The Importance of Carat in Gold Engagement Rings

Choosing a gold engagement ring entails more than it might, at first, appear. Unlike with other metals commonly used for ring settings, the process of selection for this type of jewel entails more than merely to walk into a store and pick or order your ring. The prospective buyer must also bear in mind factors such as colour (gold is available in a number of different hues, all with distinctive qualities) and carat.

Carat, in particular, is very often overlooked when couples choose gold engagement rings for one another, and justifiably so – as laymen and women, brides and grooms-to-be, may not be aware of the impact the carat rating of the chosen gold will have on the final product they purchase. However, in recent years, more specialists and industry professionals have made a point to raise awareness of this issue as a way to help young couples shop wisely and avoid disappointment.

But why is the carat of the gold in jewellery pieces so important? Quite simply, because it affects the hardness or softness of the pieces in question. Pure gold, mined from the earth, is extremely soft, and not at all suitable for the construction of jewellery. As such, it is almost always mixed with a secondary metal in order to improve its hardness and is then called an alloy. White and pink gold, for example, are both alloys.

A problem arises that when a greater amount of these secondary metals is used in the gold alloy, the carat will be lower and the value less. Understandably, couples shopping for gold engagement rings will want a piece that is at once attractive and valuable and may opt to purchase the more expensive higher-carat ring to reflect this.

Industry professionals, however, advise that the ideal carat for gold jewellery is between 14 and 18. Eighteen-carat pieces will probably suit couples looking for a balance of quality and price as these settings look expensive and are also relatively sturdy. However, most jewellery pieces viewed by brides and grooms-to-be will likely be made of 14-carat gold, the most common and ideal weight for gold jewellery pieces. Lovers who worry about their 14k rings looking ‘cheap’ need not be anxious – gold of this carat is still almost 60% pure!

It is evident, then, that carat should play a large role in a couple’s choice of gold engagement rings, as it affects the appearance and sturdiness of the finished pieces!

Frank L Orman is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From gold engagement rings to princess cuts and engraved bands, 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.