Wedding Bands: Fit Or Fad?

Wedding bands are a symbol of eternal love and devotion, and gold bands are the most popular style in history. They gained popularity during the Victorian era, when mass jewellery production took off, and have been a staple at weddings ever since. Gold is a timeless choice for wedding bands as it is incredibly versatile and pairs well with anything. It is also a non-reactive metal, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.

When choosing a gold wedding band, it is important to consider the karatage. 14K gold is the American standard, while 18K is the European standard. 20K, 22K, and 24K gold are softer and more malleable, so it is recommended to opt for 14K or 18K gold for optimal strength and durability. Solid gold bands are also preferable to hollow bands, as they are more durable and will last forever.

Gold wedding bands are timeless and gender-neutral

Gold wedding bands are a timeless and gender-neutral choice for brides and grooms. Gold has been the metal of choice for wedding bands for centuries, symbolising the warmth and sophistication of love, as well as its purity and eternity. The appeal of gold bands lies in their versatility, understated beauty, and profound symbolism.

Gold wedding bands are incredibly versatile. They complement any engagement ring, regardless of its style or gemstone. Whether your engagement ring is adorned with diamonds, sapphires, or any other gemstone, a plain gold wedding band can enhance its beauty. Gold is also incredibly versatile when it comes to fashion, pairing well with anything and every gemstone.

Gold bands are also timeless. Exchanging rings to signify love and devotion has been a tradition for thousands of years, and gold bands became popular during the Victorian era of 1830 to 1899. The affordability of gold at the time made wedding bands and engagement rings accessible to the masses, and they have been a status quo at wedding ceremonies ever since. The classic gold band will never go out of style.

Finally, gold wedding bands are gender-neutral. While they are commonly associated with women, many men also opt for simple gold wedding bands. The gender-neutral nature of these rings means that anyone can cherish them, regardless of their style preferences. Gold bands can also be resized to fit any finger, making them truly universal.

Gold is a soft metal, so resizing is easy

Gold is a soft metal that is highly malleable. This means it can be easily reshaped without breaking. Its softness is due to its atomic structure and the way its atoms bond together. Gold has a face-centered cubic crystal structure, which allows for easy deformation without disrupting its overall structure. Its atoms are also held together by metallic bonds, allowing them to slide past each other with ease and making the metal soft and malleable.

Because of its softness, gold is an ideal metal for jewellery, including wedding bands. Its malleability makes it easy to resize gold rings. If a gold ring is too small, it can be stretched to make it larger. Conversely, if it is too large, it can be compressed to make it smaller. This makes gold a convenient choice for wedding bands, as they can be resized to ensure a perfect fit.

Additionally, gold's softness allows for intricate designs and details to be engraved or embossed on the metal. This property of gold enables couples to personalise their wedding bands with meaningful patterns, symbols, or even fingerprints. The softness of gold also makes it easier to solder or fuse together, which is advantageous when creating more complex ring designs or adding additional elements, such as gemstones.

While gold's softness makes resizing and customisation simple, it is essential to handle gold jewellery with care. Gold's malleability means it can be susceptible to scratches and dents if exposed to sharp objects or applied force. Therefore, it is recommended to remove gold rings when engaging in activities that may cause damage, such as heavy lifting or gardening. Proper care and storage of gold jewellery will help maintain its beauty and longevity.

Gold bands are solid gold or gold-plated

Gold wedding bands can be made of solid gold or be gold-plated.

Solid Gold

Solid gold wedding bands are rings made of solid gold. Most rings are made with 14-karat gold, which is a mixture of 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy metals (such as copper, silver, and zinc). This mixture helps increase the sturdiness of the ring. Solid gold is a softer metal, so it can be easily resized without worrying about destroying the ring. Solid gold is also a more durable and valuable ring, but it is not inexpensive. Solid gold is also a good choice for people with regular skin irritation or breakouts caused by allergic reactions, as gold is largely non-reactive.

Gold-Plated

Gold-plated wedding bands are made by electroplating gold onto a ring made from other base metals, such as brass, sterling silver, or tungsten. This dipping process allows a thin film of gold to coat the entire ring, giving it the bright, sheer gloss and shine of natural gold. The thickness of the gold plating depends on the ring and the manufacturer. Gold-plated rings are more affordable than solid gold rings, but they require regular upkeep as small amounts of moisture and sweat can cause the thin gold layer to degrade quickly. Gold-plated rings may also cause allergic reactions, depending on the base metal used, and they can stain the skin, leaving a green ring around the finger.

Solid gold is more valuable and less likely to cause allergies

Pure gold is very soft and malleable, so it is combined with other metals to make it stronger and more suitable for jewellery. These metals include copper, silver, and nickel, which is a common allergen. Solid gold, or 24-karat gold, is 99.9% pure gold, with less than 0.1% of other metals, which makes it less likely to cause allergies.

Gold allergies are not unusual, but it is often not the gold itself that people are allergic to. Instead, it is usually other metals used in gold alloys, such as nickel, that trigger allergic reactions. A 2001 study found that out of 4,101 people tested, about 9.5% tested positive for a gold allergy, with more women than men reacting to the metal. Symptoms of a gold allergy are similar to those caused by other allergens and can range from mild to severe. They can include redness, discolouration, and itchiness on the skin that the gold jewellery has been in contact with.

The higher the percentage of pure gold in a piece of jewellery, the less nickel it will contain, and the less likely it is to trigger an allergic reaction. 18-karat gold, which is 75% gold, is also a good option for those with allergies, as it has a lower chance of causing a reaction. On the other hand, 12-karat and 9-karat gold contain higher amounts of nickel and are more likely to cause skin allergies.

Yellow gold is the most hypoallergenic and purest form of gold, compared to rose and white gold. White gold is especially likely to trigger allergies as it is made of yellow gold with a layer of rhodium on top, and the yellow gold underneath may have a low carat and thus a high amount of nickel. If you have a gold allergy, it is best to opt for high-quality gold jewellery, such as 18-karat or 24-karat gold, which is less likely to contain nickel.

Gold-plated bands are more affordable but require more maintenance

Gold-plated wedding bands are an affordable alternative to solid gold rings. They are made by electroplating gold onto a ring made from other base metals, resulting in a thin film of gold that gives the ring a bright, glossy shine. The small amount of gold used in the plating process keeps costs low, making these rings a more budget-friendly option. However, this thin gold layer also means that gold-plated rings require more maintenance and care than their solid gold counterparts.

Gold-plated rings need to be replated approximately every two years, which can cost around $75 each time. This maintenance adds to the overall cost of the ring over time, and it's important to note that the replating service may cost more than the original ring. Additionally, black and coloured plating services can be challenging to find, and you may not be able to get your ring replated, even if you're willing to pay for it.

To ensure your gold-plated wedding band lasts, it's crucial to take proper care of it. Small amounts of moisture and sweat can cause the thin gold layer to degrade quickly, so it's important to be cautious when wearing the ring and avoid exposure to certain substances. Gold-plated rings are also more prone to staining and leaving a green ring around the finger.

When purchasing a gold-plated ring, it's essential to buy from a reputable jeweller who discloses the plating. Low prices can be a giveaway that a ring is plated, and you should also look for hallmarks or stamps inside the ring indicating gold electroplating. While gold-plated rings may not be ideal for daily wear, particularly for those with hands-on jobs, they can be a beautiful and affordable choice if you're willing to put in the extra care and maintenance.

Frequently asked questions