Gold vs. Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Things to Consider When Making Your Choice

Some may argue that choosing an engagement ring is as tough as choosing the person you’ll spend the rest of your life with. At Plum, we try to make one of those decisions a little easier for you. When it comes to shopping for the perfect engagement ring, the type of metal to go for is one of many decisions you’ll make. As you step into the wonderful world of engagement rings, let’s explore and hopefully end the debate between gold and rose gold engagement rings and guide you in making this important choice. 

Before we dive into the comparison, let’s briefly discuss what sets gold and rose gold apart. Both gold and rose gold are precious metals that have been cherished for centuries for their durability, rarity, and elegance. Rose gold is known for its distinctive pink hue that can range from a subtle blush to a deeper rosy shade. While the more traditional golds have a warm yellow or sometimes white tone. Now, let’s get into the details. 

Gold: A Classic Reign

Gold engagement rings have long reigned as one of the most popular choices for brides looking for a ring. With a rich history that dates back centuries, the first examples of  gold jewelry came out of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. For many, this precious metal is unmatched when it comes to value and beauty, transcending whatever the latest trends are. In addition to that, it comes in a variety of shades that include:

Yellow Gold:

 Yellow gold remains a fan favorite among engagement rings. The classic hue embodies tradition and romance while having the durability to last a lifetime. It’s a metal that has stood the test of time with many ancient examples finding their way to museums around the world showcasing its allure and incredible durability. It’s a choice that will never go out of style.

White Gold: 

For those seeking a modern twist to traditional gold, white gold is an opportunity to bring a contemporary feel to your engagement ring choice. Created in the 19th century, white gold soared in popularity in the 1920’s as a platinum substitute and has remained popular ever since.  White gold easily complements a variety of band designs and diamond cuts, offering the flexibility many seek when exploring their options. 

 

Rose Gold: A Modern Romantic

The surge in brides choosing rose gold engagement rings shouldn’t come as a surprise. The beautiful blush hue and romantic charm have captured the hearts of many brides in search of a departure from traditional metal colors while still getting the benefits of a precious metal . To achieve that rosy tone, yellow gold is combined with a copper alloy, and sometimes silver, creating a metal color that twenty-first-century brides have come to love. When choosing rose gold, most people want that distinct pink tone making 14K rose gold the most popular option due to its  higher copper content while 18K has a higher yellow gold content making it a more subtle pink hue.  Rose gold’s resurgence in popularity is primarily due to:

Romantic Appeal

The soft rosy color adds a touch of warmth to an engagement ring that exudes romance and femininity. It’s the ultimate symbol of expressing an eternal commitment to your partner. 

Versatility

Rose gold engagement rings are known for their ability to compliment a variety of skin tones because it tends to pick up on the natural pink undertones in our skin, while its status in the gold family allows it to be mixed and matched with different metals and gemstones fitting the aesthetics of the everyday bride. 

Choosing The Perfect Metal

When deciding between a traditional gold or rose gold engagement ring, it ultimately comes down to what you gravitate toward. With that said, while weighing your options, there are a few things you should take into consideration when choosing between these two different metals. To get started, consider these questions:

• Which metal compliments my skin tone the most?
• Which metal fits my lifestyle the best? 
• Which metal gives me flexibility within my budget?

These questions can lead you down the path of choosing the perfect metal for you. How? The soft pink hues of rose gold are a gorgeous choice for fair skin tones, while yellow gold is famous for beautifully complementing olive or darker skin. When it comes to durability, both yellow and rose golds are winners. And while one is not necessarily more expensive than the other, based on the purity of the gold, your budget can be stretched depending on your choice. That leads up to the pros and cons of gold and rose gold engagement rings. 

Pros and Cons: Gold vs Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Weighing the pros and cons of gold and rose gold engagement rings is all about balancing aesthetics, durability, and costs with what the ring will symbolize for you. 

Gold

Pros: 

• A Timeless Look: yellow gold  exudes a lasting sophistication for brides who want to hold onto a sense of tradition
• Durability: Alloyed gold has superior strength and resilience to ensure longevity.
• Hypoallergenic: Pure gold is hypoallergenic, so higher karat yellow golds may be a better choice for individuals with skin sensitivities. 

Cons:

• Maintenance & Wear: All gold requires periodic polishing which is why it’s important to choose a jeweler who offers lifetime care. 

Rose Gold

Pros: 

• Durability: Like all gold, when taken care of, rose gold will last a lifetime.
• Versatility: With its modern feel and warm tone, it's the perfect complement to a wide range of skin tones and style preferences of brides. 

Cons:

• Sensitivities: For brides who experience reactions to copper alloys, rose gold engagement rings may present a skin sensitivity issue.
• Compatibility: Some  view rose gold as trendy, but its roots date back all the way to the Victorian Era, enduring centuries and cementing its place in tradition. Like any major decision, careful consideration is required when you’re making a choice in a ring as far as how well it will pair with your diamond and band style of choice. 

 

When it comes down to the choice between celebrating your union with a gold or rose gold engagement ring, it doesn't have to be tough. Finding your dream can be effortless with the right jeweler. At Plum Diamonds we make that possible with a curated collection of gold and rose gold engagement rings for you to choose from. Whether you want an emerald, cushion, or round diamond nested upon a twisted, pave or cathedral setting - we can help you find the perfect engagement ring. Explore our collections or contact us to get started on crafting a gold or rose gold engagement ring you’ll forever adore.