Engagement ring trends of the past decade have favored bright, colorless metals like platinum and white gold. The warm, pink tones of rose gold have also been a favorite of contemporary brides-to-be. Yellow gold, on the other hand, decreased in popularity after the 80’s and 90’s, when it was the preferred choice for engagement rings. However, this radiant metal is experiencing quite the comeback that is projected to continue into 2019 and beyond. Yellow gold is ideal for engagement rings—it’s durable, low-maintenance, and typically more affordable than other metals. It’s no wonder this modern classic is experiencing a resurgence.

What is Yellow Gold?

Gold naturally occurs in yellow, though pure gold is too soft to be used for designing jewelry. Instead, it is mixed with other metal alloys. Depending on the amount of alloy used, the proportion of pure gold changes. This is why you see gold notated with its karat weight, for example 24 karat gold is pure while 18k gold is 75% pure and 25% metal alloy. When choosing a yellow gold engagement ring, we recommend opting for 14k or 18k. This is the toughest option for withstanding every day wear.

Why Choose a Yellow Gold Engagement Ring?

There are plenty of reasons to love yellow gold engagement rings. For starters, they’re not as common as, say, platinum or rose gold engagement rings. Therefore, it’s less likely that the design you choose will match closely with others, meaning your ring will be truly unique. Yellow gold rings tend to have a romantic, vintage charm about them that makes them attractive to the traditional bride. Many brides-to-be favor yellow gold because it’s reminiscent of their mother or grandmother’s diamond ring that they grew up admiring. Yellow gold is also much easier to maintain and keep clean than its colorless counterpart. A white gold ring requires its wearer to have it re-plated with rhodium every so often in order to maintain its radiance.

When you opt for a yellow gold engagement ring setting, you also allow yourself a bit of flexibility with the color of your center diamond. When placed in white gold or platinum, a diamond with a touch of color will look very yellow, whereas the same diamond would appear much whiter in a yellow gold setting. In addition to all of these reasons to love yellow gold, it is also one of the most affordable choices of metal. If you’re shopping with budget in mind, yellow gold is an excellent option.

Is the Yellow Gold Trend Here to Stay?

Though we can’t say for sure, it appears yellow gold won’t be going out of style anytime soon. With stylish celebrities like Meghan Markle and Emily Ratajkowski rocking yellow gold diamond rings, it’s no wonder fashion forward brides are getting on board with this trend. In fact, sales of yellow gold were nearly three times that of white gold in the first half of 2018.

Shop Yellow Gold Rings in San Diego

It’s time to ditch the myth that yellow gold is dated and out of style. Lead the trend by opting for a yellow gold engagement ring. Whether searching for a classic, elegant ring or something unconventional to turn heads, yellow gold is a great choice. Here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Rings store in San Diego, we offer an unbelievable selection of engagement rings to choose from. No matter if you prefer yellow gold, or one of the other various types of metal, you’re sure to find what your heart desires at Leo Hamel’s. Shop our expansive showroom and find the ring she’s always dreamed of today!