Gold Rings For a Dash of Elegance
Gold is a classic precious metal with a timeless appeal, which is why it's been a favorite metal for jewelry for thousands of years. Gold rings come in varied designs, so it's easy to find a beautiful piece to match every taste. Learn more about gold ring designs for women, and check out our helpful styling tips so you can create trendy looks that can pair with any ensemble.
The Purity of Gold
Gold is the most pliant of all precious metals, which is one reason it's such a popular choice for rings and other jewelry. It's also resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, so it is an investment that will last a lifetime. Pure gold is so malleable that it's mixed with other metals such as silver, zinc, and copper to increase its durability. Karat (kt) is the scale used to indicate the amount of gold in a piece of jewelry, with 24kt having the highest gold content.
Gold Hallmarks
The hallmark stamp originated in Goldsmith's Hall, London, in the 14th century. Today, Hallmarks are required by law in many countries and are an excellent way to verify information about the piece.
Gold rings and other types of gold jewelry are usually stamped with a hallmark. A typical stamp includes a fineness mark, which indicates the purity of the gold (either in the karatage or the percentage of gold purity). The Federal Trade Commission does not require a fineness mark in the USA, but a maker's mark must accompany it if one is used. Hallmarks can usually be found on the inside of a ring band. Other information you may find on a hallmark include:
- Type of alloy used
- Base metal used
- Date of manufacture
- Country of origin
Caring for Your Gold Rings
Gold is an investment and, to keep it in pristine condition, it should be cared for properly. Remember, high-karat gold is softer, so it should be used less frequently. Other tips to keep your gold ring in tip-top shape include:
- Remove before swimming, bathing, cleaning, and gardening.
- Avoid wearing your gold rings to beaches and swimming pools — a high concentration of chlorine or salt may cause damage.
- When not in use, store each piece in its own box or wrap it in a soft cloth to avoid scratches.
While gold is delicate, it can be cleaned occasionally:
- Gently buff with a soft, clean cloth to remove dust and oil.
- Soak in a solution of gentle liquid detergent and warm water for 10-15 minutes.
- For intricate designs, dip a Q-Tip in soapy water and gently clean the piece.
- Finally, rinse in clean, warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
About every 3 months, give your gold ring a deep clean:
- Soak it in a jewelry cleaning solution for about 3 hours.
- Clean each piece with a Q-Tip or very soft brush.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
What Are Some Popular Gold Ring Designs?
Ross-Simons features a vast collection of exquisite gold rings to match your style. Take a look at some popular designs that'll elevate your attire with fashion-forward appeal.
Religious Gold Rings
Religious jewelry is a meaningful way to strengthen your faith while staying up to date with fashion trends. Cross rings are the most popular choice in this category. A statement ring with multiple silver or oxidized metal bands fused together with a contrasting 14kt yellow gold cross in the center is an eye-catching item. Wear it with a casual dress or an evening gown for a beautiful look. Daintier patterns, such as a simple band in yellow or white gold adorned with a diamond-encrusted cross, are a fabulous choice for women who love classic silhouettes that work well with everyday attire. Religious gold rings can also include meaningful crests, such as a star or the tree of life.
Vintage Gold Rings
If you love antique styles with a sprinkle of retro glam, vintage gold rings are a perfect option. Estate pieces encompass intricate metalwork called filigree, and common designs include ribbons, vines, and floral motifs. Art deco rings with strong geometric shapes and beautiful symmetry showcase diamond or precious gemstones set in an alternative metal. These make for stunning diamond engagement rings and are a terrific buy for women who love opulent sparklers.
Gold Wedding Rings
Gold is a classic choice for wedding and engagement rings. Yellow, white, or rose gold — there are so many shades of this metal that speak to your style. Look for beautiful 18kt white gold rings embellished with diamonds or other gemstones. From modern to vintage and everything in between, gold wedding rings come in hundreds of styles to make the most memorable day of your life even more special.
While diamond solitaire rings in white gold are an all-time favorite for weddings and engagements, modern brides may be open to experimenting with fancier styles and colored stones, such as sapphire or blue topaz engagement rings. For the understated bride who loves a minimalist style, plain rope rings in yellow or rose gold are an ideal fit. Gemstone engagement rings, commonly worn by Royals like Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Princess Eugenie, often come with a central gemstone that introduces a pop of color for brides who desire a balance of refined sophistication and a splash of color.
Italian Gold Rings
Italian gold is widely renowned for its high-quality and masterful design, and Italian jewelry is considered to be some of the best available. Simple bands, chunky statement rings, and diamond- or gemstone-studded pieces — there's a vast collection of Italian-made rings to choose from.
Instead of a karat stamp, most Italian gold carries a fineness mark, showing the percentage of gold in the piece. Most Italian gold rings are made from 14kt or 18kt gold. The stamps to look for include:
- 14kt gold is marked 585
- 18kt gold is marked 750
Gold Bands
Gold bands are classic jewelry pieces that look great alone or layered with other gold rings. They are also traditionally used as wedding rings and given as gifts. Gold bands are available in a wide range of designs, textures, and colors.
Anniversary bands are a great gift idea for any wedding anniversary and can be worn alongside a wedding set or in place of a wedding band,
Eternity bands are also a great gift choice that symbolizes never-ending love. These gold rings are usually set with a continuous line of precious or semi-precious stones such as diamonds, emeralds, or rubies.
Gold Rings: Top FAQs Answered
Choose and wear gold rings that'll add a wow factor to your look. Find answers to top questions about this quintessential piece of jewelry that every woman loves.
What colors look best with gold rings?
Gold rings are a versatile accessory that pairs well with many outfit choices and colors. The shade of the metal plays a role too. Yellow gold, for instance, meshes well with solid and jewel-toned outfits. Think of a little black dress worn with a statement gold ring and a gold cuff bracelet for a glamorous look. White gold rings embellished with diamonds or pearl enhance neutral or pastel hues. A simple gold band in white gold is great for everyday outfits like denim jeans and a T-shirt and works well with gold stud earrings and bangles. Rose gold is a trending metal that looks best worn with nudes and neutrals like beige, white, gray, or navy.
How do you shop for gold rings?
We've done the work for you to make shopping for gold rings easier. The first thing to consider is your lifestyle and how frequently you'll be wearing the ring. For daily wear, look for a sturdy piece that can hold up to the rigors of everyday use. Also, familiarize yourself with the purity levels of gold, which directly impact its pricing. High-karat pieces feature more gold and fewer amounts of alloys, giving them a beautiful deep golden color. However, for durability, the recommended purity range for gold rings is 14-18kt for enhanced durability.
Can you mix and match gold rings?
Of course! Gold rings are a superb choice for creating a layered look, which is a popular trend. For a subtle, stacked ring, opt for simple band rings with small emblems like hearts or crosses, and wear them together. Statement rings look great when worn as solo pieces on individual fingers. For a layered look with statement rings, start with the big piece on your ring finger and then add delicate rings on other fingers for a sophisticated stack. Regardless of whether you opt for an all-yellow, white, or rose gold stack or mix in different ring styles, layering with gold rings always works to elevate your look.
Can I wear gold rings with other jewelry?
Yes! You can wear gold rings with other jewelry pieces, such as necklaces, bangles, or bracelets. But remember, wearing too many accessories at once may take away from the beauty of individual components.