At Anne-Michelle Jewellery, I know that when it comes to choosing your wedding or engagement rings, the type of gold you choose is an important decision. Gold is traditionally a popular choice for rings because it is hard-wearing, hypoallergenic, and has a timeless appeal. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which type of gold is best for you. In addition to choosing the type of gold, it's also important to consider which carat of gold is best for you.
I've taken the guesswork out of deciding which is best for your ring(s), and put together this helpful guide to gold for wedding and engagement rings. I'll cover the three main types of gold: yellow, white, and rose, and discuss the pros and cons of each type. I'll also explain more about carats and how they affect the 'purity' and price of gold. By the end of this article, you'll have all the information you need to choose the perfect gold for your special occasion piece.
Types Of Gold
Yellow gold is traditionally the most popular choice for gold jewellwey and wedding rings. It is made by alloying pure gold with other metals, such as copper and zinc. Yellow gold is recognised for its warm, lustrous appearance and is often associated with elegance and sophistication.
White gold is a more contemporary choice for gold jewellery. It is created by mixing pure gold with other white metals such as palladium or silver. This gives it a brighter, silvery colour. Because white gold contains a percentage of pure gold which is naturally yellow in colour, the higher the carat ( or percentage of gold present), the more yellow in colour it will be. Therefore, many commercial jewellers offer rhodium plating on the final product, to give the bright-white finish commonly recognised as white gold. It is important to note that Rhodium plating will require maintenance and re-plating every few years. This is something to bare in mind if you choose a rhodium-plated finish on your white gold ring.
Rose gold, is also known as pink gold, red gold, or blush gold. It is a softer, more 'romantic' choice for gold jewellery and has seen a rise in popularity recently. It is made by mixing pure gold with copper, which gives it a warm, rosy hue. Rose gold is often chosen for its unique and feminine appearance, and it pairs well with colored gemstones like morganite, champagne diamonds, and rubies.
Many of my designs at Anne-Michelle Jewellery, offer a contemporary mixed-metal style, using a combination of coloured golds to highlight different aspects of our signature nature-inspired designs.
When choosing the right gold for your wedding or engagement ring, it's important to consider your personal style and preferences. Yellow gold is a classic and timeless choice, while white gold is more modern and versatile. Rose gold offers a softer, more romantic look.
Carats
In addition to considering the type of gold, you'll also need to decide on the carat of gold for your wedding or engagement ring. The term "carat" refers to the purity of gold, with higher carats signifying a higher percentage of gold in the alloy. 24k gold has the highest gold content. Pure gold is far too soft to be used in jewellery, so it is typically mixed with other metals to increase its durability.
There are several carats of gold available for jewellery, including 9k, 14k, 18k, and 24k. The most common carats for wedding and engagement rings are 14k and 18k.
9k gold has the lowest amount of gold present, containing only 37.5%. It is the most affordable option, and it has what it takes to stand the test of time, but it may tarnish over time and is less lustrous than 14k or 18k.
14k gold is the most popular for wedding and engagement rings and contains 58.5% gold. It offers a good balance of affordability and durability, and it is available in a variety of colors, including yellow, white, and rose gold.
18k gold is the purest form of gold commonly used in jewellery, containing 75% gold. It is more expensive than 14k gold, but it has a brighter, more luxurious appearance.
24k gold is the purest form of gold, but it is too soft to be used in jewellery. It is typically reserved for decorative purposes or investment products such as gold coins.
When choosing the carat of gold for your wedding or engagement ring, consider your budget, personal preference, and the intended use of the ring. If you want a ring that is more durable and less prone to tarnishing, 14k or 18k gold may be the best choice. If cost is a concern, 9k gold may be a more affordable option. Keep in mind that the higher the carat, the more expensive the gold will be.
Fairtrade Gold
Another option you may wish to consider is Fairtrade gold. Fairtrade gold is a responsible and ethical choice for your wedding or engagement ring. Not only does it support small-scale miners and their communities, but it also ensures that proper labor and environmental standards are upheld throughout the supply chain. When you choose fairtrade gold, you can feel good knowing that your ring is not contributing to harmful practices such as mercury pollution or child labor. Additionally, fairtrade gold is traceable and transparent, offering you peace of mind and confidence in your purchase. Overall, choosing fairtrade gold for your special occasion is a socially and environmentally conscious decision that you can feel proud of.
Anne-Michelle Jewellery is proudly a Fairtrade gold registered goldsmith and ambassador.
Speak to us about using Fairtrade gold in your next gold jewellery commission, or view my Wild Aurum collection, for unique, nature-inspired designs using 100% fairtrade gold and ethically sourced gemstones.
Read more about how I use Fairtrade gold, and our ethical practices at Anne-Michelle Jewellery.
Choosing the Best Gold for Your Wedding or Engagement Ring
Now that you have a better understanding of the different types and carats of gold available for wedding and engagement rings, it's time to decide which is the best option for your needs and preferences. Here are a few tips and considerations to help you make your decision:
Budget: Gold can range in price depending on the type and carat, so it's important to consider your budget when choosing the right gold for your ring. If cost is a concern, 9k gold may be a more affordable option, while 18k gold is more expensive but offers a brighter, more luxurious appearance.
Personal preference: Think about your personal style and the look you want to achieve with your wedding or engagement ring. Do you prefer a classic and timeless look, or something more modern, alternative and contemporary? Yellow gold is a traditional choice, while white and rose gold offer a more modern aesthetic.
Durability: The carat of gold can affect the durability of your ring. Higher carats, such as 18k gold, are softer and more prone to scratching, while lower carats, such as 9k gold, are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Consider the intended use of your ring and choose a carat that will meet your needs.
Trends and styles: There may be certain trends or styles in gold wedding and engagement rings that you want to consider. For example, rose gold has become increasingly popular in recent years and is often chosen for its unique and feminine appearance.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best gold for your wedding or engagement ring and find a ring that is both beautiful and durable. For design inspiration, have a look at some of the beautiful rings we've made for our clients in the past.
In conclusion, gold is a popular choice for wedding and engagement rings due to its timeless beauty and durability. When choosing the right gold for your ring, there are several factors to consider, including the type/colour of gold, the carat of gold, your personal preferences, and your budget.
Yellow gold is the most traditional and classic choice, while white gold is more modern and versatile. Rose gold offers a softer, more romantic look. The carat of gold can affect the purity and value of the gold, as well as its durability. Higher carats, such as 18k gold, are softer but offer a brighter, more luxurious appearance, while lower carats, such as 9k and 14k gold, are more durable and less expensive.
By considering the type and carat of gold, as well as your personal preferences and budget, you can choose the best gold for your wedding or engagement ring. A
At Anne-Michelle jewellery, I specialise in bespoke, one-of-a-kind engagement and wedding rings. If you'd like to find out more about our services, you can book a free online design consultation.
FAQ's
Q: What types of gold are available for wedding and engagement rings? A: The most popular types of gold for wedding and engagement rings are yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Yellow gold is a traditional choice and has a warm, classic look. White gold is similar in appearance to platinum and has a bright, modern look. Rose gold has a unique pinkish color and is often used to add a vintage or romantic touch to a ring.
Q: How do I know which karat of gold to choose for my ring? A: The karat of gold refers to the purity of the gold. The most common karats for gold jewelry are 14k and 18k. 14k gold is 58.5% pure gold, while 18k gold is 75% pure gold. 14k gold is more durable and resistant to scratches, and it is also more affordable than 18k gold. 18k gold is more pure and yellow in color than 14k gold and is more expensive than 14k gold.
Q: Is white gold or yellow gold better for my ring? A: The choice between white gold and yellow gold comes down to personal preference. White gold is often chosen for its modern look, while yellow gold is a traditional choice that has a classic look. Both types of gold can be used to create beautiful and durable rings.
Q: How can I maintain the color of my gold ring? A: Gold can lose its color over time due to exposure to chemicals, sweat, and other environmental factors. To maintain the color of your gold ring, it is important to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals and to clean it regularly with a mild soap and warm water. Rhodium plating for white gold is a great way to keep your jewellery bright and shiny.
Q: How do I know if my gold ring is real or fake? A: The best way to determine if a gold ring is real or fake is to have it tested by a professional jeweler. They can use a variety of methods to determine the authenticity of a gold ring, such as acid testing or X-ray fluorescence. Additionally, look for hallmark stamps or authenticity certificates.
Q: Can gold rings be resized? A: Yes, most gold rings can be resized by a professional jeweler. The process involves adding or removing metal to adjust the size of the ring. However, depending on the design and construction of the ring, it may be difficult to resize it. It's best to consult a jeweler to determine if the ring can be resized.