Gold Wedding Bands: A Buying Guide

Gold has been a symbol of wealth, status, and love for millennia, so it's no surprise that gold wedding bands are a popular choice for those about to tie the knot. When it comes to buying a gold wedding band, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of gold available. Gold purity is measured in karats, with 24K being pure gold. However, for added strength, gold is often alloyed with other metals. Common types of gold used in wedding bands include 10K, 14K, and 18K gold, each offering a different balance between colour, purity, and strength. Another thing to consider is whether you want a simple band or a ring with gemstones. Diamonds or other gemstones can add a touch of luxury and make the ring stand out. It's also important to set a budget, as gold wedding bands can vary significantly in cost, and finally, choose a reputable jeweller with positive feedback and good customer service.

Gold band styles: classic, detailed, gemstone-accented

Gold wedding bands are a timeless choice, having been exchanged as a symbol of love and devotion for thousands of years. They are incredibly versatile, pairing well with any gemstone, and can be worn by anyone, making them a popular choice for wedding bands. There are several styles of gold bands to choose from, including classic, detailed, and gemstone-accented.

Classic

Classic gold bands are simple and elegant, often featuring a polished finish and a slim profile. They are a versatile choice that can be paired with any engagement ring style, making them a perfect addition to any existing ring stack. Classic gold bands typically come in 14K or 18K gold, with 14K being the American standard and 18K considered finer quality. They can also be found in a variety of widths to suit different preferences.

Detailed

Detailed gold bands feature intricate patterns, engravings, or filigree work that adds interest and texture to the ring. These decorative elements can be used to create personalized narratives that symbolize your unique journey. Detailed gold bands may also feature gemstone accents or diamond alternatives, such as moissanite, for an extra touch of sophistication.

Gemstone-Accented

Gemstone-accented gold bands feature colourful gemstones or diamonds along the band, adding a pop of colour and elegance to your bridal set. These rings can be customized with coordinated or contrasting designs and are available in a variety of settings, including eternity, half-eternity, and halo settings. Gemstone-accented gold bands are a bright alternative to diamond settings and can be tailored to suit your unique style and personality.

Gold types: yellow, white, rose

When it comes to gold wedding bands, there are three fundamental colours to choose from: yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Each colour is achieved by blending pure gold with different metals to create alloys that ensure durability and robustness. Here is a more detailed description of each type of gold:

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is what most people associate with pure gold due to its close resemblance to the colour of gold mined from the Earth. However, despite its name, yellow gold is not "pure" gold. Like all gold used in jewellery, it is an alloy, blended with other metals such as silver, copper, or platinum to increase its durability. Yellow gold is considered the most classic and traditional choice for jewellery, evoking a sense of luxury. It pairs well with diamonds, providing a beautiful contrast to their white sparkle. Yellow gold is also the most affordable option out of the three types of gold.

White Gold

White gold is created by blending pure gold with white-coloured metals such as platinum, silver, manganese, or palladium. Even with these metals, white gold still has a slight yellowish tint. Therefore, white gold jewellery is typically coated with rhodium, a tough and beautiful precious metal that gives white gold its distinct white lustre. White gold is the most popular colour of gold on the market, known for its sleek, modern, and contemporary look. One of the advantages of choosing white gold is that it can be mistaken for platinum, which is the most expensive precious metal, making white gold a more affordable option. However, white gold jewellery requires more maintenance as the rhodium layer fades away over time, requiring re-dipping by a professional.

Rose Gold

Rose gold, also known as Russian gold, was invented by the renowned Russian jeweller Carl Fabergé in the 1800s. It gets its distinct pink hue from the addition of copper to the gold alloy mix. Rose gold is considered more unusual and has become popular among those seeking a unique fashion identity. It is highly suited to vintage-style jewellery, evoking a sense of romance and Old World glamour. Rose gold is the most durable and scratch-resistant of the three types of gold due to the toughness of copper. However, like white gold, it is not hypoallergenic, and some individuals may have an allergic reaction to it.

Gold purity: 10K, 14K, 18K

Gold purity is measured in karats, with 24 karat gold being 100% pure. Lower karat golds are alloys, with other metals added to make the gold harder and more durable. Pure gold is very soft and malleable, so it is not often used in jewellery.

When it comes to wedding bands, 14K gold is the most popular type of gold. It is made up of 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy, or 14 out of 24 parts gold. It strikes a good balance between purity, durability, and affordability. It is also the most popular type of gold for engagement and wedding rings, accounting for about 90% of sales. 14K gold has a rich, classic gold colour, though it is slightly less saturated than 18K gold. It is also more durable than 18K gold, making it a good choice for everyday wear. However, it may cause skin irritation for people with certain metal allergies.

18K gold is made up of 75% gold and 25% alloy, or 18 out of 24 parts gold. It is the purest form of gold typically used for jewellery. 18K gold has a rich, yellow appearance and is unlikely to cause skin irritation. However, it is more expensive and less durable than 14K gold, so it may not be the best choice for a wedding band that will be worn every day.

While 10K gold is less common for wedding bands, it is the most durable form of gold used in jewellery. It is made up of 41.7% gold and 58.3% alloy, or 10 out of 24 parts gold. It is also the most affordable type of gold. However, it has a pale, understated colour and may trigger metal allergies.

Gold band width: 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm

When buying a gold wedding band, there are many factors to consider, such as style, depth, metal choice, finger size, and width. The width of a wedding band is the thickness of the band itself, and it can range from 1.6mm to 20mm, with the most popular widths being 2.5mm and 5mm. The width you select depends on your personal preference, visual styling, and physical comfort.

2mm width is a popular width for women's rings or matching wedding band sets. It is the narrowest width commonly available for wedding bands and is suitable for those who prefer a delicate and discreet look.

3mm width is a good choice for those who want something discreet but not too slim. This width is often chosen for men's wedding bands, offering a sleek and elegant look.

4mm width is a popular choice for men's wedding bands, especially for those with regular finger sizes. It offers a good balance between subtlety and substance.

5mm width is another popular option for both men and women. It is versatile and can suit slim or larger fingers, providing a stylish and noticeable band without being too overwhelming.

6mm width is ideal for those who want a more prominent and wider band that stands out. It is often chosen by those who want a modern and contemporary feel to their ring.

7mm width is a statement choice, providing a bold and eye-catching look. It suits larger hands and fingers, as it covers a more substantial length of the finger.

8mm width is a good option for those with larger hands who want a complementary and substantial ring. It provides a wider surface area and can accommodate more intricate designs or engravings.

It is important to consider your lifestyle, finger size, and personal style when choosing the width of your gold wedding band. Trying on different widths is recommended to find the perfect balance between comfort and aesthetics.

Gold band weight: medium, heavy, super heavy

The weight of a gold wedding band is an important consideration when buying one. The weight of the band affects its thickness, comfort, and price. Here's a detailed guide on gold band weights to help you make an informed decision:

Medium Weight Gold Bands

Medium-weight gold wedding bands are a popular choice for several reasons. They offer a good balance between weight and thickness, neither being too light nor too heavy. A medium-weight band typically measures around 1.7mm in thickness and is suitable for most finger sizes. This weight is also ideal for engraving as it provides enough thickness to prevent weakening the structure of the band. Additionally, medium-weight bands are often priced lower than heavy-weight bands due to the reduced amount of gold required.

Heavy Weight Gold Bands

Heavy-weight gold wedding bands are perfect for those who prefer a chunkier, more substantial feel to their jewellery. These bands typically measure 2.1mm or more in thickness and are ideal for larger fingers or wider band styles. The extra thickness of heavy-weight bands also makes them suitable for setting diamonds or gemstones. However, due to the increased amount of gold required, these bands are usually more expensive than medium or light-weight options.

Super Heavy Weight Gold Bands

While super heavy-weight gold bands are less commonly discussed, some retailers do offer this option. For example, Wedding Bands Wholesale offers 14k white gold and yellow gold comfort-fit dome wedding bands in a super heavy-weight option, with a thickness of 2mm. These bands provide an even more robust and weighty feel than heavy-weight bands. The price of these super heavy-weight bands is comparable to heavy-weight options, with the white gold band retailing for $455.00.

When choosing the weight of your gold wedding band, it's important to consider factors such as comfort, aesthetics, and budget. Medium-weight bands offer a versatile and comfortable option, while heavy-weight bands provide a more substantial feel and are ideal for diamond settings. Super heavy-weight bands are less commonly available but can be a good choice for those who desire an even chunkier look and feel.

Frequently asked questions