When you’re caught in the flurry of engagement excitement, part of the fun is engagement ring and wedding band hunting. As you know, the devil’s in the details...and one of those details is color. The options might seem overwhelming, but choosing the gold color gives you a base for all of the other choices you’ll have to make.

Gold comes in various colors, each with its own charm. Here’s Marrow Fine’s guide to finding the right color for your engagement ring!

Let’s start with the basics!

 

White Gold vs. Yellow Gold vs. Rose Gold Metal

What is Yellow Gold?

Made by blending pure gold together with copper, silver and zinc, yellow gold retains the purest color of all gold colors. It’s sweet and warm - and a personal fave here at Marrow! A higher karat number indicates a higher percentage of gold content, but more gold also makes a ring less durable.

While best suited for warmer skin tones, yellow gold looks amazing on anyone - and can add a touch of brightness to any outfit. 

However, since yellow gold has a high karat yellow hue, it can be easily dented and scratched—gold is soft, remember? That means yellow gold needs to be polished regularly. This type of gold looks stunning for a modern and vintage style wedding or engagement ring. It is the most popular model for weddings because it’s flexible, making it an excellent choice for resizing at a later date.

What is White Gold?

White gold is an alloy combined with metals like palladium, manganese or nickel (which helps create strength and durability). Best suited for those with cooler undertones, white gold is elegant, striking and timeless!

If you love the platinum look but want something more affordable, then white gold is a perfect choice. White gold is also slightly stronger than yellow gold - and as a result, it’s less susceptible to denting and scratching. However, it requires some meticulous maintenance. It’s vital to clean and polish it every few years to retain its color and luster. Luckily, this is an affordable service that many jewelers can offer! 

Quick note: One common problem with white gold is that if it contains nickel components, it can cause an allergic reaction to some people with sensitive skin. If you have a nickel allergy, then it’s best to ask the jeweler for a nickel-free alloy.

What is Rose Gold?

Rose gold is an alloy made from a combination of pure gold and copper (which adds strength and durability). It’s sometimes referred to as pink gold or red gold.. And it’s having a major moment! Fun fact: it was popular in Russia during the 19th century and because of this, it’s also sometimes referred to as “the Russian gold”. Its rosy hue gives it a vintage and romantic vibe that’s perfect for anybody with a penchant for classic style. Plus, it beautifully complements every skin tone! Psst… copper can cause allergic reactions - so it’s essential to check if you’re allergic or not.

Is Rose Gold Really Gold?

The answer is absolutely yes! The main component of rose gold is pure gold (usually around 75%).

Can Rose Gold Tarnish?

Rose gold does not tarnish. However, because of the copper, rose gold developers patina after years of year (which is actually something that’s sought after in the jewelry world). If you’re not a fan of the patina, it can be easily removed with a quick cleaning session or polish.

 

What Should You Look for in an Engagement Ring?

It can be challenging to choose a metal selection for the emblem that represents the love of your life. We’ll take you on a journey to get a closer look of the types of gold you can choose. When it comes to choosing your dream engagement ring, there are some factors to consider:

What Are Your Usual Jewelry Preferences?

If you’ve already got a jewelry collection, you might notice you’ve developed an affinity for one metal type over another. Ask yourself which gold color resonates with your style. Do you prefer the romantic allure of rose gold? Are you attracted to yellow gold’s timeless warmth? Does white gold’s elegance catch your eye? 

On the other hand, it’s totally a common misconception that you should stick to just one. Whether worn solo or styled together, mixing metals is a great way to diversify your jewelry box and create visual interest to your wedding band stack. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Your stack should be a unique expression of your personal style… there’s really no right or wrong way to do it.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Activities you frequently engage in can definitely impact which gold color you choose. If you frequently work with your hands or lead an active lifestyle, you’ll likely want to opt for a more strong and durable option. When properly cared for, all three are great options for everyday wear - but keep in mind that yellow gold is more susceptible to dents and scratches.

Type of Stone

While most white diamonds are beautifully complemented by all gold colors, white gold can actually enhance the beauty of a high-grade colorless diamond but can accentuate the unwanted yellow hue in diamonds with a light color. On the other hand, they can enhance the vividness of a yellow diamond through its powerful contrast.

If the engagement ring you’re looking at features a colored stone instead, this is also something you’ll want to pay attention to. Colored gemstones (like sapphires, emeralds or garnets) might look better set in one gold color vs the other. 

• Sapphires: we love the way sapphire’s hues are complemented by a yellow gold setting. A sapphire, however, can look just as stunning set in rose gold, while also adding a unique element to the piece!
• Emeralds: Emeralds are best paired with yellow gold, as it helps to bring out the colors of the emerald. White gold is a great option here too - it’ll bring out the cooler tones of the gemstone!
• Garnets: while the deep red color of a garnet can really stand out in both yellow and white gold settings, rose gold can create a beautiful and subtle tonal look we really love!

 

How to Care for Your Gold Jewelry

Yellow, white and rose golds can be dulled out and patina over time, especially from things like oily skin, creams, make up, cleaning products, chlorine, and other harsh substances. The best way to keep your gold in tip-top shape is by removing your gold jewelry when engaging in these activities and by regularly cleaning them with soap and warm water (let them soak in there for a few hours before using a soft-bristled brush). You can also occasionally polish and buff them at your local jeweler.

The Final Choice

When it comes to choosing between yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold for your engagement ring - you really can’t go wrong. The decision is entirely up to you and your personal preference! 

Any choice you make will be a perfect commemoration of your affection and the beginning of your lives together. After you choose the gold color, you’re well on your way. Then, you just need to choose the center stone and setting type.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out Marrow Fine to get the jewelry to commemorate your love. 

Contact Marrow Fine For Your Unique Engagement Ring Today