The diamond gets all the attention, but the metal you choose for your ring is equally important — it affects durability, appearance, maintenance, skin compatibility, and cost. Here is everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Platinum: The Premium Choice
Platinum is the densest precious metal used in jewellery, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to wear. Unlike gold, platinum does not lose metal when scratched — the metal is displaced rather than removed, meaning a platinum ring retains its full weight over decades of wear.
Key properties of platinum: 95% pure (compared to 75% for 18K gold), naturally white with no plating required, hypoallergenic — ideal for sensitive skin, heavier than gold, develops a natural patina over time that many wearers prefer.
Platinum is the preferred choice for: solitaire engagement rings (the prongs holding your diamond are more secure), buyers who want a permanent white colour without replating, and people with nickel sensitivity (white gold sometimes contains nickel).
18K Gold: The Classic Choice
18K gold (75% pure gold) strikes the ideal balance between purity and durability. Available in yellow, white, and rose gold, 18K is the most common gold used in fine diamond jewellery worldwide.
- Yellow gold pairs beautifully with warm-coloured diamonds (J-K colour range) and suits Indian jewellery traditions.
- White gold mimics platinum's appearance at a lower cost but requires rhodium plating every 2–3 years to maintain its bright white finish.
- Rose gold has a romantic warmth that flatters all skin tones and is extremely popular in contemporary bridal jewellery.
14K vs 18K Gold
14K gold (58.5% pure) is more affordable and slightly more durable than 18K due to the higher alloy content, but has a slightly less rich colour. It is the most popular gold choice in the USA. 18K is the standard in India and the UK for fine diamond jewellery.
9K Gold: The Entry-Level Option
9K gold (37.5% pure) is the minimum legal standard for "gold" in the UK and is significantly more affordable than 18K. It is harder and more scratch-resistant but has a paler colour and lower intrinsic value. Inasha Diamonds offers a dedicated 9K Collection — an excellent entry point for everyday jewellery.
Price Comparison
Platinum typically costs 15–25% more than 18K white gold for the same ring design, due to its density and rarity. However, over a lifetime of wear, platinum's durability means lower maintenance costs — white gold requires periodic rhodium replating (approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 every 2–3 years).
Our Recommendation
For engagement rings and pieces you will wear every day for decades: platinum. For fashion jewellery, earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear pieces: 18K gold in your preferred colour. For everyday affordable pieces: 9K gold from our 9K Collection.
