Rose Gold? Yellow Gold? Platinum? 3 Things to Consider When Buying an Engagement Ring

Are you planning to spend some time selecting an engagement ring in San Francisco? If so, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the possibilities. Should you consider a rose gold engagement ring? A yellow gold engagement ring? White gold? And what about the gemstone, and the gemstone color? The choices seem endless and overwhelming at times. However, there are some basics to keep in mind when choosing an engagement ring that might make the decisions just a little bit easier.

Whether it’s a rose gold engagement ring with an emerald cut diamond, a yellow gold engagement ring with a black diamond, or a platinum ring with a colored gemstone, the style you love will of course be most important. However, it never hurts to give a little thought to how the ring will fit into its wearer’s lifestyle. As you consider engagement ring designs, think about the daily events and fashion choices of the person who will wear it, and how the ring needs to complement those realities. No one will want to have to take an engagement ring off frequently, and no one wants a ring that can easily snag on things, such as clothing or hair. But most of all, no one wants a ring that doesn’t look perfect on their finger.

Here are some of the most important elements to consider in engagement rings:

#1: The Metal

An engagement ring should stand out on the finger of the person who’s wearing it, so the color of the metal should complement the skin color. The color of the metal itself can easily make or break the way the ring looks as a whole. These are the most common and popular:

White Gold: The Cool Classic

Because white gold is an alloy of stronger metals combined with yellow gold, it’s quite durable. Many believe it best complements fair or rosy skin tones, as well as white diamonds, giving a more classic or glamorous feel.

Rose Gold: The Blushing Romantic

The rose color of this gold is created when pure gold is alloyed with copper. The more copper used, the redder the gold appears. It’s a durable metal, and because it can be created in a variety of colors, it can complement a large range of skin tones.

Yellow Gold: The Timeless Beauty

Yellow gold is a mixture of copper, silver, zinc, nickel, and/or palladium. It has a warm luster and looks especially good in vintage settings, but is just as easily incorporated into a contemporary design. Yellow gold engagement rings provide a striking contrast to olive and darker skin tones that allow the ring to really explode off the wearer's finger.

# 2 Cut of the stone

Cut refers to the angles and proportions of the facet arrangements, as well as the polished finish and symmetry of the stone itself. Below are some of the more popular cuts of diamonds:

Round

The round cut often appeals to those who are drawn to a classic and timeless style. It’s perfect for someone who wants a traditional look that will last through the ages, while its brilliant faceting is also great for someone looking for maximum sparkle.

Oval

Oval cuts are becoming one of the most up-and-coming, popular diamond shapes. Great for those who love to stay ahead of the trends, the oval cut also exudes a classic, elegant aesthetic that can be hard to match.

Emerald

The emerald cut exudes elegance and refinement. Its elongated shape and step-cut faceting is great for someone whose fashion style is on the more understated side. Those who have discerning taste, or those who veer toward classic with an edge, will often choose this style.

Cushion

The cushion cut is both feminine and trendy. Offering a soft look with a lot of sparkle, the cushion’s curved corners and brilliant facets are perfect for those with a softer side, whose style is less bold and more understated and genuine.

Radiant

The brilliant faceting and rectangular shape of a radiant cut is perfect for someone who loves a lot of sparkle and isn’t afraid to sport some bling. Those who like radiant cuts tend to be bubbly and outgoing, with strong personalities and a strong sense of style to match.

Pear or Marquise

Since pear-shaped diamonds aren't as traditional, they can make a striking and unusual statement, making pear or marquise cuts perfect for those who move to the beat of their own drum. If you’re looking for a unique ring unlike anyone else’s, a pear or marquise cut will be excellent options for you to consider.

Asscher

With an old-world sophistication, Asscher cut diamonds appeal to those who love antiques and unique designs. These diamonds have a retro look, making them understated and elegant, without looking gaudy.

#3 Proportions

Another aspect of choosing an engagement ring has to do with the size of the stone based on the size of the hand and finger of the person wearing it. Although most people wouldn’t say no to a large stone, it really shouldn’t overwhelm the finger. The opposite is of course also true though -- the stone should be large enough so that it isn’t diminished by a large or long finger. The key here is to find the right balance, which can be especially tricky to pull off without your partner knowing about it.

Beyond size, the shape of a stone should also be proportionate to the finger. While a large round stone might perfectly match the proportions of someone with a larger hand, a pear shape might have a more appealing look on a smaller hand with slender fingers. All of these elements work together and interact with the hand and finger of the person who will wear it.

With all of the possibilities to choose from, it’s best to take the time to try on a variety of engagement rings so that an expert jeweler can work with you as you choose this most important piece of jewelry. We’d be happy to have you stop by the Carats and Stones showroom on Union Street to get a “first-hand” experience of the variety of options available. If we don’t have exactly what you want, we can find it for you, or possibly even make a custom engagement ring, especially for you.