You like it. You really, really like it. So now you’re going to put a ring on it. Wait a minute, though. Hold up. Not so fast!
Just hat kind of engagement ring are you going to pick? There are so many options to choose from when shopping for engagement rings and wedding rings today. Before you even get to the diamonds, you have to pick a setting. Gold is always a popular choice for engagement ring settings, but did you know there are also several types of gold to choose from?
(There are also many options in engagement ring insurance and wedding ring insurance…and Zillion always offers your best bet. We’ll get to that part eventually.)
In this special series here at the myzillion blog, we’ll break down various choices and styles of gold. We’ll talk about gold color options, karats, and plating/coating.
First up is gold color. Which is the right one for your beloved? Let’s explore the most popular types of gold engagement ring settings below. We’ll talk about popularity, cost, and durability—all in the spirit of helping you choose that perfect gold setting for your engagement ring.
Yellow Gold
Pure yellow gold is actually very soft. To increase its durability, it’s blended with other metals to create an alloy (a metal that’s made by combining two elements to create something even stronger). The most commonly used metals here are nickel, zinc, and copper. Because of this marriage of elements, yellow gold actually tends to come in varying shades of its own.
Popularity
The popularity of yellow gold engagement rings and wedding rings dates all the way back to Ancient Grecian and Roman times. Traditionally speaking, yellow gold has been the most popular metal for use in wedding rings. Yellow gold is considered a timeless color that won’t ever become dated. It also generally looks good on all skin colors and tones, making it a wildly popular choice in engagement rings and wedding bands.
Cost
The general rule of thumb with gold is the less karats, the more affordable the piece. (We’ll have more about the various karats of gold in an additional blog post.) Yellow gold is typically one of the most affordable gold options available. Prices vary from jeweler to jeweler, but generally speaking, you can expect to pay a price starting in the $150—$200 range for a plain yellow gold 14k band.
Durability
The downside to yellow gold? Because of gold’s malleability in its natural state, it tends to be a little high-maintenance in terms of appearance. Yellow gold is less durable than other metals and is particularly susceptible to scratches and general wear and tear.
White Gold
Gold is not naturally white, so to create the stunning color of a white gold engagement ring or wedding ring, metals are added to the gold. (Just like with yellow gold!) White gold is typically created using a combination of pure gold and a metal such as silver, nickel, or palladium. Because gold is often blended with nickel to create white gold, people with nickel allergies may need to steer clear of this type of band.
Popularity
The popularity of white gold as a choice for engagement ring and wedding ring bands has skyrocketed in the last decade or so. During this surge, it’s actually replaced yellow gold as the most popular choice! Part of its popularity lies in its beautiful shine and modern appearance. White gold is generally flattering on all skin colors and tones, though it looks best on fairer-skinned people. One downside to white gold? Its tendency to emphasize the yellow tone of a diamond that has a low color grade.
Cost
In terms of price, white gold is comparable to yellow gold. You can expect to pay a price starting in the $150–$200 range for a plain 14k white gold band.
Durability
White gold is created using stronger metals, making it slightly more durable than yellow gold. It’s less susceptible to scratches and overall wear and tear. White gold does need to be re-dipped every few years to maintain its rhodium coating—which helps your white gold ring maintain its luster and shine.
Rose Gold
As you have probably guessed by now, rose gold isn’t something you’ll find in nature. Rose gold is created by combining silver, copper, and gold. In fact, it’s the blend of copper and silver that gives it that rosy glow. Since copper often oxidizes over time, the shade of your rose gold may change—that pink ring may ultimately evolve into a darker, richer red. Fear not, for this deeper shade of rose gold actually tends to give jewelry an antique, vintage look that many people love. Unfortunately for some, rose gold is not considered hypoallergenic, due to its copper concentration.
Popularity
Rose gold in general has seen a surge in popularity over the past few years, but particularly in wedding and engagement rings. Many love the dreamy, romantic look of rose gold, while others adore the universal complimentary factor. Rose gold tends to look amazing on all shades of skin.
Cost
As with yellow and white gold, the lower the total karats of rose gold, the more affordable the piece will be. A 14k rose gold ring has more copper, making it more affordable. (This will also result in a richer red tone and a less “pink” hue.) For a 14k solid rose gold wedding band, you can anticipate paying a price starting around $200–$300. The price is a little higher than yellow or white gold, but still comparable.
Durability
Due to its combination of metals, rose gold is actually the strongest type of gold you could choose for your engagement ring band. Rose gold does not require rhodium plating like white gold, which means there’s no dipping required!
As you can see, the “perfect” type of gold for an engagement ring all depends on how high- or low-maintenance you want the ring to be, whether you want to go for “on trend” or “timelessly gorgeous,” and of course, the color preference of your spouse-to-be. Oh, and you should definitely check to see if they have a nickel or copper allergy!
Jewelry Insurance: the Ideal Accent to Any Color Gold
No matter what type of gold you choose for your engagement ring or wedding ring setting, Zillion’s got your back. We make it easy to select and purchase outstanding, affordable jewelry insurance and engagement ring insurance to protect your investment. Our ring insurance and other jewelry insurance options provide the perfect accent to any and all shades, sizes, and shapes of jewelry—including diamond engagement rings and gold wedding bands. You can learn more about the ins and outs of engagement ring insurance here.
This is just one of the many helpful resources available at the myzillion site.
Connect with us here at myzillion for a free engagement ring insurance quote today!
