The metal is the frame of your ring. It sets the color, the feel and how the ring ages.

Yellow gold

Warm and classic. It also flatters warmer skin tones and hides faint warmth in the stone.

White gold

Cool and bright, and a good match for colorless stones. It is usually plated with rhodium for a bright white finish, which can be refreshed over time.

Rose gold

A soft pink tone from copper mixed into the gold. Romantic and distinctive.

14K or 18K

• 14K: about 58 percent pure gold. Harder, a little lower in price and better for daily wear.
• 18K: about 75 percent pure gold. A richer color but slightly softer.

Tip

If you wear your ring every day, 14K is a practical choice. If you have sensitive skin, ask about the alloy used.