How to Pair Your Oval Wedding Band

Welcome to another By Bonnie blog, where we talk about all things diamonds! Thinking about a two-tone engagement ring? Yes, you're in the right place for the ultimate breakdown on choosing the perfect metal color for your engagement ring. Is it two-tone? Is it all gold? This video is for you. I’ll break it down into three simple points:

How to pick the metal that's right for you.
Which one is better?
How to avoid making the wrong decision for your forever ring.

Sometimes, people recommend what they know best, not necessarily what's best for you. Let’s dive in and make sure you make the perfect choice for your engagement ring!

How To Pick The Right Metal For Your Engagement Ring

Alright, question number one: how to pick the right one. The main question you should ask yourself is: how important is color to you?

On the left, we have a round diamond set in a two-tone setting, with both gold and white. On the right, we have an all-yellow gold ring. Notice how the full gold ring makes the entire piece appear warmer. That’s why you need to consider if color matters to you.

If you prefer a really white diamond or want your stone to look as white as possible, white prongs are your friend. They reflect more white into your stone, enhancing its icy appearance. This is totally a personal preference.

Now, let’s look at some fancy shapes. Here, we have our newest Claudia collection in all gold and our Haley collection in white and yellow. Compare them: the all-yellow ring has a warmer overall appearance, while the two-tone ring offers that extra white and iciness to the diamond.

Consider this: does the overall warmth of a gold ring bother you? Do you prefer the diamond to look extra white and icy? White prongs can disappear from the face-up view, blending seamlessly, while an all-yellow ring appears warmer from the side. Think about these factors when choosing a two-tone engagement ring to find the perfect match for your preferences.

The Best Metal For Your Engagement Ring

Number two: which one is better? You guys want to know, right? Well, there’s no definitive answer. It really depends on your preferences and maintenance considerations.

Let’s talk about the longevity of different metals. An all-gold ring is low maintenance, as is a combination of platinum and gold. However, when you mix white gold and yellow gold, maintenance becomes a factor. White gold requires rhodium plating, which can wear off over time, especially if you frequently wash your hands, like in healthcare. If the basket part of the ring is white gold, and the rhodium plating wears off, you’ll need to have it replated to maintain its white appearance. Consider how much this maintenance bothers you. 

That’s why we typically make our two-tone rings with platinum and gold, minimizing maintenance while providing a beautiful and durable design.

How To Avoid Making Mistakes When Choosing A Metal 

This brings me to my third point: How to avoid making the wrong decision on your forever ring. 

When you walk into a jewelry store, you might be overwhelmed by the options. Should you choose two-tone, all gold, or something else? Often, you go with whatever the jeweler recommends without considering the specifics, like whether the white part is platinum or white gold. This detail is crucial.

Here’s what you need to know: if the white part of your ring is platinum, it requires a high melting point to work with. Not every jeweler has the expertise or equipment to handle platinum properly. Because of this, many will default to white gold and yellow gold without fully explaining the differences to you.

White gold needs rhodium plating, which can wear off and require replating, especially if you wash your hands frequently. This can become frustrating over time as you notice your ring fading.

To avoid making the wrong decision, ensure you understand the differences between metals. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, consider platinum with yellow or rose gold. This way, you won’t be caught off guard by the need for frequent maintenance and can enjoy your ring for years to come without hassle.

Bonnie’s Favorite Metal For An Engagement Ring!
Of course, you’re here because you want to know my thoughts. I get this question a lot: "Bonnie, what would you choose?" 

Personally, I favor two-tone over all yellow, especially with a white diamond in the center. When the diamond reflects the white prongs, it enhances its brilliance, particularly with D-F color diamonds. 

However, I've also seen all-yellow rings that are absolutely stunning, offering a warmer overall look. So, it really comes down to your personal preference. Ask yourself if you prefer a cooler, icy appearance or a warmer, golden hue.

It's crucial to understand the difference between platinum and white gold. Platinum has unique properties and requires special care. For more details, check out my other video dedicated to platinum vs. white gold. It covers how these metals wear over time and how factors like sweat and perfume affect them.

We’ve crafted many beautiful two-tone engagement rings, all-gold rings, and rose gold options. Each has its own charm. As a bonus tip, remember to consider how your daily activities might impact your ring’s appearance and durability. 

Rose Gold For Your Engagement Ring
If you're reading this two-tone blog, you might be wondering, "What about rose gold?" Well, let’s talk about it! 

Rose gold doesn't add too much yellow to the overall ring because it has a pink hue, which gives a soft, romantic touch. If pink or rose tones complement your skin tone, an all rose gold engagement ring can be a stunning choice.

So, which do you prefer: a two-tone look or all yellow? Which team are you on—Team Yellow or Team Two-Tone? I'd love to hear your thoughts! If there are other two-tone engagement rings, shapes, or colors you’d like to see, let me know!