Gold Wedding Bands
&
Engagement Rings

Gold wedding bands have long been popular with couples due to the large selection of gold rings made with different gold alloys, gold colors and limitless designs. To find out if gold is the right material for your wedding band, or to learn more about the different types of gold alloys which are used to create gold wedding rings, check out the helpful info below.

A Little Bit About Gold

• Gold is a chemical element, classified as a transition metal on the periodic table, and it is also known as a precious metal.

• Pure gold is very heavy, and it is one of the softest most malleable metals known.

Understanding the Gold Karat (kt)

• In the United States and Canada the karat (kt or K) is a measurement of the purity of gold by weight, and the carat (ct) is used to measure the weight of gemstones (including diamonds) and pearls. Most other countries use the term carat (ct) to measure the purity of gold by weight.
• The higher the karat the purer the gold.
• Gold rated as 24 karat is 99.9% pure gold; however, this type of gold is not used to make gold wedding bands because it is too soft and it can easily bend or scratch.
• The next highest rating of gold, 22 karat, is sometimes used to create rings - but this type of gold is also a bit too soft for every day wear wedding rings. This karat is 91.6% gold.
• 18 karat and 14 karat gold are the most common types of gold alloys used to create gold wedding bands and engagement rings.
• 18 karat gold is 75% pure, 14 karat gold is 58.3% pure, 12 karat gold is 50% pure, and 10 karat gold is 41.6% pure.
• Gold is alloyed (mixed) with other metals such as copper, silver, palladium, platinum, or nickel to create different forms of gold karats and various colors of gold.

Looking for 14K Gold Wedding Rings? Find out more about 14K gold engagement rings and wedding bands here.

Find Men's Gold Wedding Rings here!

Find out more about 18K Gold Wedding Bands here.

Interested in Yellow Gold Engagement Rings?


Pros of gold wedding rings:

• The soft properties of gold allow it to be easily formed into a variety of styles including custom made designs, intricate carvings, complex patterns, and inlays of other metals or stones; engravings also show up very well on gold rings.
• Gold is resistant to oxidation, though it will develop a rich patina coat with age which is highly desirable in jewelry markets.

• Gold rings usually cost more than most rings, especially if they have complex designs or styles.
• Gold rings can have a huge environmental cost - up to 20 tons of waste are produced for one gold ring, (click here if you are interested in eco-friendly ring options including gold rings).
• Due to their soft properties, gold wedding bands can scratch and bend, but a professional jeweler can usually restore them.

What is White Gold?

• White gold is an alloy, or mixture, of yellow gold, and it contains at least one other white metal such as nickel or palladium; white gold rings may also contain copper, silver, and platinum.
• White gold was initially created in the 1920s as an alternative to platinum.
• White gold is measured in karats just like yellow gold.
• The highest karat of white gold is 18 karats which is made of 75% gold and 25% palladium.
• The lower karats of white gold are often mixed with cheaper metals such as nickel.

• White gold is stronger and more durable than yellow gold.
• White gold is often less expensive than yellow gold.

Cons of White Gold Wedding Rings:

• White gold wedding rings will yellow over time; the rings are often treated with rhodium plating to seal the gold, increase sheen and color, and protect the ring, but the plating will wear off and should be replaced every 12-36 months depending on the thickness of the plate.
• White gold rings alloyed with nickel can cause allergic reactions in people.

What is Rose Gold?

• Find out more about Rose Gold Wedding Rings & Engagement Rings here.
• Rose gold is another alloy, or mixture, of yellow gold made with the addition of copper to produce various shades of pink to red; it is also known as pink gold or red gold.
• Rose gold is measured in karats, the higher the karat the more yellow gold is in the mixture.
• Colors of rose gold will depend on the mixture and portions of the metals in the rose gold alloy, including yellow gold, zinc and silver.
• The highest karat of rose gold, 18 karat, is made from 75% gold and about 21% copper; it often has a rosy pink color
• 14 karat rose gold is made from 58.3% yellow gold and about 41.6% copper. Colors can range from light pink to deep rose red.

• Rose gold is extremely strong and durable.
• Rose gold wedding rings are very affordable.

Cons of Rose Gold Wedding Rings:

• Rose gold is sometimes falsely sold as antique gold because of its darker color.

Shopping Tips for Gold Wedding Bands:

• Always make sure that you know what the gold is alloyed with whether it is silver, copper, nickel, platinum, palladium, or a mixture of metals, and what percentages of these other metals (always measured by weight - for example, a ring that is 91.6% gold is 91.6% gold by weight) make up the ring.
• Remember that there is no such thing as pure white gold or pure rose gold; these are all alloys, or mixtures, of gold.
• The ring's receipt should state the gold karat of the ring (e.g. 18K, 14K or 10K).
• Reputable wedding ring boutiques and jewelers will always be able to provide you with a complete receipt which includes information on the gold alloys used in the rings.

Have Questions Or Comments About Gold Wedding Bands?

Share your comments or send in your questions about gold wedding bands here!

I will post answers to your questions as soon as possible!

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Return from Gold Wedding Bands to Everything Wedding Rings Home

Copyright(C) 2009-2012 everything-wedding-rings.com. All rights reserved.

SBI!