If you are thinking of choosing a white gold ring, the first question to ask is: what is white gold? Actually, there are two main types. The first is an alloy of gold and nickel which is used to make hard, more durable rings. The second type of white gold is a mixture of gold and palladium. This is a softer alloy, which is more pliable and is used for setting gemstones – you should not be able to find white gold rings where the band itself is made from the palladium alloy; if you do, ask the jeweller about durability or avoid that ring altogether.

An important point to know about white gold is that it is rarely silvery white naturally, and in fact the term white gold is used to describe gold/nickel alloys of varying hues from pale yellow to pink, and even light brown. White gold rings always look so beautifully silvery white because they are normally rhodium plated. This is also important because it offers some degree of protection to people who suffer from nickel sensitivity, and who may otherwise not be able to wear white gold jewelry. But remember, over time, metal plate can wear away, so choose carefully if you are prone to rashes and irritation due to nickel allergy.

Stylistically, white gold rings are a very good choice as they complement all skin tones and colors, whereas yellow gold jewelry can sometimes look less attractive. Yellow gold rings (and other jewelry) can appear more formal also, so if you’re trying to achieve sophistication with a modern, more informal twist then white gold rings are the answer. Finally, if the ring is for an engagement then white gold is great for highlighting diamonds. Yellow gold can detract somewhat from the appearance of a diamond as the reflection of the band colour can make it look dull.

The other great thing about white gold rings is that they are harder wearing than yellow gold, and so less care is needed in their upkeep. And since there is less gold in a white gold ring than in the yellow gold one, the white gold ring can sometimes cost substantially less. So for the same cost as a traditional yellow gold ring, you could perhaps opt for a bigger, nicer gemstone instead, set into white gold.

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Let’s remember though, that weddings are not the only time in life that you might want to get some bling on your fingers, and there are so many styles available that you can easily get something fairly unique (if something can be fairly unique!) that won’t destroy your bank balance. A stylish gold ring just to wear to be glamorous.

Of course, a ring can still be plain in design – a simple band – but be made from an unusual metal, to give it some personality. Actually, gold rings are very rarely, if ever, made from pure 24 karat gold, since it is too soft. For jewelry, it is mixed with other metals to form stronger alloys which can be fashioned into various colors, depending on which other metals are added, and in what proportions. So you will find that the “usual” yellow gold associated with gold wedding rings (for example) is made from gold, copper and silver. Pink gold – also known as rose gold – is made from the same three metals, but in different proportions (the more copper added, the deeper the color effect). Another popular type for jewelry is white gold, which has copper added, but also palladium or platinum. Cheaper variants use nickel, but this metal can cause allergic reactions in some people. The other common option is green gold, which has a higher proportion of silver added – and sometimes some zinc. So even before considering investigating wacky shapes and designs for a gold ring, you have a wide variety of options using just the stunning array of colors that the various alloys offer.

CZ Art Deco Gold Ring

Then having exhausted the alloy choices, and perhaps intertwining rings of different gold compositions, it might be time to find a beauty that screams out to you. Perhaps rather than a plain band, a pretty engraved pattern might be a good option. It is at this point that the possibility of a gold ring with a big stone springs into your mind. A nice compromise for a special occasion gold ring might be one with a cubic zirconia – basically a fake diamond, similar to those in the Diamonique range of jewelry. Let’s face it, if you are splashing out, and the ring is not for an engagement or a wedding, then you’ll be paying out for the luxury of a precious metal. Getting a diamond buried in it might be going slightly over the top!

So before you opt for the run of the mill, samey old gold band, dare yourself to explore some of the more adventurous styles of gold rings on the market.

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