Rhiannon Hendricks
Yellow gold has been a popular choice for wedding rings since ancient times, with the purest form of gold used in jewelry dating back to 4000 B.C. in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. However, fashion trends are ever-evolving, and the popularity of yellow gold wedding rings has fluctuated over time. While some consider yellow gold to be classic and timeless, others view it as outdated and old-fashioned. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in yellow gold engagement rings, influenced by celebrities like Meghan Markle, who chose a yellow gold engagement ring and wedding band. Ultimately, the choice of metal for a wedding ring is a personal decision that depends on various factors, including individual taste, lifestyle, and design preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Yellow gold is still a popular option for wedding rings, but its popularity has slightly decreased with modern favorites like platinum taking the lead. |
| Style | Yellow gold is considered classic and timeless, but some worry that it may look old-fashioned or outdated. The style of the ring may be more important than the metal type in determining whether it looks outdated. |
| Compatibility | Yellow gold is very complementary to all skin tones, especially olive or darker skin tones. It also works well with diamonds and other gemstones. |
| Maintenance | Yellow gold requires maintenance and polishing and needs to be re-plated with rhodium to retain its color and luster. |
| Allergies | Yellow gold is the purest color of gold and is the most hypoallergenic option. However, white gold is often mixed with nickel, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. |
| Price | Yellow gold and white gold are typically priced equally based on the presence of pure gold. |
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What You'll Learn
Yellow gold is a timeless classic
Yellow gold is known for its timeless look, warm aesthetic, and versatile colouring, making it an excellent foundation for diamond engagement rings. It is the purest colour of all golds, the most hypoallergenic, and the easiest to maintain. It is also the easiest for jewellers to manipulate, working well with intricate settings and more detailed design techniques.
While yellow gold has been considered “out" or "old-fashioned" in the past, it has recently experienced a renaissance, with jewellery retailers and experts noting its return as a popular choice for wedding and engagement rings. This trend has been influenced by celebrities such as Meghan Markle, whose yellow gold engagement ring and wedding band have sparked a revival of yellow gold jewellery.
Ultimately, the choice of metal for a wedding ring is a deeply personal decision that depends on various factors, including lifestyle, tastes, chosen design, gemstones, and budget. While yellow gold may not align with everyone's taste, it is a timeless and classic option that has been cherished throughout history and continues to be a popular choice for wedding rings today.
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It's prone to scratching
Wedding rings are often made from precious metals such as gold, platinum, and silver, which are softer than many household items. This means that scratches are inevitable, no matter the colour of gold. However, some types of gold are softer than others, making them more prone to scratching.
Pure gold is very soft, and its purity puts it at high risk of scratches and dents. 24k gold, for instance, is extremely soft. 14k gold is also soft, ranking between 3.5 and 4 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This makes it softer than many household items you could come into regular contact with, like glass or steel. 14k gold also has a higher silver content, making it slightly more susceptible to scratching than 18k gold. 9k gold is also highly prone to marking, which is why it is not recommended for bridal rings.
White gold is a little more resistant to scratching due to its rhodium plating, which typically ranks at about a 6 on the Mohs scale. However, the plating wears away over time, revealing the yellow metal beneath.
While scratches are inevitable, there are some ways to minimise them. One way is to take off your ring before sports, exercise, or any other physical activity that might damage the metal. You can also use a ring guard or spacer to protect your wedding ring from rubbing against other rings on the same finger. Proper storage is also important, so store your ring in a soft, separate pouch or jewellery box when you're not wearing it.
If your ring does get scratched, there are several ways to restore it to its former glory. You can take it to a professional jeweller for polishing, or try an at-home cleaning kit or DIY solution. A polishing cloth can also buff out superficial scratches, but it is recommended to only polish your ring once or twice a year, as polishing removes a small amount of the gold itself.
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It's the purest colour of gold
While some people think that yellow gold is out of style, others still opt for it. Some are concerned that it might look too old-fashioned, as yellow gold seems to be "out". However, others feel that it sets off a diamond better than white gold, which has become the overwhelming choice for wedding bands in the US.
Yellow gold is the purest colour of gold. This precious metal has been valued by civilisations across the globe for thousands of years. Its natural beauty, rarity, and malleability make it ideal for intricate jewellery pieces. Pure gold, often referred to as 24-carat gold, has a vibrant and rich yellow colour. However, it is too soft for everyday wear, so it is mixed with other metals to enhance its durability. The choice of these metals, such as silver, copper, zinc, or nickel, can affect the resulting shade of gold. For example, adding zinc to copper-rich alloys can change their colour to reddish-yellow or dark yellow. The inclusion of copper results in the soft pink complexion of rose gold, while the addition of patinas or oxides can create unusual colours such as blue and purple.
The carat system measures the purity of gold alloyed with other metals. While 24-carat gold is considered pure gold, in practice, there is likely to be a slight impurity, and it can only be refined to a fineness level of 999.9 parts per thousand. This slight impurity is due to the natural occurrence of other metals in gold deposits, which gives each gold deposit its unique characteristics.
The colour of gold is not only determined by its purity but also by the alloys used. 18K yellow gold, for instance, is made up of 75% gold combined with silver and copper, resulting in a deeply hued and highly valuable alloy. On the other hand, 14K yellow gold consists of 58.3% gold, with the rest composed of other metals, striking a balance between colour, durability, and affordability.
In conclusion, while yellow gold wedding rings may be considered by some to be out of style, it is important to remember that style is subjective, and the most important thing is to choose a ring that suits your personal taste and lifestyle. Yellow gold is the purest colour of gold, and its unique characteristics, including its vibrant hue, rarity, and malleability, make it a timeless choice for jewellery, including wedding rings.
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It's less popular than white gold
While yellow gold remains a popular choice for wedding rings, it is less popular than white gold. This is partly because white gold is often considered more modern and edgy, appealing to brides who want something different from the previous generation.
White gold has been the dominant metal in wedding jewellery for the past two decades, with yellow gold taking a back seat during this time. Some people associate yellow gold with being old-fashioned or tacky, and it is not to everyone's taste.
However, it is worth noting that the popularity of yellow gold wedding rings has seen a revival in recent years, with Meghan Markle's three-stone yellow gold engagement ring influencing bridal trends. This shift may be part of a broader return to gold jewellery, including bamboo earrings, nameplate necklaces, and religious jewellery.
Ultimately, the choice between yellow and white gold is subjective and depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, chosen design, gemstones, budget, and the importance placed on perceived popularity and value.
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Meghan Markle revived yellow gold
Even before her engagement to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's jewellery choices attracted attention. Markle's preference for gold jewellery was well-known, and it was no surprise that her engagement ring and wedding band were both crafted from yellow gold. The three-stone engagement ring, purchased by Prince Harry, featured a centre stone sourced from Botswana and side diamonds from Princess Diana's collection.
Markle's choice of yellow gold jewellery, including her engagement and wedding rings, has had a significant impact on bridal trends. Yellow gold, once considered "`tacky`" and old-fashioned, has experienced a revival, with couples seeking unique and modern alternatives to traditional white gold and platinum bands. Markle's influence, combined with that of independent jewellery designers, has resulted in a growing trend for yellow gold engagement and wedding rings.
The Duchess of Sussex is known for her fashion choices and has been credited with reviving various styles, including a controversial red dress and a bright yellow Carolina Herrera gown. Markle's fashion choices, including her yellow gold jewellery, have been closely watched and emulated by her fans.
In addition to Markle, celebrities such as Kirsten Dunst, Miley Cyrus, and Mary-Kate Olsen have also chosen yellow gold engagement rings. The growing popularity of yellow gold in bridal jewellery reflects a broader shift towards gold jewellery, including bamboo earrings, nameplate necklaces, and religious jewellery. While fashion trends are cyclical, yellow gold's resurgence in recent years highlights its ability to offer a fresh and modern alternative to traditional white gold and platinum options.
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Frequently asked questions
No, yellow gold wedding rings are not out of style. While fashion trends are cyclical, and yellow gold has been considered “out” in the past, it is a timeless metal with a warm aesthetic and versatile colouring. It is also the purest colour of gold and the most hypoallergenic.
Yes, yellow gold wedding rings are currently experiencing a renaissance. This is partly due to the influence of celebrities like Meghan Markle, who chose a yellow gold wedding band and a three-stone engagement ring.
Yellow gold is the easiest for jewellers to manipulate, so it works well with intricate settings and detailed designs. It is also very complementary to all skin tones, especially olive or darker.
Yellow gold is prone to scratching and requires maintenance and polishing. It is also often mixed with nickel, a metal that causes allergic reactions in some people.
