Gold Bands: Back In Vogue?

Gold wedding bands are back in style, thanks in part to the influence of celebrities like Meghan Markle and the tastes of millennial brides and grooms. After two decades of platinum and white gold dominating the market, yellow gold is experiencing a resurgence, with its warm colour and ability to complement any skin tone making it a popular choice once again. Gold is a timeless metal that has made its mark in the industry and will never go out of style.

Yellow gold is back in style, thanks to celebrities like Meghan Markle

Yellow gold is back in style, and it seems we have Meghan Markle to thank for it. Markle's bespoke three-stone engagement ring, designed by Prince Harry with the help of Cleave & Company, is yellow gold, as is her wedding band. The choice of yellow gold for both rings was reportedly due to it being Markle's favourite.

Markle's engagement ring sparked a trend for gold jewellery, with knock-offs of her ring selling for thousands of dollars. Tanya Dukes, a runway stylist and jewellery expert, commented that Markle's choice of a yellow gold, three-stone ring "instantly bestowed that style with a regal gloss". She also noted that the inclusion of ethically sourced diamonds from Botswana and the use of diamonds from Princess Diana's collection reflected a focus on the personal connection to the stones, which is typical of millennial couples.

The preference for yellow gold is also part of a broader shift towards gold jewellery, with bamboo earrings, nameplate necklaces, and religious jewellery marketed as hip and edgy. This shift is also reflected in the work of smaller, 'hipper' independent jewellers.

It seems that Markle's influence on jewellery trends is significant, with one source commenting that even before her engagement to Prince Harry, the jewellery she wore garnered interest. Markle's influence on the revival of yellow gold engagement rings is perhaps due to her ability to embody a mix of star power and attainability, with many eagerly awaiting the next glimpse of her wardrobe choices.

So, while yellow gold may be back in style now, it's unlikely to last forever. As Tanya Dukes notes, "fashion trends are cyclical", so it's likely that in 20 years, gold will start to look stale again.

Gold is a timeless metal that complements all skin tones

Gold wedding bands are back in style, thanks in part to the influence of celebrities like Meghan Markle and the unconventional tastes of millennial brides and grooms. But beyond being a trendy choice, gold is a timeless metal that complements all skin tones.

When it comes to choosing a wedding band, your skin tone can play a significant role in determining the perfect ring for you. Skin tones can generally be categorized into warm, cool, or neutral undertones. Warm undertones have yellow and golden hues, while cool undertones have red, pink, and bluish hues. Neutral undertones have an olive complexion or a balanced mix of warm and cool shades.

To determine your skin tone, you can examine the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light. If your veins appear green, you have warm undertones, and gold jewellery, including yellow gold and rose gold, will complement your skin tone beautifully. If your veins appear blue, you have cool undertones, and metals like white gold and silver will better suit your skin. If your veins are a mix of blue and green, you have neutral undertones, which means you can pull off any metal, including gold.

Gold, particularly yellow gold, is a classic choice for wedding bands and has been a popular option for several decades. It is loved for its warm, rich glow and is the most durable and hypoallergenic metal in the gold family. Additionally, gold jewellery can be a sentimental choice, reminding people of the jewellery worn by their mothers and grandmothers.

While fashion trends are cyclical, and gold may fall in and out of favour over the years, gold is a timeless metal that complements all skin tones. Whether you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones, there is a type of gold, from yellow to rose, that will enhance your skin's natural hue. So, if you're considering a gold wedding band, rest assured that it is a versatile and enduring choice that will always be in style.

Gold jewellery is a unique, expensive, and classic design

Gold jewellery is experiencing a renaissance, with the metal's unique and classic aesthetic regaining popularity. After two decades of platinum and white gold's dominance in wedding jewellery, gold is reclaiming its status as a timeless and cherished choice for brides and grooms. This shift is partly attributed to the unconventional tastes of millennial couples, who view traditional wedding jewellery as conformist and unimaginative. Gold's resurgence also aligns with a broader trend towards gold jewellery, such as bamboo earrings, nameplate necklaces, and religious jewellery, which has been marketed as hip and edgy.

Gold, as a material for jewellery, possesses a unique allure. It is often associated with luxury and expense, and its value extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. Gold jewellery is a solid investment, retaining its worth and serving as a reliable store of value. This is especially true for solid gold pieces, which are highly prized. The price of gold jewellery varies significantly, from affordable gold-plated costume jewellery to exclusive, custom-made pieces that can cost millions.

The cost of gold jewellery is influenced by various factors, including the price of gold itself, which fluctuates daily as a traded commodity. Additionally, the final price of a gold jewellery piece is determined by factors such as making charges, taxes, and hallmarking charges. The craftsmanship and design of the jewellery also contribute to its expense, with intricate and detailed pieces commanding higher prices.

Gold jewellery holds a special place in many cultures and is often passed down through generations as cherished heirlooms. Its classic and timeless appeal endures, even as fashion trends come and go. Gold jewellery's resurgence in wedding bands and engagement rings underscores its unique, expensive, and classic nature, making it a popular choice for couples seeking a meaningful symbol of their commitment.

Gold's rich history in jewellery dates back centuries, with notable figures like King Louis XIV of France adorning themselves with gold and precious gemstones. Gold's association with royalty and power persists, exemplified by the influence of Meghan Markle's yellow gold engagement ring, which sparked a trend and lent the metal a regal aura.

Gold is more elegant and durable than silver

Gold wedding bands are back in style, with celebrities such as Meghan Markle sporting them and influencing bridal trends. But is gold more elegant and durable than silver?

Durability

Gold, especially in its yellow form, is a durable metal. While white gold is a mixture of gold and other metals like silver, palladium, and nickel, it is still a strong and durable metal that is perfect for everyday wear. On the other hand, silver is a soft metal that is often alloyed with copper to increase its strength and durability. Sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, is still susceptible to scratches and bends due to wear and tear.

Elegance

Gold, whether in its yellow or white form, has a sophisticated and luxurious appearance. It is a timeless metal that has been prized for centuries and is often chosen for engagement rings and wedding bands. While silver has a natural luster that gives it a timeless and elegant appearance, some may perceive it as having a cheaper" look.

Maintenance

White gold requires less maintenance than silver. Silver requires regular polishing and care to prevent tarnishing and discoloration. White gold may lose some of its shine over time but can be easily cleaned at home or by a professional jeweler.

Cost

Gold is generally more expensive than silver due to its density and the additional metals used in alloys like white gold. Silver is one of the most affordable metals available, making it a popular choice for those on a budget.

In conclusion, gold is indeed more elegant and durable than silver. It requires less maintenance, has a sophisticated appearance, and is a strong metal that is perfect for everyday wear. However, silver is a more affordable option that still offers elegance and versatility. The choice between gold and silver ultimately depends on personal preferences, budget, and the intended use of the jewelry piece.

Gold wedding bands are a departure from the previous generation's choices

Gold wedding bands are a departure from the choices of previous generations. After being popular in the Victorian era, gold wedding bands fell out of fashion in the 1990s, when Gen Xers began to tie the knot. Platinum and white gold dominated wedding jewellery for two decades. This shift may have been influenced by the minimalist fashion trends of the time, such as grunge and "kinderwhore". Flannel shirts and baggy sweaters were popular, and even the gangsta rap scene was largely centred on functional clothing.

However, gold wedding bands are now back in style. This is partly due to the hip and edgy tastes of millennial brides and grooms, who view traditional wedding jewellery as conformist and unimaginative. The unconventional choices of celebrities like Meghan Markle have also contributed to the revival of gold wedding bands. Markle's three-stone yellow gold engagement ring, for example, has been described as having a "regal gloss".

Gold wedding bands have a timeless appeal and are incredibly versatile. They can be paired with various gemstones and styles, making them a perfect choice for couples who want something unique and personalised. Gold is also a durable and low-maintenance option, as it doesn't tarnish and can be worn every day.

While gold wedding bands may have fallen out of favour in the past, they are now making a comeback and offer a classic and stylish choice for couples.

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