Pros And Cons Of White Gold Engagement Rings

Buying an engagement ring is a notable episode in any man’s life. It marks the start of a new chapter, the start of a promise between two hearts to forever be connected as one. An engagement ring thus represents a great deal of significance and you will want to make sure your purchase is the best it can possibly be.

White gold engagement rings are one of the most popular styles on the market today, and this article offers you an outline of the pros and cons of choosing one. Purchasing jewellery is a matter of personal preference however, so while this article does give a general guide of the advantages and disadvantages of white gold engagement rings, it should not make your decision for you. Ultimately it should come down to what you or your fiancé like most.

Pros

Cost

Nearly 1,500 tons of gold are mined annually, more than any other metal commonly used in the jewellery trade. This abundance of raw materials drives down the price in the marketplace, making these stylish engagement pieces one of the more affordable options available. Depending on which gemstone you select to set in your ring and the quality of it, the price could be driven up immensely. However, the metal band itself is more reasonably priced than others in the jewellery industry.

Gem Pop

The beauty of white gold engagement rings is that their pale shade enhances any stone’s brilliance or fire. Whether it’s a ruby, emerald, or sapphire, the fair hue of the metal band gives any gemstone more of a sparkle or "pop" than if it were set in a ring made of another material. This is because of the stark contrast between the whitish tone of the metal and the profound colour of the gem.

Durability

Gold is not a naturally durable metal, but the white version of it is made in an alloying process with platinum, nickel or palladium. All three of these alloys give white gold engagement rings an enhanced robustness and scratch resistance.

Cons

Upkeep and Colour Fade

White gold engagement rings get their shine from a coating of the element rhodium. While this plating process gives the piece a gleaming finish that is dazzling to the eye, it doesn’t last and tends to fade over the course of a couple years. Accordingly, such jewellery needs to undergo re-plating every so often. These processes are not terribly expensive, but they must be kept up with if the jewellery to retain its beauty.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From the best engagement ring cut to precious metals and coloured stones, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.