Typically, fine jewelry, including engagement rings, is made in platinum, white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold.

If you are looking at jewelry made in gold, there are two things to consider.

• Gold content of the metal, also known as Karat: 9K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K (purest)
• Gold color: white, pink(rose), and yellow.

The gold content of the metal will affect the color: 

Gold is naturally yellow and has a beautiful luster. The purest form of gold, 24K, has deep yellow gold tone but is simply too soft to use for jewelry. So it is commonly mixed with other metals like, rhodium, nickel, silver, or copper to increase its hardness and create color. The difference in color between white, yellow and rose is caused by the metals used in the alloy mix. The pink or reddish hue in rose gold is provided by copper. There can also be a difference of color tones between the different karats of gold. The 18K yellow gold has richer golden color compared to the 9K yellow gold. The 9K rose gold, which has more copper content, may have darker copper color than the 18K rose gold which tends to have more subtle pink color.

For many years, platinum and white gold have been popularly used for engagement rings for a more modern and clean look. However, in 2014 and expecting to continue in 2015, we have seen many engagement rings featuring rose and yellow gold, which give the ring more of a vintage look. These colored metals beautifully contrast with the diamond featured in the rings. While yellow gold is classic and traditional, rose gold is feminine and flatters most people’s skin tones.

In terms of durability:

Comparing to white gold and platinum, White gold is alloyed with stronger metals so it could be more durable and scratch-resistant than yellow and rose gold. Platinum is heavier and stronger than gold, and it is more expensive.

Not only we have seen more colors in metal choices, we have been seeing more and more colors for the center stones of the engagement rings. Many brides wish to go the nontraditional route by opting for a fancy colored diamond, like yellow and pink, or colored stones, like sapphire, ruby, and emerald. These gorgeous colored gems provide a unique and beautiful alternative to traditional colorless diamonds. The couple can choose the color that is symbolic to them, which could add more significance to the ring.

Know how to care for your engagement ring:

While white gold needs to be polished and plated regularly to keep its shine and luster, yellow and rose gold keep their classic color. Regardless of metal choices, our jewelry should be cleaned and inspected regularly. Warm water and gentle soap works well to clean diamond jewelry. Once dried in soft cotton cloth, we should store them in a soft pouch or jewelry box so it is not scratched by other pieces of jewelry.

Insurance:

A little reminder that we all prefer not to think of our engagement rings being damaged or lost, but it is wise to be prepared. Insuring our exquisite and sentimental piece could provide us with a peace of mind. First step is to have the ring appraised by a reputable jewelry appraiser. Think of an appraisal as a proof in case anything happens to the ring. We will need it in order to get the ring insured and to claim the ring in case it is stolen. *Another tip is to have your jeweler check your ring prongs every year or every couple of years to make sure that the diamond or gemstones are secured.

Diana’s Gold Ring Love Story (@dij_x):

I had always wanted a square design, however after trying them on they seemed really harsh on my hand, started trying round on & these were much softer & looked more elegant.

Yes, he was paranoid he’d choose something I wouldn’t like (& possibly say no haha) so he wanted me to choose it. After not being able to find anything I liked – most designs were white gold with diamonds on the band, so we decided to have it made.

Not really – I always knew I wanted a gold band & the rest was what looked best on my hand.

He was very clever with the proposal!! He arranged with the girls from work who scheduled a work lunch in my diary weeks before – so I thought nothing of it. On the way to the venue the girls were talking about the guest speaker so it sounded pretty legit. Once we got to Rose Bay, we approached the venue but the girls kept walking past it into the park. I questioned where they were going as the venue was here. They kept walking, so I followed. Then I nsaw Costa in the distance sitting on a park bench with a ‘marry me’ sign – I died!! He got down on one knee & popped the ring on my finger – tears all around! I assumed we were going to the venue for lunch then but he had arranged for us to take a seaplane to Whale Beach & have lunch at Jonah’s – it was gorgeous!! 10 points, hey!

After the process above – I wouldn’t change a thing – love it.

Advice – be true to what you like/love & make sure you’re set on it – you’ll be looking at it forever!

Apparently you get used to wearing it everyday – sometimes I feel too dressy wearing it – like when I’m doing the groceries on a Saturday morning with no makeup & wearing trackies!