Gold is the most classic and popular choice for wedding and engagement rings, and for good reason. From white gold to yellow gold and rose gold, this metal offers plenty of options. Almost colorless diamonds (grades G, H, I and J) are the best value. The color G is one step below the truly colorless level, so it still looks very colorless.
Color H is another good “almost colorless” option and is, in my opinion, the last color grade in which yellow or brown are not visible face up. I'm starting to show some body color on my back. However, in an excellently cut diamond, color I is easily masked. The J color shows a little more body color than the I, and is better suited to yellow or rose gold bezels. Gold, platinum and silver are the most commonly used metals in jewelry.
Their attractiveness, workability and durability make gold and platinum great choices for an engagement ring. For many people, choosing an engagement ring frame starts with a preference for color and style. Some prefer the warmth of yellow or rose gold engagement rings; others opt for the freshness and classicism of white metals such as platinum or white gold for their engagement rings. However, few people consider the effect that the metallic color of the engagement ring has on the most important feature of an engagement ring: the center stone, usually a diamond. The best color for diamonds set in rose or yellow gold would be in the I, J and K range.
A classic solitaire engagement ring made of white or yellow gold, as an alternative to high-quality platinum, is much easier to wear with other jewelry and with any outfit than a very extravagant or “colorful” ring with several colors. Once you've decided if you want the design of your engagement ring to highlight the main diamond or create a sense of harmony between the bezel and the center stone, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. In addition, the best way to see how a metal affects the appearance of a diamond's color is to view them together in person. For example, if you are buying a yellow gold frame or want to buy a vintage-designed diamond ring, I would recommend buying lower colored diamonds from the I, J and K ranges to complement the frame. In German-speaking countries, with the exception of Switzerland, both the wedding ring and the engagement ring are traditionally worn on the right hand after marriage. Because pink diamonds are so prized, it's rare to see them set in a yellow gold engagement ring. Theoretically, other colors are also possible but they are less suitable for a sturdy engagement ring that you can carry with you for a long time.
Selecting the right metal for your engagement ring frame is as important as selecting the right diamond. For an engagement ring, 750 gold is recommended; only if you have a very tight budget can 585 gold (12 carats) be an alternative. Knowing this, you can use the metal color of your engagement ring to highlight the diamond's color or create a more harmonious look. Texture and color go a step further with this beautiful engagement ring by Japanese jeweler Yoshinobu Kataoka. Therefore, wood, stone or black charcoal are not suitable as a base for an engagement ring since they can only withstand normal everyday stresses for a limited time and cannot be repaired. A rhodium-plated engagement ring usually requires renewal of this galvanized coating after a few years as abrasion can reveal pure white gold slightly yellowish.
If you choose another metal color or opt for a two-tone ring to create contrast, the tips that hold the diamond must be made of a white metal such as white gold or platinum.
