When designing your engagement ring, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is which metal you want for the band and prongs. At Ring Concierge, we offer engagement ring settings in yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum—and even combine gold bands with platinum prongs to maximize the beauty of your ring. Deciding which best suits you is a matter of both personal preference and lifestyle. Below, we've outlined what you should know about each of these engagement ring metals so you can make the best decision when designing your dream ring.

Platinum has grown in popularity in recent years due to its durability and beauty. Its silver color and even sheen make it a gorgeous complement to any diamond. For this reason, we still use platinum prongs with many of our gold settings, so the color of the metal doesn't detract from the brilliance of your diamond. It's 30 percent more rare than gold, so comes at a steeper price point.

There are many pros to choosing a platinum engagement ring. Because of the metal's durability, and the fact that it doesn't tarnish or oxidize, it is an excellent choice for those with active lifestyles or who want to take a more low-maintenance approach to their ring. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, so it is a good choice for those with sensitive skin.

A yellow gold engagement ring is wonderfully classic and offers a warm look. It provides a gorgeous contrast with the white light that flashes from the diamond. Gold is not as durable as platinum, so it is important to take special attention when caring for a gold engagement ring.

For women looking for something that breaks from tradition, a rose gold band is a beautiful way to add an unexpected element to your engagement ring. Rose gold boasts a lovely warmth that is very flattering against the skin.

Now that you're all set to choose the right engagement ring metal for your taste and lifestyle, let's get to choosing your diamond. Here's the 101 on diamond shapes.