Choosing the perfect engagement ring: White gold vs platinum pros and cons

Choosing the perfect engagement ring: White gold vs platinum pros and cons

/in /by

When choosing the perfect engagement ring, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is selecting the right metal. For those looking for contemporary elegance, white gold and platinum are top contenders. Both metals beautifully complement diamonds and gemstones and offer durability for everyday wear, but how do you choose between them?

To help you make the right decision, this blog explores the pros and cons of these two stunning metals.

What’s the difference between white gold and platinum?

At first glance, white gold and platinum may look similar, but their composition, maintenance, and longevity differ significantly. White gold is created by mixing yellow gold with white metals, while platinum is a naturally white metal with a higher density. These differences impact everything from appearance to durability and cost.

Let’s explore the key factors that set them apart.

1. Durability

Platinum is built to last. It’s one of the most durable metals available for engagement rings, so perfect for everyday wear. Unlike white gold, platinum doesn’t wear down over time; it develops a natural patina (a natural coloration or film that develops over time) that can be polished if desired.

White gold is strong but requires maintenance. It’s more durable than yellow or rose gold due to its alloy mixture, but softer than platinum and so can be prone to scratches. Over time, the rhodium plating that gives white gold its bright white sheen can wear off, requiring replating to maintain its luster.

Which metal stands the test of time? Platinum is the winner here.

2. Wearability

Platinum is a substantial metal that many find more luxurious. But this also means it is heavier which can take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to lighter jewelry.

White gold is lighter than platinum, making it comfortable for everyday wear and a great choice for those who prefer a delicate feel.

Which metal is the most comfortable to wear?  It’s a tie! Platinum offers a premium, weighty feel, while white gold is lighter and more comfortable for some wearers.

3. Cost

Platinum is a premium choice. It’s more expensive than white gold due to its rarity, density, and purity. But, while platinum requires a higher upfront investment, it holds its value in the long term.

White gold is more affordable than platinum but no less beautiful, giving you that high-end look at a budget-friendly price point.

Which metal is the most affordable? White gold, for its affordability without compromising on beauty.

4. Hypoallergenic properties

Platinum is 100% hypoallergenic so is ideal for those with metal allergies.

White gold, however, may contain allergenic metals such as nickel. But opting for nickel-free white gold or replating with rhodium can help reduce sensitivity.

Which is gentler on sensitive skin? Platinum is the winner here for being naturally hypoallergenic.

 Which metal is right for you?

Here’s a quick summary to help guide your decision:

Feature Platinum White Gold
Durability Extremely durable, develops patina Strong but requires replating
Color Naturally white, matte over time Bright white, maintains shine with replating
Cost More expensive More affordable
Maintenance Low—polish as needed Requires replating every 12–18 months
Hypoallergenic? Yes, 100% No, may contain nickel
Weight Heavier, luxurious feel Lighter, comfortable wear

 We can help you find the perfect engagement ring

Whether you choose the enduring elegance of platinum or the luminous beauty of white gold, your engagement ring should reflect your love story. At BRAG, we craft all our rings in-house, ensuring exceptional quality, meticulous craftsmanship, and a perfect fit for every couple.

Still unsure which metal is right for you? Contact BRAG today for expert guidance and a personalized experience.

Wedding Ring Metals

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Ring Metals

/in /by

 

A wedding ring is more than a symbol of love and commitment, it’s a piece of jewelry you’ll wear every day for a lifetime, so it’s important to choose the right wedding band metal for you.

Each metal has its own unique properties, durability, visual appeal, and symbolic significance. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of gold, the modern sophistication of platinum, or the bold statement of a black wedding ring, understanding your options will help you make the best choice for your love story and lifestyle.

Gold wedding rings: A timeless classic

Gold has been the most popular wedding ring metal for centuries. Its warm glow and rich history make it a timeless symbol of love and commitment. Gold is naturally soft, so it’s often mixed with other metals to enhance durability, leading to different shades and karat options.

Gold variations:

    • Yellow Gold: Classic and opulent, yellow gold retains its natural, rich golden color, evoking warmth and tradition.
    • White Gold: Modern and elegant, white gold is combined with alloys like palladium and plated with rhodium for a silvery-white finish.
    • Rose Gold: Romantic and unique, rose gold is infused with copper to achieve a pinkish hue.

Best for: Traditional couples who want a classic, timeless look.

Platinum wedding rings: A must-have for luxury and durability

Platinum is one of the rarest and most durable metals for wedding bands. It is naturally white, hypoallergenic, and doesn’t fade or tarnish over time. Though it’s more expensive than gold, platinum’s density and resistance to wear make it an excellent investment for lifetime wear.

Best for: Couples seeking an elegant and enduring wedding ring.

Silver wedding rings: A budget-friendly beauty

Sterling silver is one of the most affordable precious metals, making it a great choice for couples on a budget. While it has a beautiful white shine, silver is softer and more prone to scratches and tarnish than other metals.

Best for: Couples looking for an affordable yet elegant option, although it may require more upkeep over time.

Black wedding rings: A statement choice

Black wedding rings have surged in popularity for their modern, edgy aesthetic. Many couples choose them as a symbol of power, eternal commitment, and defiance of tradition. Available in black titanium, black tungsten, black zirconium, or even black gold, these rings offer a bold alternative to classic wedding bands.

Best for: Those who want a striking, unconventional look with a deep symbolic meaning.

Mixed metal rings: A personalized touch

Combining metals, such as white and yellow gold or platinum and rose gold, creates a distinct and individual look. Mixed metal wedding bands allow couples to blend their personal styles or incorporate cultural significance into their rings.

Best for: Couples who want to express a union of their individual selves through their wedding bands.

Ready to choose your forever ring?

Your wedding ring is a reflection of your love, personality, and lifestyle. At Boston Ring and Gem (BRAG), we take pride in crafting wedding rings that not only reflect your love story but also stand the test of time.

Discover how we can help you create your perfect wedding band by scheduling an appointment with our expert team today.

5 ways to find your partner’s ring size without them knowing

Engagement ring buying tips: 5 ways to find your partner’s ring size without them knowing

/in /by

The perfect proposal involves more than choosing the right moment and location to pop the question; it’s also about finding a beautiful engagement ring with the perfect fit.

 

But, how can you find your partner’s ring size without ruining the surprise? Here are five creative ways to determine ring size without your partner suspecting a thing.

 

1. Borrow a ring she already wears

 

One of the easiest ways to determine ring size is by borrowing a ring your partner already wears. While they may not wear a ring on their ring finger, any ring can be used to give a close approximation. We will then measure the ring accurately and advise you on any size adjustments.

 

If you can’t bring a physical ring to us, try tracing the inner circle on a piece of paper. While not perfect, it can give us a rough size to work from.

 

2. Use a ring sizer app

 

If you have access to one of your partner’s rings, you can also use a ring sizer app. Simply open the app, place the ring on the screen, and adjust the onscreen ring sizer until it matches. It’s an effective way to get a measurement fast.

 

3. Use your fingers for comparison

 

You can try comparing your fingers to your partner’s while holding hands or try on one of her rings to see where it sits on yours. This technique won’t give you a precise measurement but can help us get close to their size.

Engagement ring buying tips: 5 ways to find your partner’s ring size without them knowing

 

4. Recruit a friend or family member

 

Your partner’s friends or family members are invaluable assets in keeping your proposal a surprise. They may also already know your partner’s ring size or could find out for you without raising suspicion.

 

For example, you could ask the friend or family member to take your partner on a shopping trip and use this as an opportunity to bring up ring sizes while looking at jewelry. Perhaps they’re “shopping for themselves” or “just curious,” and they can subtly ask your partner to try on rings in the store.

5. Ask during a fun, casual conversation

 

Sometimes, the best approach is the simplest one. But simple doesn’t always mean easy. This approach takes skill and perfect timing.

 

Try bringing up rings during a playful conversation about the upcoming festive season or a birthday. You can then ask their ring size casually or under the guise of general curiosity. Above all, keep the conversation light to avoid raising suspicion.

 

A final thought: When in doubt, go slightly larger

 

It’s common to have an engagement ring resized after a proposal. At BRAG, we can help you with resizing, if required, to ensure the perfect fit. But if you want to get as close as possible to your partner’s size, remember this: it’s usually better to go a little larger than too small.

 

If you’re ready to start designing the perfect engagement ring or need help with sizing, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to make your proposal everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

 

The hand and the heart: Which hand should you wear an engagement ring on?

The hand and the heart: Which hand should you wear an engagement ring on?

/in /by

Proposing to your loved one with an engagement ring is a tradition with deep symbolism, representing unity, commitment, and the promise of a shared life together. But just as you’re about to drop to one knee, you may think to yourself, “Which hand does the engagement ring go on?”

 

This is a question that brings with it cultural and family traditions as well as historical significance. At Boston Ring and Gem (BRAG), we are proud to serve Boston’s richly diverse community and to help them celebrate their love stories in a personal and meaningful way.

 

In this blog, we explore the origins of the engagement ring and how its placement varies across cultures.

Western culture: Why the left hand?

 

In most Western cultures, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many parts of Western Europe, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the “ring finger.” This custom dates back thousands of years and is rooted in a blend of ancient beliefs and evolving traditions.

 

The practice of placing a ring on the left hand originates from the Romans, who were inspired by the ancient Egyptians’ spiritual belief in the vena amoris, or “vein of love” – a vein that runs directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. This poetic idea suggested that the ring, symbolizing eternal unity, should be worn on the finger connected to the heart, representing love and devotion.

 

It is also traditional in Western cultures for the wedding band to be worn on the same finger, often below the engagement ring. The stacking of rings creates a powerful visual representation of the couple’s journey from engagement to marriage, with the two rings symbolizing their everlasting commitment and the enduring nature of their love.

A Family Legacy You Can Trust

 

The wider world: How different cultures wear engagement rings

 

Boston’s vibrant community brings together people from multicultural backgrounds, each with its own traditions for the placement of engagement rings, including:

  • Eastern European traditions: In many Eastern European countries, the engagement ring is worn on the right hand and is inspired by the Eastern Orthodox belief that the right hand is more sacred, as it is the hand used for making the sign of the cross.

 

  • Latin American and Spanish traditions: In many Latin American countries, engagement rings are also worn on the right hand. However, in some cultures, the engagement ring is moved to the left hand after the wedding ceremony to symbolize the transition from engagement to marriage.

 

  • South Asian traditions: For South Asian communities, such as those from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, ring-wearing varies according to religion. In Hindu culture, engagement rings are worn on the right hand, as the left hand is considered unlucky. While engagement rings are not a requirement in Islamic tradition, many Muslim couples have adopted the practice. But, the choice of which hand to wear the ring on depends on personal preference, family customs, and regional influences.

So, which hand?

 

The question of which hand an engagement ring should be worn on spans centuries, continents, and cultures. While tradition holds great significance, today many couples choose to personalize their ring-wearing customs; for example, wearing the engagement ring on the hand that feels most comfortable for them or switching the ring from one hand to another after marriage.

 

At BRAG, we celebrate and respect your individual choices. Whether you choose to follow timehonored traditions or decide to create a tradition of your own, the engagement ring remains a powerful representation of love, and we are here to help you craft a piece that will last a lifetime.

 

If you have any questions or are ready to design the perfect engagement ring, contact us on 617-720-2724 or schedule an appointment by emailing info@bostonringandgem.com

Engagement Rings & November Topaz Birthstones

/in /by

There is sometimes nothing more beautiful than when a birthstone is apart of an engagement ring. The connection between an engagement ring and bride becomes that much stronger with the inclusion of their matched birthstone. Every month and every stone is special in its own way, and November is no different. The two birthstones for November are Topaz and Citrine.

Topaz, which is November’s primary birthstone has had an extremely confusing history. Over time, primarily in antiquity, Topaz had been often confused and mixed up with Citrine due to their common color. Topaz is available in a rainbow assortment of colors. There are different forms of Topaz which include colors such blue, orange, yellow, orange-brown and more. The Orange/Golden/Yellow Topaz is the traditional November birthstone and also the most valuable type of Topaz. Topaz is used for jewelry, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more.

Citrine, has commonly been known under the name gold topaz. The name is derived from its color, the yellow of the lemon.

These beautiful birthstones make a for a popular option when choosing the right engagement ring. If you’re in need of professional advice for choosing the correct gemstone for your engagement ring, call Boston Ring and Gem at 617-720-2724 or stop by our store at 333 Washington Street 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02108.

Holiday Proposal & Engagement Ring Ideas

/in /by

Everyone wants their wedding proposal to be special, from the engagement ring they use to the music playing in the background. Once you have picked the engagement ring out, the next step is to devise a one of a kind wedding proposal. The type of proposal should depend on the person who you are giving the engagement ring to, but if your significant other loves the holidays than that should be included in the proposal. Here are some amazing holiday wedding proposal ideas:

  • At the Top of a tall building- This proposal is great for people who like a more private setting where the two people can be by themselves. With an amazing view your significant other will be so mystified that they won’t notice the engagement ring in your hand.
  • At the Stroke of Midnight- Whether you are at a New Years Party or just snuggled up in a blanket watching the ball drop, proposing at the stroke of midnight is a memorable proposal. Every New Year’s Eve at midnight you will re-tell that story to your friends, guaranteed.
  • Gift Proposal- When you are opening gifts during your holiday celebration, wrap the engagement ring in normal wrapping paper. When your significant other begins to open it, you can drop down on one knee and propose, this is a nice way to be around loved ones when you propose.
  • The Picnic Proposal- A picnic in the winter? That sounds crazy, but it is the perfect way to have a private meal with a loved one and it’s creative. Taking your loved one to their favorite outdoor spot and enjoying a lovely (warm) meal is nice, but if you follow it up by taking out an engagement ring, it will make the night truly special.
  • Light Their Face Up- By using holiday lights on either your home or on a lawn to spell out “will you marry me?” is as close to shouting it from the rooftops as you can get. Proposing using holiday lights is a public way to show your love and an engagement ring seals the deal.

The secret to proposals are that each one of them is special because each one of them is about two people that love each other and are ready to start their life together. If you have your proposal idea and are looking for an engagement ring or wedding band please contact us.

“What is the difference between a diamond’s certification and an appraisal?”

/in /by

A diamond’s certification is a scientific review of the rock’s physical qualities such as clarity, color, cut and carat weight. This process does not set a financial value to the stone; rather it assigns a “grade” on the diamond’s key quality.

An appraisal is what assigns a dollar value to the diamond. Appraisals are generally done so that if someone were to steal your diamond, you can wave a signed piece of paper at your insurance company regarding the amount spent on the ring.

Here at Boston Ring and Gem, all of our diamonds are accompanied by two different grading reports and quality documents from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gem Society Laboratories (AGS). Please note that not all grading documents are equal.  We strongly agree with GIA/AGS’ standards for color and clarity grading because as professionals, we find these standards to be the strictest and most accurate in the diamond industry.

If you are in need of professional advice regarding certification/appraisals for wedding and engagement rings, bands, diamonds and gemstones, call Boston Ring and Gem at 617-720-2724 or visit our store at 333 Washington Street 2nd Floor in Boston, MA 02108.

Cushion Cut Diamonds for Engagement Rings

/in /by

As of very recently, Cushion cuts have become a very popular cut for engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, and all sorts of jewelry. Deciphering what defines a cushion cut from other common diamond cuts is sometimes a very confusing process.

What is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

A cushion cut diamond is mix of an old mine cut and a modern oval cut. The cushion cut style you see is the result of a diamond being cut to have rounded corners with an oval/rectangular shape, similar to a modern oval cut. Contrary to popular belief, the cushion cut has been around since the 19th century and has only recently made a comeback.

Most cushion cuts today are typically found to be made with a diamond halo. The diamond halo makes the center diamond appear even more beautiful bringing attention to the center stone.

Standard vs. Modified Cushion Cuts

To the average observer, the difference between a standard and modified cushion cut is very minimal. The main difference between the two cuts is the history. Standard cuts, as the name suggests, have been the “standard” cutting style for many years while modified cushion cuts are modern variations of the standard cut.

From wedding bands to engagement rings, have the experts at Brag Jewelers provide the very best in fine jewelry and gemstones. Call us today at 617-720-2724 or visit our location at 333 Washington St. 2nd Floor in Boston, MA.

Oval-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

/in /by

Oval-cut diamond engagement rings are making a huge comeback; stop by Brag Jewelers, located at 333 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108 to check out our huge selection of this beautifully cut diamond!

The unique shape of the diamond brings out and really highlights each individual carrot, giving you more bang for your buck! Oval cut diamonds are absolutely stunning and go perfectly with a variety of engagement ring styles, but they especially fit well with three stone engagement rings.

Often times, when you compare an oval diamond with a round diamond that has the same carrot weight, it will appear that the oval diamond is bigger. Why? This is because, more times than not, an oval diamond will have a bigger surface area than that of a round diamond. So essentially, when you choose an oval diamond over a round one, you’re purchasing a diamond that looks larger, for a lower price.

Oval diamonds are cut in the same way as its round counterpart; however the round diamond has the most brilliance of any diamond shape. That being said, oval shapes are not too far behind in the brilliance department!

This shape is perfect for someone who loves the brilliance of a round diamond, but is looking for something a little more unique.

For more information about the oval-cut diamond, please give Brag Jewelers a call at 617-720-2724; an associate will gladly go over the Optimum Table & Depth for oval diamonds, as well as the length and width ratio. We are looking forward to helping you find the perfect engagement ring that will absolutely melt your partner’s heart!

The History of the Emerald Cut Diamond

/in /by

The emerald cut diamond is most widely seen on engagement rings, creating elegance and sophistication. This specific cut is derived from the stone that was most often cut into a rectangle shape, the emerald.

Around 1940, the traditional step cut was replaced by the emerald cut diamond. Diamond cutters noticed that could bring more fire into their diamonds by faceting off points of the pavilion. Originally, the cut was intended for emerald gems as a way to reduce pressure during cutting and secure the gem from chipping. Diamond cutters quickly noticed this cut could easily be applied to diamonds.

In present day, consumers have become increasingly more attracted to the emerald cut for an engagement ring option. The large, open table and unique optical appeal, make this a very popular choice for not only engagement rings, but any occasion. Most noted for its long lines and cropped corners; the emerald cut offers brilliant glimmers of light.

Due to the openness of the cut, flaws and color weakness can become more apparent which is why it is best to purchase the highest grade stone. For those seeking a vintage look, the emerald diamond engagement ring is perfect as it exhibits less sparkle while boasting luster and clarity. Fortunately, emeralds cut diamonds are cheaper than the classic round cut and appear larger due to the shallow depth.

At Boston Ring and Gem, we offer a variety of gorgeous emerald cut engagement rings. Our talented staff will assist with your selection, ensuring your ring sparkles on your hand. By purchasing an emerald engagement ring in Boston, you’ll mesmerize friends and family with a timeless, polished look. Contact us today if you are looking for the perfect emerald diamond ring.