A Guide to Gold Wedding Rings

When planning your wedding day, you’ll no doubt have many things on your mind, but one of the most significant details will be choosing your wedding rings. These little symbols of love and commitment will likely endure for a lifetime, so it’s imperative that both you and your partner are happy with your choices.

Whether you prefer more traditional or contemporary jewellery, there is an ideal ring for every couple. Gold wedding rings are still popular among newlyweds today because they exude elegance and sophistication. They have been popular throughout human history and it’s easy to see why they are so well-loved. Here we will explore the characteristics and features of gold wedding bands and explain why they have become such an enduring choice among newlyweds over time.

What is gold?

Gold (Au), a dense, bright yellow precious metal, is a chemical element with many unique advantages. Throughout history, gold’s attractive colour and brightness, its virtual indestructibility, its high malleability, and its relatively pure natural composition have all contributed to its exceptional value. Gold has been desirable since the beginning of time because of its beauty, durability, and resistance to tarnishing and corrosion.

Gold is relatively soft when it is extracted from the earth (2,5 on the scale of hardness versus 10 for a diamond). Because gold is too soft to hold stones in place, it must be mixed with other metals like silver or copper to increase its strength and longevity.

Gold is element 79 and atomic number 79. The chemical symbol is au after the Latin aurum and an auride is any anion of gold.

What is a karat?

Not to be confused with carat which usually associated with diamond weight (although can also be gold purity), karat is strictly gold purity. A 24-karat gold ring is pure, solid gold and the purity of gold is divided into 24 parts or karats. But higher does not necessarily mean better.  24K gold is poor for daily wear because it is soft and malleable, and therefore easily scratched and damaged.

Many wedding and engagement rings made of gold are made of 14K or 18K gold. These rings are stronger and more durable than those made of 24K gold. A ring that is not made of 24K gold or ‘pure gold’ has been mixed with other metals or alloys to improve its strength and lustre but may also alter its colour. The proportion of gold in 18K gold is 75% and 25% alloy mix, while in 14K gold it is 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy mix.

Can it be plated?

When purchasing your ring, you should be aware of plating. The most common term you will hear for 24K gold is pure gold, but you may also come across an 18K pure gold ring. That means the ring is not plated. Plated rings are made of a different metal and then coated with gold and it is possible to tell the difference like with silver.

While there are standards for how thick the gold plating should be, it is crucial to talk with the jeweller to find out their preferences. A common and popular option is vermeil which is silver jewellery that is plated in gold. If a gold ring is heavier, there is more gold in the ring and so it would be more expensive. You can save money if you go for a plated ring design.

Why buy gold wedding rings?

Colour

Because gold is such a malleable, easy-to-work-with metal, it can be mixed with other metals or alloys. This allows for the colour of gold to be altered, providing benefits.

There are many varieties of gold ring style and colour, including white, purple, green gold, gold, black gold, and even blue. These hues are typically produced by combining metals and elements like silver, alloy, palladium, zinc, and nickel with gold. Traditional coloured gold rings, nevertheless, remain popular choices for weddings. The following is a list of the most common-coloured golds:

Yellow Gold – Gold of natural origin and pure 24K gold is a warm, yellow colour. Pure gold mixed with silver and copper can still maintain a rich, yellow colour. Yellow gold wedding rings are most conventional and are the traditional designs of gold jewellery.

White Gold – The creation of white gold is accomplished by blending pure gold with palladium, silver, copper, nickel, and zinc to produce a pale, shiny colour. These rings are usually coated with rhodium, a tough material that protects them from wear. White gold was first developed in the 1920s as a substitute for platinum, but it is currently popular.

Rose Gold – The combination of gold and copper gives rose gold its distinct pinkish tone. The colour becomes redder the more copper is included.

Black Gold – A black gold ring is a great alternative if you are looking for something a little different. White gold rings are covered with rhodium, a very hard black coating. Although rhodium may wear off over time, your jeweller should be able to replate it easily.

Style

You can select from a variety of designs of gold wedding ring. Whether you favour a traditional appearance or a more modern approach, you can find the right wedding ring that fits your style and any engagement ring. A plain yellow gold band with rounded edges is a terrific choice for a more conventional wedding ring. If you prefer a more contemporary interpretation of a conventional gold ring, consider an option that includes engravings, braided designs, unique texture choices, and more.

Many couples like to adorn their plain gold wedding rings with gems or diamonds. White gold allows for a greater variety of colours to be reflected. Diamonds work well with all types of gold, while coloured gems look best with white gold.

Fit

A gold wedding band can be fitted in several ways. You should assess the width in addition to other fit factors when selecting a wedding band. While some men prefer a lighter, thinner band, others favour something heavier and thicker, particularly those who work with their hands.

Finding the right fit in terms of width is also dependent on finger size and hand size. Comfort fit bands with rounded edges, for example, are available for additional comfort. Trying on several options to find the most comfortable, natural fit for your hand is a good way to determine the best option.

Care and maintenance

Gold is extremely durable and impervious to tarnishing, which makes it an excellent choice for any lifestyle. You may wear your gold ring all day, every day, but you should remove gemstone rings before engaging in exercise, gardening, etc.

You can clean your gold ring by soaking it in a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. It is a fantastic option for anyone, particularly if you want to wear your ring 24/7 and do not want to worry about daily maintenance.