If you’ve been researching engagement rings, you’ve probably come across the question of gold colour. Yellow, white, and rose gold are the main options, but choosing between them isn’t always straightforward. Some people come in with a clear favorite. Others are completely undecided.
At Alexis Gallery, we walk through this decision with almost every client. Gold colour is mostly about personal preference. It can marginally influence how diamonds appear – this is something your designer will walk you through during the design process, as well as how different materials feel, and hold up to daily wear.
Here’s what we’ve seen when it comes to the real-world popularity of different gold engagement rings, and how each metal might suit your vision.
Among all gold colours, yellow gold reigns champion amongst our clients. Year after year they continue to hold strong as a timeless choice. They’re often selected by clients who want something that feels traditional but still makes a statement. Especially with the 2025 trend of bolder, chunkier engagement rings, yellow gold just fits. Some associate it with heirloom jewelry, while others simply love its warmth.
With the exception of 24K yellow gold (which is far too soft for engagement ring wear), all gold for jewellery is made by combining solid gold and other alloys for stability and/or colour.
For engagement rings and wedding bands, we recommend with both 14K and 18K yellow gold. 14K gold gives a softer, more subtle yellow colour. Those who wear lots of semi-fine jewellery like this option as it matches the tone of their other jewellery. It is also slightly less prone to scratches and signs of wear than 18K gold. 18K yellow gold is a richer, more buttery yellow – with a deeply saturated tone. Neither is better or worse; it’s a matter of how vibrant you want your ring to appear and how you plan to wear it.
Yellow gold complements a wide range of settings, from vintage-inspired to clean-lined modern and chunky bezels. It also works well with both white and coloured diamonds, and even enhances the look of other gemstones like sapphires or emeralds.
White gold engagement rings remain one of the most commonly requested options – a close second to yellow gold. Their bright tone gives them a minimalist feel that works with just about anything, especially if you wear mostly silver or cool-toned jewelry.
At Alexis Gallery, we recommend 18K white gold for its brighter white finish and finer appearance. Unlike platinum, white gold does not encounter deep scratches as commonly. It does occasionally require a rhodium dip to bring its appearance back to “bright white”. It also pairs beautifully with brilliant-cut diamonds, making it a classic choice for solitaires and pavé settings.
If you prefer a ring that doesn’t contrast with your colourless diamond, white gold is the most natural fit.
So, are rose gold engagement rings popular? The answer is yes, but in a different way. While they’re not the most commonly selected, they’ve carved out a space that feels special. In recent years, rose gold has moved from trend to quiet staple. Clients who choose it often do so because it speaks to something a little more personal.
One of the alloys in rose gold is copper. That element is what gives it its pinky-orange hue, sometimes referred to as pink gold. The warmth and softness make it especially flattering across many skin tones, and the rosy glow creates a gentle contrast against white stones or other gemstones like peach sapphires, morganite or champagne diamonds.
It’s important to remember that because of the copper content, even 14K rose gold is quite soft and requires very delicate care. Like all engagement ring decisions, lifestyle is a consideration as you’re selecting your gold type and colour. Rose gold adds a sense of warmth that feels romantic but needs to be designed and worn with care.
If you’re drawn to a coloured gold but unsure if you want contrast against your centre stone, a two-toned ring can be an excellent option.
In this design, the setting/basket holding the centre stone(s) is crafted in white gold while the band is crafted in your chosen gold colour. This is the perfect option for someone who’s a yellow or rose gold lover at heart, but wants their diamond to have the ‘floating’ effect.
[hand holding 3 stone engagement ring featuring two-toned gold]
Gold colour is one of those details that becomes easier once you see your options in person. Many of our clients arrive thinking they want one thing and leave choosing another. That shift usually happens after seeing how their stone interacts with the metal, or how each colour looks on their hand.
The best part is, you don’t need to know before you start. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through comparisons, talk about how different metals age, and explore what fits your life and your design vision.
We can even create your renderings in multiple gold finishes to help you decide.
There are endless possibilities, and our goal is to help you create a ring that reflects you and your story.
Yes, rose gold engagement rings are just as appropriate as any other gold engagement ring as long as it is worn with care. Due to its copper content, it is a softer metal and can require additional maintenance. Unlike white gold rings, rose gold does not require rhodium plating to maintain its colour. If your concern is what is ‘normal’ – follow your heart or your partner’s preferences when it comes to your selection and try not to worry about tradition – you may surprise yourself.
Rose gold rings saw a dramatic rise in popularity over the past decade. While they were once considered a “trend,” they have settled into the landscape of engagement ring metals as a lasting option.
Their vintage feel appeals to brides seeking elegance, while the warm undertones attract people who want something distinct from yellow or white gold. In short, rose gold engagement has moved beyond fad status and into the realm of a versatile metal that continues to resonate.
The main considerations for rose gold are lifestyle and skin sensitivity. Because it contains more copper than other metals, is more soft and fragile, and requires careful wear. Its warm hue also means it may not pair as well with every jewelry piece if you already own mostly white gold or silver – though many people mix and match gold colours flawlessly.
While a far third to yellow and white gold, rose gold jewelry’s popularity remains steady across engagement rings, wedding bands, and everyday pieces for those looking for something different. It has become a go-to for people who want a balance of vintage appeal and modern style. Unlike yellow or white gold, which can sometimes feel either too traditional or too standard, rose gold brings character. Whether chosen for a rose gold band or as part of a two-tone design with other metals, it continues to spark interest.
Rose gold is no longer a fleeting trend but a unique option for engagement rings. It offers flattering colour, emotional symbolism, and adaptability for custom work. With this in mind, remember that rose gold is softer and more maintenance-prone than some other options; if that gives you pause, we’ll help you find a metal you’ll love without compromising longevity.
At Alexis Gallery, every engagement ring is designed in close collaboration with clients, ensuring that the final piece reflects their vision. If you’re ready to create a custom Toronto ring, our designers are here to guide you through the process from first sketch to final polish. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and bring your idea to life with a ring that feels as unique as your story.
