Wedding Rings - Gold, Platinum & Lab-Grown—Price Guide

Gold, platinum, and today’s lab-grown stones cover every look and price point. The trick is matching metal, finish, and stone to your lifestyle—and understanding how sizing, plating, and warranties affect total cost. Use this guide to set a realistic ring budget without losing the romance.

Metals and stones at a glance

• 14k vs 18k gold: 14k is harder and more scratch-resistant; 18k is richer in tone with a touch more patina over time.
• Platinum: naturally white, dense, hypoallergenic, develops a soft sheen (patina) instead of losing metal.
• White gold: needs periodic rhodium replating to stay bright.
• Lab-grown diamonds: chemically identical to mined diamonds, usually lower price per carat; perfect for bigger looks on sensible budgets.

Start with makers who can show both craftsmanship and aftercare policies—resizing, replating, and stone tightening: compare independent jewelers and houses.

Price behavior (typical patterns)

Tip: A comfort-fit 3–4 mm band is the sweet spot for daily wear; go slimmer only if finger shape allows stable sizing.

Band pairs you can benchmark

Want a second opinion on where rings sit in the larger spend Mix and match using real Filipino budget snapshots to sanity-check splits: see sample allocations by total spend. If you prefer a simple framework, align with a 70 20 10 split before shopping: use an easy baseline to size categories.

Lab-grown vs mined in one minute

• Chemistry: identical; grading labs issue the same cut/color/clarity reports.
• Look: indistinguishable to the eye when graded similarly.
• Budget: lab-grown lets you prioritize cut and carat; mined may hold different resale narratives.
• Values: pick based on what matters to you—environmental claims, origin stories, or size per peso.

If you’re planning a low-key proposal or want polished ring macros for your announcements, coordinate with documentary-first shooters who excel at detail frames: line up visual teams for proposal or engagement shoots.

Finish, profile, and lifestyle

• Matte vs polished: brushed hides hairline scratches; high polish reads formal but shows wear sooner.
• Edges: soft bevels are friendlier to laptops and prams; knife edges read sleek but can feel sharper.
• Allergies: choose nickel-free alloys or platinum if skin is sensitive.
• Hands-on jobs: consider a lower-set solitaire or bezel to avoid catching.

Sizing, maintenance, and aftercare

• Size late afternoon when fingers are warm; account for tropical humidity.
• White gold replating cadence depends on wear; plan it like tire rotations.
• Schedule annual stone checks; pavé needs occasional tightening.
• Get a written warranty scope and cleaning policy at purchase.

Timelines that keep stress low

• RTW bands: 1–2 weeks with minor resizing.
• Made-to-order: 3–6 weeks for bands, 4–8+ for custom heads and pavé.
• Engraving: add 3–7 days depending on method and font.
  Share your ceremony date up front; good studios will back-schedule casting, setting, and polish.

Need help orchestrating pickups, insurance riders, and day-of handling Add an ops-minded partner who guards small details: work with timeline-first coordinators.

Practical add-ons that matter

• Inside engraving: initials, date, or a short phrase; keep it legible.
• Second band: stacker for her or a backup silicone band for travel and the gym.
• Ring box: hinged low-profile for pocket proposals; heirloom box for photos.
• Insurance: ask for a valuation letter and keep receipts for coverage.

Care myths and real-world habits

• Saltwater and chlorine are not ring-friendly—rinse after beach dips and remove before pools.
• Ultrasonic cleaners can loosen pavé over time; follow your jeweler’s advice.
• Patina on platinum isn’t a flaw; it’s part of the metal’s character.

When you’re ready to compare real pieces—metal weights, profiles, and finish samples—start appointments with shops that quote clearly on upgrades and maintenance: shortlist jewelers with sizing and service you can trust.

Pulling it into the big picture

Rings sit in the style stack with gowns, glam, and photos; keep the category realistic so other priorities don’t starve. For a countrywide view of category percentages and how region affects price drivers, anchor decisions here: use a nationwide cost map with regional nuances.

Next steps
Try profiles in person, lock metal choices, and request quotes that include sizing, plating, and engraving. If you’re planning a reveal or proposal mini-shoot, pencil a quick session with detail-oriented photographers for announcement-ready images: book teams who nail ring close-ups without fuss. Then place the order with a studio that documents aftercare and warranty terms in writing: compare makers who stand by their craft beyond the wedding.