Yellow Gold Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

Yellow gold engagement rings are having a renaissance of sorts from shiny styles to matte finishes—likely a result of gold jewelry trending in the market from pendants to stackable rings and hoop earrings. While platinum and white gold rings are certainly still popular choices, many modern couples are engagement ring shopping with yellow gold in mind so it will blend cohesively with the rest of their everyday jewelry. Even if your jewelry box is heavy on the silver side, a yellow gold ring is perfect for the fashion-forward couple looking to dip into the mixed-metal trend.

What Is Yellow Gold?

Yellow gold is a mixture of gold metals. In most cases, gold is mixed with 25 percent other metals (like silver), to achieve a soft and buttery tone like 24-carat gold.

The yellow gold trend kicked off in the engagement ring market thanks to the resurgence of unique vintage and retro-inspired styles. Whether you want an artfully etched band with micro-pavé accents, a classic round-cut diamond set on a slim gold band, or an elegant emerald-cut ring festooned with side baguettes, any stone looks good with the Midas touch.

Not sure if a yellow gold engagement ring is for you? Read ahead to learn about the pros and cons of this unique metal, and find inspiration from our selection of the best yellow gold rings.

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Pros and Cons of Yellow Gold Rings

Yellow gold is "an incredibly versatile as it suits all skin tones and can be used to create all types of jewelry," jewelry design director, Kate Earlam-Charnley says. "It’s hard, durable and brings out the best with all gemstones," she adds.

Although yellow gold is versatile and stands up to everyday wear and tear, there are still some cons to consider. First, yellow gold isn't pure gold, and to achieve its luxurious hue, in the crafting process, various gold forms are mixed with other metals. This won't depreciate the values of the ring. Instead, the gold won't be labeled as pure gold.

What to Look for In a Yellow Gold Engagement Ring

When shopping for a yellow gold engagement ring, Earlam-Charnley wants you to keep a few important facts in mind. "If you’re planning to set your ring with a white diamond, you should consider the color grade of the diamond," she explains. H+ is the most popular diamond color grade, but J and I would also offer a diamond with a bright, light color.

What stones, cuts, settings, and materials pair best with the particular type of ring? "Round brilliant-cut diamonds are always a fantastic choice since they have the most inner brilliance and create a beautiful contrast against yellow gold," Earlam-Charnley says. For a unique gemstone you stick with yellow sapphires or yellow diamonds. And, for a modern look, "go for pink sapphires against the yellow gold. They give a fresh and contemporary look, while being a little more unusual than a classic white diamond," Earlam-Charnley tells us.
How can I tell if the ring is high quality? According to Earlam-Charnley, it’s a legal requirement to hallmark (make a unique mark on) pieces of jewelry and other items that contain precious metals. A jeweler will analyze the metal to determine the purity and then marked based on those findings. This makes it easy to know that you are getting a high-quality ring.
How much do yellow gold rings cost? "Our yellow gold engagement rings with center diamonds start from around $1,100. Whereas, our wedding rings start from $509 dollars," Earlam-Charnley explains.

How to Care for a Yellow Gold Ring

Caring for your engagement ring starts with regular cleaning. There are many ring cleaning solutions that clean your ring at home, or if you want the peace of mind of your ring having optimal care, take it to your jewelry, who will handle the ring delicately. A professional cleaning will give your ring a deeper clean, which keeps the ring looking its best.

It's also a good idea to have insurance on your ring in case any severe damages occur or even theft. The insurance on the ring will protect it and cover any damages that the ring sustains.

Types of Settings for Yellow Gold Engagement Rings

For classic tastes, pear, oval, emerald cut, and cushion cut diamonds are gorgeous in a yellow-gold setting. Pearls are a gorgeous diamond alternative that are equally classic in a yellow-gold setting, too. Take the yellow gold engagement ring look a step further and opt for a colorful stone. In a yellow-gold setting, the effect is full-on vintage—you can even consider a raw, rustic, or rough cut diamond if an antique look suits your taste.

If a contemporary ring is up your alley, consider a super-modern style like an east-west setting, two-stone ring, hexagon shape, or trillion-cut diamond. Each of these styles is perfect for modern couples who want a less-than-cookie-cutter engagement ring.

Whatever your taste (or budget!) we found 23 stunning yellow-gold choices to inspire you before you go engagement ring shopping.

Our Top Picks

Shane Co. Bliss Knife Edge Cathedral Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold at Shaneco.com

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Barbela Diamond Nico Ring at Barbeladesign.com

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J. Hannah Demi Signet (Diamond) at Jhannahjewelry.com

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Effy Bouquet 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring at Effyjewelry.com

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Diamond Nexus Bali Classic Pear Cut Engagement Ring at Diamondnexus.com

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Wwake Nestled Rose Cut Diamond Ring at Wwake.com

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Kavant & Sharart Talay Silhouette Wave Ring at Kavantandsharart.com

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ILA Pietro Marquise Cut Diamond Ring at Ilacollection.com

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Michelle Oh Kira Ring at Michelle-oh.com

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Selin Kent Luna Ring at Selinkent.com

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Shane Co.

View On Shaneco.com

Intricate milgrain details adorn this otherwise simple cathedral setting. The 14k yellow gold band measures two millimeters with a dainty knife edge. This listing is for the setting only, but its center stone preview feature allows you to see how different stones might look with the band.

Barbela

View On Barbeladesign.com

A delicate, textured band in 14k yellow gold is a perfect option for a minimalist engagement ring. A round diamond is nestled in a bezel setting to complete the solitaire silhouette.

J. Hannah

View On Jhannahjewelry.com

The site's description of their signet collection says "Historically, signet jewelry represented a physical marker of identity." Their line aims to be "a modern reinterpretation of the idea in classic shapes engraved with a small unique detail." This dainty 14k yellow gold engagement ring features a round, brilliant-cut white diamond as its stamp of significance.

Effy Bouquet 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring

Effy Jewelry

View On Effyjewelry.com

The shiny 14k gold band tapers into a unique basket setting with a cluster of round diamonds. A heart shape supports the stones, visible only from the basket's profile.

Diamond Nexus

View On Diamondnexus.com

A pear-shaped diamond-alternative stone sits in the stunning loops of the lotus setting that the brand likens to trellis architecture. The 14k gold ring features a slim profile and has several choices of matching wedding bands.

Wwake

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The thin solid gold band holds two rose-cut white diamonds in a uniquely modern design. The slim and shapely nature of this piece makes for beautiful ring stacking.

Kavant & Sharart

View On Kavantandsharart.com

The Wave ring is inspired by the organic essence of the sea. A pear-shaped .03ct diamond is wrapped in the curves of an 18k gold band.

ILA

View On Ilacollection.com

The marquise cut diamond ring is super dainty and the perfect choice for minimalists. The slender band is made from 14k sustainable gold and wears beautifully both stacked and solo.

Michelle Oh

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The Kira ring is organic in nature. The diamonds are left in its natural irregular shape and sits on an 18k gold unpolished band for a raw finish.

Courtesy of Selin Kent

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Selin Kent's Luna Ring takes a unique twist on moon-themed jewelry. A half-moon shaped diamond extends from a simple 14k yellow gold square band.

Nora Kogan

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The Misia Ring is anything but traditional. A conflict-free marquise diamond is set in an east-west style on a band of 14k yellow gold that's hand-painted with white or black enamel.

David Yurman

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An emerald-cut diamond looks stunning bezel-set in this geometric 18k gold band with a brushed finish. The DY Delaunay was modeled after the design David Yurman created for his wife's engagement ring.

Jessie V E

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The Femme Fatale 'Siren' is a double finger ring. A peach tourmaline center stone rests just between the fingers and sits underneath the diamond-set band of 18k gold.

Vrai

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A knife-edge bezel allows light to flood and bounce in all directions so the emerald-cut diamond is as dazzling as possible. The design was created to sit low on the finger and flush with a wedding band to draw the attention to the diamond.

Luna Skye

View On Lunaskye.com

An oval white sapphire is adorned by dainty diamonds set on a slim 14k gold band. This beauty can be made as a full or half eternity, but note that full eternity bands cannot be resized. We love how this statement piece looks with a set of contour bands.

Anita Ko

View On Anitako.com

A petite pear diamond takes on a new look when set in an east-west style. Anita Ko's creation is prong-set on an 18k gold diamond-paved band, a perfect option for the modern minimalist with an eye for a bit of sparkle.

Allurez

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This set comes with a matching 14k gold engagement ring and wedding band. The engagement ring features a diagonally-set cushion cut diamond halo while the pave wedding band is adorned with 17 prong-set diamonds.

ZoÃ« Chicco

View On Zoechicco.com

The flat band horizon ring is a head-turner. Measuring eight millimeters in width, the 14k gold band holds a comparably dainty pear diamond in a bezel and a pave of round diamonds on its edge.

Ashley Zhang

View On Ashleyzhangjewelry.com

The double Asscher cut diamond design is inspired by the French "Toi et Moi," or "Me and You" style engagement ring characterized by two stones making up a single engagement ring. The focal stones are accented by tapered baguette diamonds on a 14k gold rounded square band.

Courtesy of Marrow

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Inspired by the designer's own engagement ring, the Jillian Ring plays with contrasting shapes and sizes. A large, round brilliant cut white diamond is centered by two trillion cut diamond accents on a 14k gold band.

Sofia Kaman

View On Sofiakaman.com

The statement signet ring is guaranteed to turn heads. From the textured band and diamond star motif to the surprising diamond-lined outer-edge and matte-finished 18k yellow gold, the statement jewel is one of a kind.

Lauren B.

View On Laurenbjewelry.com

If you can't get enough diamonds, this 2.25 carat Lauren B. design is for you. A large cushion cut center stone is wrapped in a two-row halo that's tucked underneath the diamond, dubbing the name "Hidden Halo." The three-row cathedral band is ensconced in brilliant diamonds on all sides.

Kwiat

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The signature Kwiat setting is "open and airy," which allows the most light to shine through the yellow diamond and gives the appearance of a nearly floating stone. The solitaire engagement ring is clean and simple, but the colored stone creates a modern touch.

Meet the Expert

Kate Earlam-Charnley is the Design Director at Taylor & Hart.

Courtesy of Nikos Koulis

View On Nikoskoulis.com

White Gold Diamond Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

Shane Co. Bliss Knife Edge Cathedral Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold

Barbela Diamond Nico Ring

J. Hannah Demi Signet (Diamond)

Effy Bouquet 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring

Diamond Nexus Bali Classic Pear Cut Engagement Ring

Wwake Nestled Rose Cut Diamond Ring

Kavant & Sharart Talay Silhouette Wave Ring

ILA Pietro Marquise Cut Diamond Ring

Michelle Oh Kira Ring

Selin Kent Luna Ring

Nora Kogan Misia Ring

David Yurman DY Delaunay Petite Engagement Ring in 18K Gold

Jessie V E Femme Fatale 'Siren' Ring

Vrai The Signature Bezel Emerald Engagement Ring

Luna Skye 14K Gold and Diamond Solitaire Oval White Sapphire Eternity Ring

Anita Ko Sideways Pear Diamond Pave Ring

Allurez Diagonal Diamond Halo East West Bridal Set 14K Yellow Gold

Zoë Chicco 14K Pave and Pear Shaped Diamond Wide Flat Band Ring

Ashley Zhang Petite Margaret Ring

Marrow The Jillian Round Brilliant Ring

Sofia Kaman Etoile Signet Ring

Lauren B. Cushion Cut Diamond Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

The Kwiat Setting Collection Asscher Cut Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

Nikos Koulis Yellow and Black Gold Ring with Yellow Sapphire and White Diamond

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