Rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold: which suits your ring
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Yes, we make engagement rings in all three: rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold. Each one has a distinct character and suits a different aesthetic. Here's a practical comparison.
Yellow gold
The classic. Warm, rich, unmistakably gold. 18k yellow gold has the deepest colour, 14k is slightly cooler, 9k is the most muted. Yellow gold suits warm skin tones and gives a vintage or traditional feel to the ring.
Best for: traditional aesthetics, warm-toned stones (champagne diamonds, fancy yellows), couples who want the ring to read as unmistakably gold.
Rose gold
Yellow gold mixed with extra copper to give it a pink hue. The result is romantic, soft, and slightly vintage. 18k rose gold has the most saturated pink, 9k rose gold is more muted.
Best for: vintage-inspired designs, fair to medium skin tones, couples who want something less standard than yellow or white. Rose gold has had a strong run over the past five years and remains popular.
White gold
Yellow gold mixed with white alloys (palladium, silver) and plated with rhodium for a bright white finish. It looks similar to platinum but at a lower price point.
Best for: modern, minimalist designs and stones where you want the white metal to disappear and let the stone be the focus.
The catch with white gold: the rhodium plating wears off over time and needs to be reapplied every 1-3 years for a heavily worn ring. The cost is small ($80-150) but it's a recurring maintenance task. If you want a permanently white metal with no upkeep, ask about platinum.
Mixing metals
Some clients choose mixed-metal designs, often a white gold setting with a yellow gold band or vice versa. This works well for couples who can't decide and gives the ring more visual interest.
The honest take
Most engagement rings we make are 14k or 18k, in any of the three colours. The colour choice should match your partner's existing jewellery (look at the earrings and bracelets they wear) and their skin tone. If you can't tell from existing jewellery, ask a close friend or family member who can.
If you want to see all three in person and compare, that's part of what we do in the studio. Easier to choose with a sample on the finger than from photos.