Keepsake Wedding Bands: Real Gold Or Not?

Keepsake wedding bands are available in solid gold. For example, the Amazon Collection offers a Keepsake Signature 14k white gold diamond twist engagement ring, while eBay offers a range of vintage Keepsake 14k yellow gold wedding bands. Solid gold is key for a durable piece of jewellery that will last forever, and 14k gold is the American standard.

Pros and cons of gold bands

Gold wedding bands are a timeless choice for brides and grooms. They are incredibly versatile, pairing well with any gemstone, and are available in a variety of sizes, styles, etchings, and engravings. They are also unisex and can be resized to fit smaller fingers.

However, when considering a gold wedding band, it is important to be aware of the different types of gold and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

14K or 18K Gold

14K gold is the "American standard" for gold, while 18K gold is the European standard. 18K gold has a richer colour and is considered finer quality due to its higher percentage of gold. On the other hand, 14K gold is more durable and less likely to bend and form to the finger.

Solid Gold or Hollow Gold

Solid gold is crucial for ensuring the durability of the ring. Hollow gold bands may not last as long and are prone to bending and warping.

White Gold

White gold is a popular choice for wedding bands due to its gorgeous look and wide selection of styles. It is also less expensive than platinum. However, white gold is not as durable as platinum because it is a softer metal, and it may need to be rhodium-plated periodically to maintain its colour and shine, which can add up in costs over time. Additionally, white gold may contain nickel, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold bands are classic and elegant. They are also more scratch-resistant than white gold and can be easily buffed to remove any scratches.

Rose Gold

Rose gold is a unique yet classic option for wedding bands, offering a warm and romantic hue.

Overall, gold wedding bands offer versatility, durability, and timeless style. However, it is important to consider the type of gold and its respective pros and cons when making a selection to ensure that the ring suits your personal preferences and lifestyle.

Solid gold vs hollow gold

When it comes to choosing a wedding band, there are a few factors to consider, such as durability, price, weight, and appearance. Solid gold and hollow gold jewellery are both crafted from 100% real gold, but there are some key differences between the two.

Solid gold jewellery is made by melting the metal and forming the piece, resulting in a dense, hefty piece of jewellery with no empty spaces inside. On the other hand, hollow gold jewellery is made using a process called electroforming, where layers of gold are built up on a mould through electrolysis. Once the desired thickness is achieved, the piece is removed from the mould and shaped into a hollow item.

The main difference between solid and hollow gold is that hollow gold has empty space inside, while solid gold is filled with gold throughout. This means that solid gold pieces are heavier and denser than their hollow counterparts. Solid gold is also stronger and more durable than hollow gold, as the latter is more prone to denting and can be challenging to repair. However, the strength of hollow gold jewellery depends on its type and size, with thicker pieces like chunky chains or bracelets offering greater durability.

Hollow gold jewellery is generally more affordable than solid gold because it uses less gold in its manufacturing, resulting in a lower price for the same piece of jewellery. The price of gold is determined by weight, as it is sold by the ounce, and the price can fluctuate over time due to economic and stock market changes.

When choosing a wedding band, it is essential to consider the durability and longevity of the ring. Solid gold is a more durable option and will last a lifetime, making it ideal for everyday wear. Solid gold is also a better choice if you want a ring that will maintain its value over time, as hollow gold may depreciate faster due to scratches or dents. However, if you are looking for a lightweight and affordable option, hollow gold could be a suitable choice.

Gold purity and quality

When it comes to wedding bands, the most popular gold alloys are 14K and 18K. 14K gold, also known as the "American standard", contains 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals, usually copper, silver, or nickel. It is a durable and affordable option, making it a popular choice for wedding bands and engagement rings. 18K gold, on the other hand, is the "European standard" and consists of 75% gold and 25% other metals. It has a richer colour and is considered finer quality.

It is worth noting that the minimum karat value for jewellery to be classified as "gold" varies by country. For instance, in the United States, 10K gold is the legal minimum, while in France, the UK, Austria, Portugal, and Ireland, 9K gold is the minimum standard.

In addition to karat value, millesimal fineness is another popular way to measure gold purity. It represents the proportion of pure gold in a product expressed in parts per thousand. For example, 18K gold has a millesimal fineness of 750, indicating it contains 750 parts of pure gold out of 1000 total parts.

When purchasing a keepsake wedding band, it is crucial to understand the gold's purity and quality, as it not only determines the value of the gold but also its durability and colour.

Gold band styles

Gold wedding bands are a timeless and classic choice for brides and grooms. Gold bands have been used as a symbol of eternal love and promise for centuries and gained popularity during the Victorian era. The versatility of gold means it pairs well with any gemstone and is suitable for any lifestyle.

When choosing a gold band, consider the following:

Type of Gold

According to Catherine Thies, a third-generation jeweller, 14K gold is the "American standard", while 18K gold is the European standard. 18K gold is richer in colour and considered finer quality due to its larger percentage of gold. 20K, 22K, and 24K gold are softer and more malleable, so Thies recommends 14K or 18K gold for optimal strength and durability in an everyday ring.

Solid vs Hollow

Thies advises that solid gold is essential for a durable piece that will last forever. The purity of the gold will indicate its quality.

Style

Gold bands come in a variety of styles, including classic, contour, vintage, and infinity. You can also choose from different widths and engravings to make the ring your own. Gold is a great choice if you want to create a unique, personalised stack or start new trends.

Cost

The cost of a 14K solid gold ring typically starts at $400 and increases depending on the width and size. However, there are options available to suit any budget, with many direct-to-consumer jewellery sites offering classic gold bands at accessible prices.

Gold band prices

The price of a gold band will depend largely on the karatage of the gold used. Gold that is 10K or higher is typically considered "gold" jewellery, with 14K being the American standard and 18K being the European standard. 20K, 22K, and 24K gold are softer and more bendable, so they are not commonly used for wedding bands.

A 14K solid gold band typically starts at around $400 and can go up to $414, depending on the width and size. An 18K gold band will be more expensive, with prices ranging from $106 to $533. Keep in mind that these prices are based on the gold value as of April 18, 2023, and the price of gold can fluctuate.

Adding diamonds to a gold wedding band will also increase the cost. The total cost will depend on the carat weight of the diamonds and their quality. If you want a more affordable option, consider lab-grown diamonds, which are like earth-grown diamonds but usually more affordable.

Other factors that can affect the price of a gold band include the brand, any engravings or customisations, and the retailer's pricing structure. It is always a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different retailers to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Additionally, it is worth noting that men's wedding bands tend to be slightly heavier and, therefore, may be more expensive than women's bands.

Frequently asked questions