Do your homework and narrow the choices down to a couple of manufacturers. Hopefully, this will include a local resource. Then get some samples from each manufacturer at a couple price levels you’re comfortable with to try at home. If available, you might consider borrowing a set of cables a level above where your "comfort level" is. This will let you know what you are missing at the lower price points and set the standard for a future upgrade. You just might decide that taking the leap is worth it. Or, the more expensive cable could make you feel even more confident with your price/performance/value decision.
Yes, all things being equal, the more metal the better. And, yes, high quality cables can get expensive in a hurry when you "beef" them up.
Good luck.