A metal is as important to durability of an couple ring as the stone or stones. This is not true of all popular precious metals. By choosing one over the other, you can choose a ring that's more suitable to a person with an active life style. Most modern rings consist of gold, silver, or palladium.

his and hers jewelry Gold is a yellow-toned metal with a Mohs scale hardness between 2.5 and 3 out 10. It is available in a variety of forms and purity levels, including 12k gold, 14k gold, 18k gold, 20k and 24k. 24 karat gold has no other metals and is pure gold. Every karat measures the fineness in an overall metal alloy. This is how many parts of that 24 karats contain gold. In other words, 12 karats of gold are 50% gold and 18 karats are 75%. In engagement rings 18k is used. A higher alloy fineness could make the matching necklaces for couples very malleable. It would also be more prone to damage.

 Gold alloys, rather than pure gold, are used in the production of non-yellow toned jewelry. Rose gold for instance is an alloy made from gold and copper. While white gold can be an alloy created by mixing gold with platinum, silver, or even silver and platinum depending on its type.

 Platinum is much more durable than white gold (Mohs hardness 4.5 to 4 on a 10 point scale). This fact plays a big role in why it is alloyed together with gold to produce white gold. Platinum can be expensive, since the amount of gold that is mined every year is about 25 times larger than the amount mined of platinum. Platinum also isn't as easily available in other tones.

 Palladium, with a Mohs Scale hardness of 4.75 on a 10 point scale, is the most durable metal used in precious jewelry. It is lighter in density than platinum. Because of this, it makes engagement rings more affordable. Palladium is naturally lustrous with a white-silvery hue. It does not dull over time. Palladium, unlike white gold alloys that require surface rhodium coating to stay bright, shines on its very own.

 How to Choose Engagement Rings That Fit Your Active Lifestyle: Cut Stones

 The durability of your engagement ring is affected by the type, size, and shape of the stone. In order to design your own gemstone ring, you should always try to make the stone cut symmetrical. This way, there is less chance that a stone's edge will be chipped or the prongs bent. Like ring size, the closer the stone faces outward, the lower the chance that the ring may "stub". Square brilliant cuts make for better engagement ring designs if you lead an active lifestyle.

 It is also important to take into consideration the origin of your stone when selecting an engagement ring. Nexus diamond(tm), for example, is a better alternative than mined ones because it has the same strength and durability, while being more affordable. It's not just an ethical choice but also a good option for those with active lifestyles.

 Choose Your Ring Setting

 Now it's time for you to pick out your custom-made engagement ring setting. Style is key when choosing the right setting. If you're looking for something simple and elegant, then try a bezel setting, a solitaire style, or even an accented basic style. For those who like to have a touch of bling without going overboard, a classic 3 stone setting or vintage style is a great option. Finaly, if you want to make a statement, opt for a bold and colorful halo, accented, or glam-style setting.

 Add a wedding band to the mix

 If you want the best price, consider designing your wedding band(s) at the exact same time as the engagement ring. This will save you money and time, and many jewelers offer a special price. Your jeweler can give you recommendations on how to engrave both your engagement and wedding rings.

 You can create your own custom wedding rings or engagement rings.