By Gary A.
Edited by Brian M.
Published Aug 17, 2021
Edited on Oct 17, 2024
Mixed metal engagement rings are the perfect blend of tradition and modern flair, offering a unique way to make your ring truly stand out. Discover how these stunning combinations of metals can elevate your engagement ring design in our complete guide.
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In spite of the fact that most engagement rings given and worn today remain steeped in tradition, jewelers continue to find new ways of reimagining those classic designs. That familiar shape of a solitaire diamond ring is a story that can be retold in countless ways, countless times, between countless happy couples.
Mixed metal engagement rings offer a perfect example of the flair jewelers continue to add to their designs. These rings do away with the more conventional approach, which encourages us to choose one or the other – a warmer toned yellow or rose gold, or the cooler sheen of platinum or silver – and, instead, combine different colors together to create something much more unique and modern.
But is it the right choice for your bride-to-be? We answer your questions below.
Before we dive deeper into the specifics, here are some practical tips to help guide your decision-making process:
Now that you’ve got these practical tips, use Jeweler AI below to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your style and budget:
The one word that comes to mind is: versatility. So many women feel as though they should match their jewelry, and commit either to a cool or warm tone across the board. A mixed metal engagement ring proves that beauty and cohesion are not two sides of the same coin and that there is something to be said for stepping outside of the usual parameters for design.
You’ve probably noticed that we’re reluctant to conclusively rank one metal against the other, and this is because so much of the decision comes down to personal preference. Each precious metal is considered precious for a reason: it has a unique appeal, an unrivaled beauty, and a whole lot of prestige.
This is probably one of the main reasons why mixed metal engagement rings have proven so popular. Not only do they stop us from having to choose just one of the precious metals, but they also let us appreciate a pretty underestimated beauty: the beauty of combining them together, rather than keeping them apart on the assumption that ‘they don’t match’.
Any precious metal, whether gold, silver, or platinum, can be used for an engagement ring. These metals offer both strength and beauty, meaning your ring can last many decades to come without ever losing its luster.
There are no hard-and-fast rules around this one – and, even if there were, it’s more important that you pick or design a ring that suits your bride-to-be, rather than convention.
Each metal offers its own benefits. Silver’s bright shine creates an elegant, cohesive setting for a clear diamond, while a contrasting yellow or rose gold can make even a smaller diamond pop all the more. Platinum is prized for its incredible white luster, and, of course, its strength.
While many women stick with tradition and keep them matching, recent years have seen plenty of trend-setting brides opt to mix and match metals and colors for a more original, modern look.
Mixed metal engagement rings actually offer the perfect opportunity to go against the grain in terms of style. Utilizing at least two contrasting metals, these rings will look at home alongside either a warm or cool toned wedding band.
If you’re a traditionalist, then gold is the best choice of metal. It’s often coupled with platinum in mixed metal rings. Whatever your choice, however, strength is key. It needs to be capable of withstanding years’ worth of daily wear and tear without showing scratches, dents, warping or, worst of all, breaking.
For gold, a lower karat is often preferable here. Naturally soft, 24 karat gold is simply too pure to survive regular wear on the finger. 14 or 18 karats offer a great middle point between gold’s natural beauty, and the strength necessary for a wedding ring.
Platinum is considerably more expensive, but also incredibly strong. Alternatively, white gold or silver can offer a similar look, although you’ll have to sacrifice some of the strength and bright white shine.
We would recommend gold or white gold, but the answer really depends on your budget, since gold is naturally stronger than silver, but silver is the much more affordable choice. For jewelry, both gold and silver are strengthened using other metals like copper or nickel, so don’t focus on purity when making your decision.
When it comes to the wedding ring, durability is no doubt every bride or groom’s top priority. This band will see plenty of knocks, bumps, and scrapes over the years, but the key is to choose a metal that will be less likely to show those signs of wear and tear.
Gold is not infallible – particularly at higher purities – but it is stronger than silver.
Mixed metal engagement rings are all the rage right now, but remember that this is still an acquired taste. The results can look incredible, but a lot of people already have a preferred metal for their jewelry. It’s all about knowing your partner and what they like to wear.
And, at the end of the day, you know your bride-to-be better than anyone, and the final decision comes down to you. Make sure not to make your mind up until you’ve looked through the catalog and found something that gives you that gut feeling.
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