagement Rings 3. Price Difference An engagement ring made of white gold is suitable for almost every budget, while an engagement ring made of platinum is priced in the higher segment. This is because the precious metal is rarer and overall less mined than gold. The price difference is also due to the purity of the material, because a white gold ring uses less pure precious metal overall. Since a platinum ring contains up to 95% of the precious metal, more of the precious metal is needed for its production. In addition, platinum rings are not as easy to work with due to their high degree of hardness. Labor costs and working time are therefore also included in the price. 4. Difference in Wear, Care, and Processing When deciding whether an engagement ring should be made of white gold or platinum, it can be helpful for some couples to look at the material's wear and care. White gold jewelry loses its rhodium plating over the years, which results in a slightly yellowish tint showing through. However, this flaw can be easily remedied for relatively little money at a jeweler by re-rhodium plating. However, light scratches and signs of wear will always be visible on white gold jewelry. Platinum jewelry, on the other hand, is quite resistant due to its hardness, although scratches can still occur. Overall, this material is considered significantly more wear-resistant because it generally does not lose its optical beauty. Cleaning can be done easily at home. Regarding resizing, white gold rings are clearly the winner. Even if the size needs to be changed, it is not or hardly visible on the outside optically. With platinum rings, you may see a delicate, small seam where the ring was brought back together. This is because a different material is used for soldering. However, if you turn this spot toward the inside of your hand, the outside will impress with an irresistibly elegant appearance. 5. Which Engagement Ring Should It Be? Should it be an engagement ring made of white gold or platinum? Many couples ask themselves this question when faced with the decision for their rings. It is important not to overlook the price difference. As we have already seen, you should decide on one material per ring pair. It also won't look particularly beautiful optically if you choose a platinum proposal ring while deciding on white gold for your wedding rings. The optimal solution would be to choose between white gold rings or platinum rings for both engagement and wedding rings. With a view to wear and longevity, platinum rings are the winners. You could also see it this way: you spend a bit more money at the beginning and then enjoy the piece of jewelry without any regrets for a lifetime. For people with allergies, the decision is probably easy. They would definitely choose a platinum ring, as there is indeed a significant difference between the two precious metals in this case. Tips for the Perfect Proposal Find Your Ring Size 10 Facts About Engagement Rings Engagement Ring Costs? Back to Magazine