White Gold vs. Yellow Gold Engagement Rings: Pros, Cons, and Everything In Between
On the journey toward forever, couples may find themselves making a pit stop to find an engagement ring that perfectly encapsulates their love. Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most significant decisions a couple will make and they might be surprised to discover that it’s not just about the diamond or design of the band but also the metal they choose.
From platinum and rose gold, to two-tone combinations, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Those options also include the popular white gold and yellow gold engagement rings. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the pros, cons, and everything in between when it comes to choosing a yellow gold or white gold engagement ring to encourage you to make a choice that represents your lifestyle and love the most.
White Gold Engagement Rings
First emerging in the 19th century, it wasn’t till the 1920s that white gold soared into mainstream popularity. Marketed as a platinum substitute, white gold found its footing in fine jewelry at a time when platinum was needed for military machinery. White gold became the perfect alternative for its similar color and strength with an innovative blend of white metals such as nickel and palladium creating that white color. Now, in the 21st century, white gold engagement rings are known for bridging the gap between traditional engagement rings with contemporary styles at an affordable price.
It makes for a stunning backdrop to any diamond cut you're considering and comes with other benefits that include:
Durability: White gold is often plated with rhodium, a precious metal that enhances its durability and resistance to scratches, ensuring the longevity of your engagement ring’s beauty.
Versatility: The neutral tone makes it highly versatile, effortlessly matching with different styles and outfits, ensuring a timeless appeal for years to come.
Budget-friendly: Compared to other metals such as platinum, white gold engagement rings offer a similar aesthetic appeal at a more affordable price point, making it an ideal choice for couples with budget constraints.
However, despite those benefits, couples should also consider that white gold engagement rings also come with:
Maintenance: Over time, the rhodium plating may wear off, requiring periodic re-plating to maintain its pristine appearance.
Metal Purity: White gold is not a naturally white metal. To attain its color, other white metals are mixed with gold to create a lighter tone. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the mixture used in white gold, particularly nickel, making careful consideration for those with sensitive skin a priority.
Yellow Gold Engagement Rings
Dating back thousands of years, yellow gold has a long history of being revered as a timeless and romantic metal. Its prominence has extended to celebrity brides like Sara Jessica Parker, Grace Kelly, and the iconic Elizabeth Taylor. This naturally yellow metal is a beautiful symbol of love and sophistication that remains a classic choice for couples.
There are many benefits that come with choosing a yellow gold engagement ring, including:
Hypoallergenic: When it comes to metal allergies, nickel tends to be the leading cause of irritation. Unlike white gold, yellow gold engagement rings don’t contain nickel making it less likely to cause allergic reactions and a safer option for individuals with sensitive skin.
Low Maintenance: Yellow gold requires minimal maintenance due to its natural color not fading or requiring re-plating.
Classic Appeal: Yellow gold comes with a rich history and timeless look that goes beyond any trend.
With that said, yellow gold also has limitations that include:
Softness: Pure gold is relatively soft, making yellow gold engagement rings more susceptible to scratches and dents compared to white gold or platinum. Try opting for 18K yellow gold for a rich color and durable ring. 18K yellow gold is typically made up of 75% gold with the remaining 25% made up by alloys like copper and silver to add durability and strength.
Color Clash: Some brides may find that the warm tone of yellow gold clashes with their style or even skin tone.
White Gold vs. Yellow Gold Engagement Rings: It’s Your Choice to Make
Ultimately, the white gold vs yellow gold engagement ring battle ends with you. Your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget should all be factored into making one of the most important decisions of your life. Factoring those things into your decision along with the durability, maintenance requirements, and possible skin sensitives, you’ll be confident in the choice you make in the end.
For those desiring a modern, elegant, and versatile look, a white gold engagement ring may be the choice for you. The cool silvery hue of white gold beautifully contrasts with deep, rich tones and is crafted from durable materials that will last as long as your love. For brides who are leaning towards a traditional and romantic feel, a yellow gold engagement ring is a great option. Yellow gold engagement rings have been a cherished choice for centuries because of their rich golden hue, romantic symbolism, and hypoallergenic properties.
Overall, whether you opt for the contemporary look of white gold or the timeless charm of yellow gold, you can find a ring that symbolizes your commitment at Plum Diamonds. Our collection of white gold engagement rings and yellow gold engagement rings comes with all of the benefits mentioned above and more. Since our founding days, Plum Diamonds has remained committed to creating conflict-free options for couples looking to honor their love and the earth. Those conflict-free options we provide include lab-grown diamonds and engagement rings crafted in our sustainability-driven facility and made from the finest metal and recycled alloys, using materials and practices that are regularly audited and certified by the global authority on sustainable jewelry, the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Created with quality, ethics, and gorgeous designs at the center, couples who explore our collection of engagement rings are guaranteed to find a ring that will last the lifetime they plan to spend together. And if they don’t, we’ll be happy to walk them through our customization process. From diamond shapes that include round, emerald, or oval, to three-stone, pave, and halo settings, we’re here to make your dream engagement ring come to life.
On top of that, couples can walk away with peace of mind knowing that their purchase comes with free lifetime care and sizing. That includes polishing, prong check, tightening, and general restoration including replacing lab diamonds under 2mm, all at your fingertips when you choose Plum Diamonds as your jeweler. Have more questions about our white gold and yellow gold engagement ring options? Explore our FAQ page or contact us to get the answers you need to get the process started.