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While your budget may ultimately help determine exactly what ring you buy, much of the decision simply goes back to personal preference. What type of metal do you like best? Many women prefer the classic look of a gold engagement ring.
Gold engagement rings have long been popular with brides. Many brides already own quite a few pieces of gold jewelry; their gold engagement rings fit in perfectly with their jewelry wardrobes. Because gold engagement rings are the traditional choice, brides who choose gold do not have to worry about their rings ever going out of style. A gold ring will always be in vogue.
Gold engagement rings can be 24 karat, 18 karat, 14 karat or 10 karat. Rings that are 24 karat are 100 percent gold, or pure gold, while 18 karat gold rings contain 75 percent gold (and 25 percent other metals known as alloys). Fourteen karat gold contains 58 percent gold and 10 karat contains a little more than 41 percent gold.
Which karat amount is best? That all depends. First of all, 24K gold is usually not recommended for engagement or wedding rings because it is too soft to stand up to the constant wear-and-tear of a ring worn every day. Most jewelers recommend 18K or 14K gold. An 18 karat gold ring will be more expensive than a 14K ring, but don't despair if your budget only allows the less expensive ring.
Many women prefer to buy 14K gold engagement rings because they are actually hardier since they contain less gold and more alloys. While 10K gold rings are less expensive and will generally wear well over the years, the smaller amount of gold in them means they will not have the rich gold look so many women desire. An important note: gold less than 10 karats cannot be legally marketed as gold in the United States.
Gold engagement rings are considerably less expensive than the popular platinum rings. They are also softer and require a bit more upkeep. While a platinum ring is very difficult to damage, a gold ring may get little scratches or nicks in it. After many years of wear, the gold band may become thinner as the gold wears away. However, gold rings can be repaired and polished to bring them back to their former glory. High quality gold engagement rings can maintain their luster and beauty and be passed on to future generations to enjoy.
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a gold engagement ring (or any engagement ring for that matter) is to visit a reputable jeweler. You want to make sure that your jeweler is dependable; if the jeweler claims the ring is 18K gold, you don't want to find out later that it is actually only 14K. So do your homework. Ask around to find out where your friends and family purchased their rings. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against your jeweler of choice.
A gold engagement ring is the perfect choice for a beautiful, durable ring that will look elegant on your wedding day and 50 years down the road.