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.

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.

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 32 stunning yellow-gold choices to inspire you before you go engagement ring shopping.