Choosing Your Metal

The metal sets the tone for the whole piece — its color, its durability, and how it ages. Here’s how to choose.

14k vs 18k gold

Karat measures gold purity. 14k is 58.5% gold, alloyed for strength — more durable and more affordable, and our most popular choice for everyday rings. 18k is 75% gold, with a slightly richer color and heft, but a touch softer. Both are solid gold (not plated) and both are excellent; the choice is budget and feel.

Gold colors

• White gold — cool and modern; plated with rhodium for a bright white finish that’s refreshed periodically.
• Yellow gold — warm and classic; flatters warmer skin tones and lets a diamond’s warmth blend in.
• Rose gold — romantic and distinctive; its blush comes from copper in the alloy, which also makes it durable.

Platinum

Platinum is naturally white, denser, and hypoallergenic. It doesn’t need plating, and instead of wearing away it develops a soft patina many people love (and which can be polished back). It’s the most premium choice — and the most secure for holding a center stone.

Caring for your metal

All precious metals scratch with daily wear — that’s normal and part of the patina. A periodic professional clean and (for white gold) a re-plating keeps everything bright. Every Viviour ring includes free resizing in the first year and a lifetime warranty. Browse all rings to compare metals, or start your own in the builder.