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Courtesy of Ashley Zhang
In the last decade or so, mixing metals has become one of the most enduring fashion trends. So, if you’re thinking about getting engaged sometime soon, remember that these days you’re not limited to combinations as simple as yellow gold bands and bright white diamonds. Why not choose two ring metals for a unique two-tone look?
What Is a Two-Tone Engagement Ring?
A two-tone engagement ring is a ring composed of two different metals. The most common combinations are platinum and yellow gold, however, a two-tone ring can feature any combination of yellow, rose or white gold.
“Two-tone rings can symbolize the coming together of two different lives. However, most often two-tone rings just speak to style preferences,” notes Slisha Kankariya, co-founder of With Clarity. “Sometimes, white gold prongs are chosen with a yellow gold shank or band. The white gold prongs blend more easily with the diamond, allowing the shine to come through more.”
It’s this more intense “shine” that Jillian Sassone, principal designer of Marrow Fine, credits as the paramount appeal of the two-tone engagement ring. “We love how the two-tone look works for lighter color stones, and we typically incorporate the technique when working with white diamonds,” she explains. “It helps the prongs around the engagement ring blend in with the diamond, accentuate its whiteness, and make the look altogether seamless so as not to overpower the beauty of the gemstone(s) being used in the ring design.”
Whether you’re looking to start a wedding ring stack with something that sets the tone, you’re finding it hard to land on one specific engagement ring setting, or you’re just really into mixing metals, you can’t go wrong with a two-tone engagement ring. Below, get to know some of our favorite two-tone looks and what to consider before you shop for one on your own.
Jean Dousset Aria Solitaire Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Jean Dousset
Take a classic and make it two-tone. That’s exactly what you get with this six-prong diamond ring set with a crisp round brilliant-cut center stone on a solid rose gold band with diamond pavé lining the bridge and gallery.
Price at time of publish: $6,800
Blue Nile Polish Two-Tone Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Blue Nile
This white and rose gold rendition is the perfect example of two trends—band-style rings and mixed metal accents—colliding in the best way possible. The golds are polished to such a perfect finish that they highlight the diamond brilliantly, a tried-and-true trademark of the two-tone design.
MiaDonna Burnside Two-Tone Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of MiaDonna
The inner and outer edges of this white gold band feature a twisted design going three-quarters of the way around, giving you a beautiful flush of blush. The petal prongs in pale pink bring unmatched femininity and personality.
Price at time of publish: starting at $950 (setting only)
Ashley Zhang Emma Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Ashley Zhang
A slim yellow gold band with six accent diamonds and four sharp platinum prongs securely hold the center stone in place. The supporting diamonds are handset and embellished with milgrain on each side of the center diamond for an Art Deco look with a modern edge.
Price at time of publish: starting at $5,300
Kwiat Yellow Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Kwiat
It’s all about making that center stone look good, isn’t it? Here, the platinum and 18K yellow gold setting gorgeously frame the colored diamond in eyecatching vintage styling.
Price at time of publish: starting at $8,000
Jean Dousset Chelsea La Vie en Rose Oval Solitaire Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Jean Dousset
The oval diamond in this handcrafted Jean Dousset ring is limitless opposite the three rows of brilliant-cut rare, natural Fancy Vivid Pink Argyle diamond pavé on the band, bridge, and gallery. Opting for the two-tone iteration (beyond the simple 18K rose gold version) makes the white center stone even brighter and more luminous.
Price at time of publish: starting at $15,500
Ashley Zhang Victoria Rolling Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Ashley Zhang
Sometimes two-tone goes beyond a single ring, like this Ashley Zhang platinum and 18K yellow gold twin design. The traditional six-prong solitaire engagement ring is interlocked with a pavé diamond band for a great blend of matte and sparkle that can accompany any wedding band.
Price at time of publish: starting at $6,000
With Clarity Elate Natural Diamond Ring
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Courtesy of With Clarity
Blending warm yellow gold with crisp white gold, this ring uses a bow design to cradle the center round diamond for a look that’s larger than life. The yellow gold disrupts the pavé band to draw attention to all of the large and well-faceted diamond accents.
Price at time of publish: $2,050
Simon G. SG Engagement Ring MR264
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Courtesy of Simon G. Jewelry
The rose gold accents on this delicate white gold ring are subtle, yet so impactful. They almost confuse the eye for flower petals or leaves, which is already a big trend for engagement rings.
Price at time of publish: $1,980
MiaDonna Chapman Two-Tone Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of MiaDonna
What’s not to love about a center stone accented with a floral-inspired prong head? The ornate-carved filigree on the shank and prong head are set with recycled diamonds for a hint of sparkle—almost resembling pretty, dewy raindrops on pink petals!
Price at time of publish: starting at $1,050 for setting only
Mark Broumand Round Brilliant-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of 1stDibs
This two-tone diamond engagement ring displays tremendous brilliance due to its triple excellent grading in cut, polish, and symmetry. It is accented by a halo of round brilliant-cut diamonds as well as one row of shimmering micro pavé diamonds around the 18K yellow gold shank. In other words, it’s a whole lot of sparkle and strength in gold.
Price at time of publish: $10,350
Ring Concierge Yellow Old Mine Cut Bezel-Set Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Ring Concierge
The bezel mounting in yellow gold highlights the fancy yellow center stone flawlessly. And since the band features diamonds too, the thin custom-made bezel rim provides the perfect slice of sparkle.
Angara Floral Cluster Diamond Two-Tone Engagement Ring With Milgrain
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Courtesy of Angara
The floral pattern here is breathtaking, without a doubt, but even more striking is the knife-edge shank in rose gold, adorned with pavé set diamonds. The intricate milgrain work (in both 14K rose and white gold) creates gaze-worthy intersections of pink and white lines that make the diamonds look like they’re floating!
Price at time of publish: $1,089
With Clarity Mira Diamond Ring
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Courtesy of With Clarity
Ribbons of yellow gold and white gold combine to create the perfect geometrical design pointing to the center princess-cut diamond. The yellow gold isn’t overpowering, but it definitely adds some interest along the shank!
Price at time of publish: $1,590
MiaDonna Hoyt Two-Tone Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of MiaDonna
Have you ever seen a split shank two-tone band? It’s pretty wild, but also seriously stunning! Set with a round-cut center stone in a wrap-around bezel, this ring is otherworldly. If someone is looking at your finger, they really can’t tell where the white gold starts and the yellow or rose gold begins!
Price at time of publish: starting at $850 for setting only
James Allen Platinum and 14K Yellow Gold Two-Tone Pear Shaped Swirl Tension Setting
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Courtesy of James Allen
The tension setting is a perfect match for the two-tone interpretation because both aim to do the same thing: highlight the center diamond or gemstone. In this case, the effect is super distinctive, statuesque, and fashion-forward. Although the shape isn’t really conducive to adding a wedding band, this type of ring can stand on its own.
Price at time of publish: $5,850
Allurez Moissanite & Diamond Antique Style Engagement Ring in 18K Two-Tone Gold
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Courtesy of Allurez
The diamond-lined “collars” on this ring are our favorite part—providing definition to the sparkling 1.5-carat weight moissanite center stone. Add to that two smaller diamonds set within the band’s two-tone 18K gold open-scroll design and 18 additional small diamond accents and the antique vibe gets a dose of modernity and extra fire.
Price at time of publish: $5,962
With Clarity Exquisite Natural Diamond Ring
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Courtesy of With Clarity
We did say that two-tone engagement rings were more about the style factor than the symbolism, but this princess cut ring hits a little differently. The coiled rose gold band joining with a pavé diamond-set white gold band is a beautiful representation of two lives coming together for a wedding and forever after to come.
Price at time of publish: $2,750
Marrow Fine White Diamond Moval Georgia Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Marrow Fine
We’re already fans of the moval-shaped diamond, which essentially takes all of the beauty of the oval cut and the marquise cut and blends it together, but this ring’s adaptation of it is so fierce. The white gold border on the yellow gold band creates a signet-style look that can be worn anywhere.
Simon G. Supernova Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Simon G. Jewelry
The yellow gold milgrain halo around the center stone grounds the entire look. Without it, the core round diamond would disappear into the outer halo of white diamonds, but with it, the motif is whimsical and celestial.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Two-Tone Engagement Ring
Style
Unlike other unique ring designs that have a standard look, two-tone engagement rings really don’t have a template. You’ll want to see at least two metals used in the ring design (i.e. platinum and 18K yellow gold, 18K white and yellow gold, 18K white and rose gold). You can also look for a ring that brings in embellishments (collars, side stones, etc.) using alternative golds. You can explore options that weave dual tones into the shanks of the engagement ring. Or you can embrace a minimalist version of the trend with just a solitaire setting, a yellow or rose gold band, and a diamond set in like-white prongs such as platinum or white gold.
Accessibility
While you can play with the two-tone trend in many ways, it still isn’t the most sought-after look, notes Kankariya. “Two-tone rings can be harder to find, as it is not an overly common look. Additionally, two-tone rings can require some additional time for jewelers to craft. Finally, if trying to customize a style to incorporate two metals, jewelers may charge more for the customization,” she cautions.
Durability
If you’re worried about the long-wear potential of your two-tone engagement ring, fear not. Zhang reassures us that two-tone rings are just as enduring as their single-tone counterparts, despite some industry chatter about the softness or durability of some metals. “We only work in 14K, 18K, and platinum. While these metals have subtle variations in their hardness, I personally don't believe there will be much of a difference with wear,” she vouches. “If you are going to scratch your ring, or not treat it properly, all metals will wear relatively the same.” So if you keep up with proper ring maintenance and protect your prized possession fiercely, you should be able to wear it for as long as you wish!
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