The Secret To A Flawless Yellow Gold Pairing!

You might be asking yourself: Round or oval? Cathedral or no cathedral? Knife edge or regular band? What carat size fits my hand? What does the wedding band look like?

If those are the burning questions keeping you up at night, then you’ve come to the right place! This is my favorite kind of blog to make because I know it helps so many of you. My goal is always to educate, simplify, and help you narrow down your choices so you can confidently make the best decision for your forever ring.

Welcome back to another By Bonnie blog, where I talk about diamonds, craftsmanship, and everything in between. Today, I have a range of round diamonds from 1.75 carats to 2.8 carats, and ovals from 1.5 to nearly 3 carats. Let’s break down the differences and help you decide what’s best for you.

Cathedral vs. Non-Cathedral: What’s the Difference?

Let’s start with our first comparison.

Here, we have two rings from our Tulip Collection in two-tone gold.

• We’ve made these rings in full platinum before, and they were absolutely stunning.
  
  
• We’ve also done them in full yellow gold, which is a classic, timeless choice.

Does a Cathedral Setting Make the Diamond Look Taller?

Short answer? No.

A lot of my clients think that choosing a cathedral setting automatically makes the ring sit higher, but that’s not the case.

What a cathedral setting does is add extra security by having the metal come up to meet the base of the diamond. It’s a subtle difference, but an important one for those who want added protection.

Knife Edge vs. Regular Band: Which One Feels Better?

Now, let’s talk about band shape. This ring has a knife edge band, which gives it that slightly pinched look.

Some people love the knife edge because it adds a delicate, sculpted aesthetic to the ring. Others aren’t fans because they feel the edge between their fingers when wearing it.

For comparison:

• A regular band has a smoother, rounder feel.
  
  
• A knife edge band has that pinched effect that creates more definition.
  
  

Personally? I love the knife edge look. I’ve had it on my own 5-carat ring for years, and it’s always been one of my favorites.

Round vs. Oval: What’s Best for You?

Now, let’s compare two diamonds both in cathedral settings:

1. Round with a Tulip Design
   
   
2. Oval with a Hidden Halo
   
   

What is a Hidden Halo?

If you’re new to the term, a hidden halo means there’s a row of diamonds set beneath the center stone, creating extra sparkle without overpowering the ring.

Fun fact: For fancy shapes (anything other than round), it’s always safer to have the stone set in a wire to protect the edges.

Two-Tone vs. All-Gold Rings: Which One Stands Out More?

This ring is 14k yellow gold with a platinum head. Why do we use platinum for the prongs?
Because it makes the diamond appear whiter and brighter.

At first glance, the difference between 14k and 18k yellow gold might not be obvious. But side by side, you can see it:

• 18k gold has a warmer, richer tone.
  
  
• 14k gold is slightly lighter and less saturated.
  
  

If you’re looking for maximum contrast, go with two-tone gold. If you love warmth, opt for full yellow gold.

Ring Trends: Thin vs. Chunky Bands

There was a time when super thin bands were the trend, but now? Chunkier bands are making a comeback.

Here’s a 2-carat round diamond set in our Eloise setting with 2.5mm diamonds on the band.

Some people prefer plain solitaire settings, while others love added diamond details.

• The 2.8-carat solitaire with a plain band is super elegant and timeless.
  
  
• Pairing it with an emerald-cut diamond band adds a modern twist.
  
  

And let’s clear up a common misconception:

Does your wedding band have to match your engagement ring metal? Nope! Mixing metals (like a platinum band with a yellow gold ring) looks amazing.

Oval vs. Round: Finger Coverage Matters!

If you’re debating between a round or oval diamond, consider this:

• Ovals elongate the finger and provide more coverage.
  
  
• Rounds are classic, symmetrical, and timeless.
  
  

Here’s a 2.8-carat round next to a 2.7-carat oval. The oval looks larger, but that’s just the magic of the shape!

At the end of the day? Neither one is “better”—it’s all about personal preference.

Pairing Carat Sizes with Wedding Bands

Let’s break down some of the best carat size + wedding band pairings:

Knife Edge + Tulip Design

• 2-carat round paired with a knife edge band in the Tulip Collection.
  
  
• If you love a structured, elegant look, this is a great option.

Petite French Pavé Band

• 1.8-carat oval with a delicate French pavé band.
  
  
• A softer, daintier pairing that keeps the focus on the center stone.

Hidden Halo + Cathedral + Diana Band

• 1.5-carat oval in a hidden halo cathedral setting.
  
  
• Paired with our Diana band, which has a beautiful bubble design.

French Pavé + Tulip Cathedral

• 1.7-carat round in a tulip cathedral setting.
  
  
• Paired with a French pavé wedding band for a seamless, sparkling look.

Emerald Cut + Round Mix

• If you want contrast, mix an emerald-cut band with a round solitaire.
  
  
• A hidden halo four-prong setting allows for a thicker band option.

Final Thoughts: What’s Your Perfect Ring?

Gold, two-tone, thin, chunky, round, oval—there’s no wrong choice.

Do you love warm gold tones? Do you prefer minimalist or statement bands? Do you want to see more pairings, carat size comparisons, and setting styles, make sure to follow me on Instagram @ByBonnieJewelry and subscribe to my Youtube channel. I’ll see you in my next blog!