When looking for Luxury engagement rings, the first step is always to decide between Yellow Gold or White Gold. While Yellow Gold is associated with tradition. White gold has stolen the show over the last two decades. Most find that it’s become the first choice for engagement and wedding rings. Because it looks the same as platinum and tends to stress diamonds better. Stronger alloys are used in white gold. Thus it also tends to be more durable and scratch-resistant.
For those who still prefer yellow gold. It’s most likely because of the timeless elegant feel associated with it. And because the look of yellow gold tends to bring the thought of pure gold to mind. And having the best, as in winning a gold medal for first place.
As the old saying goes “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Thus, the decision comes down to personal preference.
Should I Get a White Gold or Yellow Gold Luxury Engagement ring?
White and yellow gold are the most popular metal options for engagement rings today. But knowing one over the other remains the biggest challenge for gold lovers.
Choosing between white and yellow gold gets very confusing too. This is why most people often end up buying jewelry in white and yellow gold.
Since we don’t all have the luxury of buying both rings. Understanding the differences between the two. This will help you know why you should choose one and not the other. And when you should get a white gold engagement ring over the yellow gold ring.
In this article, we look at everything you need to know about white and yellow gold for a Luxury engagement ring. What makes these gold rings different from each other?
While white and yellow gold are made of pure gold. They are also mixed with many metal alloys, there is nothing like natural white gold. The reason for this is that pure gold is a soft precious metal and its natural form; cannot be molded into jewelry.
Even if you tried to make jewelry from pure gold. It wouldn’t be durable and capable of holding its shape in different conditions. For that reason, pure gold must be mixed with other metals. To make it durable and sturdy enough for use and for making gold jewelry.
White gold jewelry is made from pure silver. Pure silver, mixed with colored alloys such as nickel and palladium. The colored alloys make the gold appear paler.
After mixing pure gold with metal alloys. The gold is then plated with rhodium for that white gold/ platinum look. A white gold Luxury engagement ring is pure gold mixed with metal alloys. It is also infused with rhodium plating covering it all up.
What is a Yellow Gold Luxury engagement ring?
Yellow gold, however, has a yellow finish, and unlike the super-soft pure gold, yellow gold is harder.
The reason for the hardness of yellow gold comes from the mixing of pure gold. The mixing is with other metals like silver, copper, nickel, zinc, and/ or even palladium. Out of all these alloys, yellow gold has a high concentration of copper. This is the metal alloy responsible for the yellow-gold color.
Keep in mind that even with the differences between yellow and white gold. Rings made of either yellow or white gold will be labeled with a specific karat number, for example, 14K or 18k. This number represents gold’s percentage purity in the jewelry. 24k gold is pure gold. Then 14k gold represents 14 parts pure gold and only 10 parts alloy. While 18K means that the ring is 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts alloy.
In 14k white gold, for example, the alloy used differs. But this ring will also have extra layers of rhodium plating.
Pros and cons of white gold Luxury engagement ring
While white and yellow gold is valued. White gold is more universal, and it often looks great on everyone. If you are unsure about the Luxury engagement ring to choose for the surprise proposal. It might be a good idea to opt for the white gold engagement ring because you cannot go wrong with this metal option.
But before you make the final decision, here are the pros and cons of white gold engagement rings.
Pros
White gold boasts an expensive platinum look, but it costs less than actual platinum. So, if you are looking for white gold jewelry that is identical to platinum. But at a fraction of the price, it might be a good idea to opt for white gold. In this case, a solitaire-set platinum ring would cost around eight hundred squids. While a simple white gold ring with a solitaire setting would be less than two hundred bucks. For an affordable option that won’t break the bank. Then it would be a good option for you to opt for the white gold Luxury engagement ring.
White gold lasts longer than yellow gold. Reason is that the alloys used to make white gold result in a more durable ring than the ones made of yellow gold. Unlike yellow gold, white gold doesn’t get scratched/ dented too easily.
Rhodium-plated white gold is nickel and lead-free. This means that it is not only hypoallergenic but also safe on the skin/ body. Note, however, that you don’t always have nickel-free white gold alloys. And most of the time, nickel is added to the gold for that pale color to be attained faster. Thus, if you are buying a Luxury engagement ring for someone with sensitive skin. It would be a good idea to ask the manufacturer for confirmation of all the metals used to make the ring. Otherwise, if nickel is present, the ring will cause irritation.
Cons
White gold requires maintenance because the rhodium plating wears off with time. And when that happens, the white gold is worn down. And you will start seeing the pale yellow gold-alloy mixture underneath showing. So, if you are buying a white gold engagement ring, you must be ready to have it re-dipped in rhodium after a few years. The good news is that the ring will look as good as new after it is re-dipped.
Irritation in case nickel is present in the metal alloy mixed with pure gold. Especially when the rhodium plating wears off.
Pros and cons of yellow gold engagement rings
For anyone who wants that gold look on their jewelry. Or if you know that your fiancé-to-be loves all gold jewelry, yellow gold will be a good option for you.
It is timeless and classic. And the thing is that yellow-gold was the most common metal used for Luxury engagement rings.
It’s considered a more traditional metal. And it’s particularly flattering on olive, tanned, and darker skin.
Pros of yellow gold engagement rings
Vintage feel. If your girl loves the vintage look on jewelry, you won’t go wrong with yellow gold. It has a nice, warm luster and looks good in vintage settings. Yellow gold has been gaining popularity recently. The best part about yellow gold jewelry is the fact it is hard to imitate yellow gold jewelry. Unlike white gold rings/ jewelry.
Easy maintenance. Yellow gold is easier to maintain than white gold because it doesn’t need to be dipped every few years, like white gold. With yellow gold, you will only need to clean it gently with warm water and soap. And then you can dry with a soft cotton/ microfiber cloth.
Cheap resizing. Unlike the rhodium-plated white gold. Yellow gold is more malleable, and it’s quite easy to resize it. This means that jewelers charge little for resizing yellow gold Luxury engagement rings. The softness also means that the repair of the yellow-gold ring will be easier.
Cons
It scratches easily. Although it’s easier and cheaper to repair or resizes. The softness of yellow gold means that it will have many more scratches over its lifetime. And it will not look brand new after several scratches. What this means is that it would be a smart idea to opt for the 14K yellow gold than the 18k gold. Especially if your lady leads a very active lifestyle. And also they wouldn’t want to remove the ring all the time they want to do what needs to be done.
Choosing between white gold and yellow gold?
Using the Same Engagement Ring Twice
If you are trying to choose between white and yellow gold jewelry and the differences between the two covered above haven’t helped you made up your mind, then this section should do the trick.
To make the right choice for you, first, you need to keep in mind that there isn’t much of a difference in price between white and yellow gold, although white gold costs a little more. But as long as you are looking at two 14 or 18k white and yellow gold rings, there will be a very slight difference in price, with the rhodium-plated ring being slightly more expensive.
The simplest way for you to differentiate between the two rings, however, is for you to look at the kind of diamond you will have set on the gold.
Generally, white gold rings show color a lot more easily, which means that opting for a diamond with a noticeable yellow tint won’t be the best idea. If you have to settle on white gold, only choose diamonds above color H, think D, E, and F.
On the other hand, you can choose diamonds down to J or even K if you opt for yellow gold jewelry. The best part is that the diamonds with a tinge of yellow will look perfect with yellow gold.
Now, there is a big price difference between J and H diamonds and this will make the real difference between the yellow and white gold you opt for.
Additional Considerations
Now that you know the basics concerning white gold vs. yellow gold vs. rose gold, there are a few other things to consider before beginning the actual process of shopping for wedding rings or a Luxury engagement ring.
Type of jewelry recipient prefers – Some people simply prefer the look of one type of metal over another. If a woman has a tendency to wear a lot of white gold, for example, it is likely that she will appreciate a white gold Luxury engagement ring over one in rose or yellow gold. If she likes to mix things up with different colored jewelry, a ring that combines different colors might be in order.
Recipients Lifestyle – Women with very active lifestyles often prefer jewelry that offers some durability. Remember that white gold and rose gold are strongest, while yellow gold is most susceptible to scratches, dings, and dents.
Recipient’s Sense of Style – If the ring’s wearer is always on trend, it’s likely that she will appreciate a ring in white gold rather than rose or yellow gold, as this is the most popular color. On the other hand, if her style leans toward classic or vintage looks, she may prefer rose or yellow gold.
Type of Stones – If you are going with white diamonds, you’ll find they look lovely in setting made with all three types of gold. Fancy colored diamonds and colored stones often look best in rose or yellow gold settings, although some, such as sapphires, look absolutely magnificent in white gold settings.
Price – Finally, price is a consideration. Regardless of budget, you really do want to get the best quality you can afford. As it turns out, yellow, white and rose gold have their pros and cons, and all are available in affordable settings. Yellow gold vs. white gold prices vary by actual gold content, as do white gold vs. rose gold prices. Armed with the details we’ve provided, you’ll find it is easier to make a well-informed decision.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the ring you settle for will depend on your budget and your girl’s/ partner’s preferences. Overall, both white and yellow gold rings are timeless.
Whether you prefer white, yellow, or rose gold, you’ll find all types at Brilliance, where engagement rings and wedding rings are our specialty. With incredible pre-set options plus a free interactive tool for designing your own custom wedding and Luxury engagement ring, you’ll find that comparing different styles and gold colors is fun and simple, with options to suit every budget.