If you choose yellow, you will be purchasing a gold ring. The capital letter K refers to the word karat and indicates the amount of pure gold present in the metal. 18K yellow is gold which consists of 75% gold and 25% other metals; these are usually copper and silver. 14K yellow gold consists of 58% gold and 42% of other metals.

So now you are wondering which is better, just like all decisions involved in choosing your ring, it is really up to your personal preference and budget.

Remember 18K is 75% pure gold and 14K is 58% pure gold. This factor means that 18K gold is "softer" than 14K. Gold that is 100% pure would be much too soft for manufacturing jewelry and would wear away quickly. That is why gold is usually mixed (alloyed) with other metals. The type of metal the gold is combined with will be a factor to consider when choosing your ring. Gold is combined with other metals (alloys) to alter the color and hardness of the pure gold. Metals which are commonly used to alloy gold jewelry are copper, silver, zinc, nickel, platinum and palladium.

Using a combination of one or more of the metals below will result in various colors:

Colour: Yellow Gold
Composition: Gold, Copper, Silver

Colour: White Gold
Composition: Gold, Nickle, Zinc, Silver, Platinum, Palladium

Colour: Green Gold
Composition: Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc

Colour: Rose Gold
Composition: Gold, Copper (sometimes a little silver)

Expert Guidance: Rings of 14K are often less expensive and harder than rings of 18K gold. However, 18K rings will often have a brighter yellow color and are more valuable.

If you want your ring to be white you will need to decide between white gold, palladium and platinum. Platinum is one of the rarest precious metals and also one of the most expensive. Rings made from platinum are more resistant to breakage, chipping and cracking than those made from gold. A ring made from platinum will provide a secure home for your diamond. Platinum is usually softer than gold, but it is more durable over time and will not wear down as much as gold will. Platinum is very pure and will not cause irritation for people with allergies to certain metals. Platinum is considered the finest metal for ring design by many. There are also many who suggest white gold is an excellent choice and at much more affordable prices.

Expert Guidance: Platinum rings are the most expensive and durable of choices. Palladium is an excellent choice and has many of the same qualities as platinum at 1/4 of the price. 14K and 18K white gold is an affordable alternative although it will wear more over time.