A Comprehensive Yellow Gold Engagement Ring Guide

For those who are new to the subject of precious metals and fine jewellery,  the term ‘yellow gold’ may seem like a misnomer or a term which describes something novel in the world of gold that you are not yet aware of. For the rest, however, yellow gold is the descriptive term used to describe classical gold jewellery. Which is to say, gold that is actually ‘gold’ in colour, one that can be considered a distinct hue, from well yellow!

This is interesting because-and it is important that we get this out of the way now-gold technically is not a colour. Rather it is a certain type of hue that falls under the range of yellow, with slight tines of orange. Whose distinct visual character is a function of the metallic elements, which adds a new dimensional glow, like silver, platinum or bronze. But like those metallic hues, gold is not a distinct colour, and hence when it comes to the subject of precious metals it is designated under the term ‘yellow’.

Another key point the reader needs to keep in mind before we proceed is that the reason for calling yellow gold under this special term, rather than simply referring to it as gold, is due to the popularity of white gold. Which over the years has risen to dominate the market for fine jewellery, effectively displacing the traditional yellow gold variant.

In this post, we ill outline the key features of yellow gold engagement rings, point out their strengths and what new engagement ring buyers need to consider when going for this jewellery type.

What Does Yellow Gold Consist of?

When it comes to understanding the character of yellow gold engagement rings buyers would be curious to know what exactly goes into the making of their fine jewellery. That is to say: what exactly makes a yellow gold ring, in terms of its particular elements? When it comes to gold and gold jewellery, of any kind, what we are dealing with are metal alloys.

Those familiar with basic metallurgy would know that gold is essentially unusable in its purest form. Since gold that is mined from the Earth and then purified, which comes in at 24 carats is too soft and almost impossible to be shaped into a hardened metal that is used in the making of fine jewellery like engagement rings.

Hence gold, going back to ancient times has always been combined with another metal alloy to reinforce it. Which meant that its purity level was reduced. Thus when it comes to gold entanglement rings, whether it is white gold or yellow gold rings, the end product always features some alloy.

When it comes to yellow gold, and its purest metallic variant in the making of fine jewels, the final product contains an ally that is around 10 per cent silver, with the remaining 5 per cent being either zinc or copper. Of course, the exact alloy composition of yellow gold will vary on the type of alloying process that it is subjected to, but the principle remains.

Difference Between 18K vs 14 Yellow Gold Engagement Rings

When it comes to yellow gold rings, there are broadly two variants to choose from. The more expensive and ‘yellower’ 18K variant, or the lighter and generally more affordable 14K variant. In fine engagement rings, the top-tier ring options tend to be made with 18K gold, as jewellers see them as the premium option in terms of value, hue and buyer perception. However, 14K also comes with its set of advantages.

When it comes to the differences between 14K yellow gold and the 18K variant the main differentiator is the level of alloys that are added in. In 18K, pure gold makes up around 75 per cent purity, with the rest being taken by other alloys. In 14K gold the pure gold percentage come in at around 58 per cent, with a much higher silver percentage with varying levels of zinc or copper, and in some cases nickel.

The key value change lies in the percentage of pure gold that pushes up the price of the 18K, however for some the 14K is preferred as it features a lighter tone, and for some, the higher percentage of silver or nickel or even copper is preferred by some buyers. However 18K yellow gold has the advantage of being less hypoallergenic in contrast to the more affordable type, owing to the lower percentage of copper and other alloys.

When it comes to buying a fine yellow gold ring there are a number of factors to consider when choosing between the two variants, for the factors listed above, most notably the cost but also, for some buyers the distinct tone of each of the yellow gold types.

The Popularity of Yellow Gold Engagement Rings

This is an interesting point to break down since historically yellow gold was the top metal for fine jewellery and its recognition as a precious metal. From ancient times to the modern era, yellow gold maintained its trademark value, which was held owing to gold’s distinct colour, and glowing metallic tone that communicated value and status.

Today the trends have pushed up the popularity of white gold, with white gold engagement rings being the top choice today. However yellow gold rings, which have maintained an important segment of the market, are today being viewed as a somewhat curiously novel choice. Notably, since the majority is going for metallic hues like platinum, white gold as mentioned, and even rarer variants like palladium.

When it comes to the choice of quality yellow gold engagement rings, such as gold oval engagement rings the decision to opt for them is determined by a number of factors, often which go beyond the hue of the metal band itself. One of the strengths of yellow gold is that it combines well with virtually all major gemstones in terms of type and hue. From amethysts to sapphires, diamonds to rubies, emeralds to aquamarines yellow gold depending on the ring setting, yellow gold is a solid fit.

When it comes to picking this metal colour, it is best to watch out for compatibility with your skin tone. As this becomes a key consideration when one considers the colour of the engagement ring. If you wish to learn more about precious metals such as yellow gold, feel free to check out our metal Education pages.

Top Yellow Gold Ring Types

Depending on your choice of a jeweller, there is virtually no limit to the number of yellow gold ring designs that are out there. With yellow gold engagements varying terms of gemstone type, carat, cut and specific design of the metal. Top yellow gold ring designs such as the classic solitaire yellow gold engagement ring to the more trendy gold oval engagement rings that feature that stylish oval gemstone cut, to multi stone rings, such as the three stone engagement ring that features this special yellow gold metal. And if you are into something different, then why not consider going for a two tone engagement ring, which combines the classic yellow gold with another gold type (like white or rose gold) to supplement your style? Such as our very own diamond yellow gold two tone engagement ring which is a great option for those seeking a standout yellow gold ring for their forthcoming proposal.