The most popular choices for yellow gold bands are typically 18 carat gold (75% pure gold with 25% metal alloy), 14 carat gold, (c.58% pure gold with c.42% metal alloy) and 9 carat gold (37.5% pure gold with 62.5% metal alloy) – metals such as copper and silver are added to form the alloy and thus strengthen the metal, and also help to decrease the cost!
Platinum
Platinum is an alternative option to gold and is rapidly growing in popularity these days. It is rarer, stronger, purer and, you guessed it, more expensive than gold - in some cases, it can cost up to twice as much for a platinum band as it will for a similar one manufactured in gold. Platinum's appearence is similar to that of silver, but it it's hypoalergenic, non-tarnishable and far heavier than its well-known counterpart.
White Gold
If you like the look of platinum, but not the price tag, then why not consider white gold. At about half the cost of platinum it has a similar appearance to the naked eye, although it is less dense and durable and can be prone to marking and scratches. An alloy of gold and one or more white metals (typically nickel or palladium), as with yellow gold it's putiry is measured in carats.
Silver
A chaep alternative to gold and platinum, silver can provide a cost-effective but equally beautiful band for a simple engagement ring. Due to it's corrosive nature, it is not recommended for any engagement ring that is to incorporate a gemstone of particular value, and anyone looking to purchase a silver band should pay close attention to its purity - 92.5% pure silver (sometimes referred to as sterling silver) is acceptable, but bands with a smaller silver content than this will be more brittle in nature and far less durable.
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