At Shane Co., they are all about celebrating the things that make life sparkle and shine. But one age-old question has sparked debate since the dawn of time.  That question is whether to choose silver or gold?

Some love silver’s cool, lustrous shine, while others are all about that golden glow. Some folks even prefer other precious metals like titanium, tungsten, and platinum!

To see which metal Americans prefer state by state, Shane Co. looked at precious metal search volumes around the U.S. They also dove deeper into gold color preferences (yellow, white, and rose).

Read on for the results of their battle of the bling, and see which metal your state puts a shine on!

Marvelous Metals: Search Interest Trends Around the Nation

The allure of silver conveys a sense of understated sophistication and refinement. At the same time, gold exudes a warm, rich radiance that evokes feelings of opulence, luxury, and glamour. These two iconic metals are the top searched in 27 of the 50 U.S. states. But as you can see on the map above, the popularity of alternative metals is on the rise!

Titanium, the top metal in 11 states, is a lightweight alloy known for its strength and durability. Prized for its sleek, modern, matte-finish look, titanium pairs well with a wide variety of styles and occasions and is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something unique.

Rarer than gold and preferred in eight states, platinum is a timeless precious metal known for its strength, density, and longevity. A platinum wedding band, for example, can stand up to daily wear for a lifetime (and beyond) without any noticeable loss of thickness.

Platinum family member palladium is similar in its wear resistance, but even rarer and about half the weight of its platinum counterpart. Its popularity is rarer too, with Texas being the only state searching for it the most.

Shoutout to Nebraska for standing out with their cobalt preference! Cobalt is increasingly popular for men’s and women’s bands due to its bright white color, durability, and non-tarnishing shine. It’s also hypoallergenic, so it’s a great choice if you have metal allergies.

Favored by North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming and known for its hardness and resistance to scratches and tarnishing, tungsten is one of the densest metals available. So if you’re looking for a weighty band with a dark gray hue and a timeless look, check it out!

Digging for Gold in Different Colors

Get ready to strike gold with this next section because we also looked into gold color preferences around the U.S.

Yellow gold is a timeless classic over 70% (or 36 of the 50 U.S. states) prefer. Who can blame them? A sturdy, timeless metal that pairs perfectly with diamonds of all cuts and colors is hard to beat!

Favored by over 23% (or 12 states), white gold is the chameleon of precious metals, adapting to any style or occasion with its understated elegance and versatility.

With its subtle pinkish hue and warm vintage vibe, rose gold has a romantic charm that’s hard to resist. Although it doesn’t hold a candle to its white and yellow counterparts popularity-wise, rose gold has a solid following and is a favorite for those who prefer a unique and elegant look.

Conclusion

When it comes to jewelry, metal preferences are a matter of personal taste and style.  This study reveals that although gold still reigns supreme, alternative metals are gaining traction in the U.S. In the end, whether we choose silver or gold, or any other fine metal, what matters most is the meaning we attach to it.

At Shane Co., they know it’s the love story behind the metal that truly makes it shine. So whether you’re looking for an engagement ring that perfectly expresses your unique love story or any other fine jewelry, shop their diverse collection. You’ll be sure to find the metal, gemstone, and style that best fits your special someone and your budget.