The Best Gold Wedding Rings

Know Your Gold

There is a difference between 14 karat and 18 karat gold, and knowing the differences will help you get durable and comfortable gold wedding rings. Karat refers to the proportion of gold used in the final metal, so the higher the karat, the more gold and therefore the more valuable the ring. 14 karat and 18 karat gold are the most common gold for rings, as 24 karat gold is considered too soft. 18 karat gold generally holds up better than 14 karat gold, and is the most popular gold wedding ring choice; however it is a bit more expensive than 14 karat gold.

Before You Buy

When buying a gold ring, assess your budget and what you can afford now. Also look at your ring size and ask about the ease of future resizing, as weight fluctuation decades down the road can change how your ring fits. Finally, decide which color gold you would like: yellow, white, or rose, and of course, assess what style ring you want, and whether you want gemstones or a plain band. Before making your final decision, try the ring for comfort to consider if you could wear it every single day.

Plain Gold Wedding Bands

Getting a simple band is never simple, as the choices are diverse. But for a simple, no frills plain gold wedding band, look at the 3mm Benchmark Yellow Gold Comfort Fit Wedding Band from Golden Mine. Available in 14 of 18 karat yellow gold, this classic band is optimized for comfort and comes in sizes 4 through 12. It also can be laser engraved. Because of the broad size range and understated style, this ring could suit a man or woman. Golden Mine also offers gold bands of different widths; for something thinner, check out the 2mm Benchmark Yellow Gold Wedding Band, or for something thicker, the 6mm Benchmark Yellow Gold Wedding Band. Price varies by karat and also by ring size.

Details

There are a lot of gold wedding rings that have magnificent detail. An example of unique simplicity in gold wedding bands is the Tiffany Three-Row Band Ring in 18k yellow gold, $675. Three simple, thin bands stacked atop each other, this ring is simple luxury and suitable for both bride and groom.

Two Tone

If you can’t decide between white or yellow gold, then two tone rings are the perfect compromise. The Men’s and Women’s Two Tone Gold Wedding Band Style A 16-830 from Design Bands is the best of both white and yellow gold. This elegant design features a micro-hammered yellow gold center sandwiched between high polished white gold sides. This ring is made of 14 karat gold and has a 7 mm width and retails for $490.

Diamond

For a more elaborate gold wedding ring, consider a band with a stone or multiple stones. Diamonds are the go-to in wedding jewelry, and one of the most timeless, modern, and elegant diamond and gold band is the Tiffany Etoile Band Ring, $2000. Round brilliant diamonds set in platinum are staggered around the circumference of the band like a starry night sky. Set in 18 karat gold, the Etoile is a best-seller.

To add a little sparkle, a gold ring with diamonds set next to each other is ideal. The Diamond Milgrain Wedding Band in 10k White Gold from Zales is an affordable and elegant choice. At a retail price of $299 and only available online at Zales, this ring has 1/10 diamond karat weight that shimmers between the milgrain detail and brilliantly polished white gold.

Unique

A wedding band as unique as you are can be hard to find at large jewelry retailers, but luckily online craft marketplace Etsy has the answer to your solutions. Jeweler Fabuluster makes wedding ring sets that feature imprints of the fingerprints of you and your intended. Once your fingerprints are taken, Fabuluster casts them so that the fingerprint wraps around the outside of the band, as though your beloved always has his or her finger wrapped around yours. Available in every precious metal including gold, Fabuluster can give you a quote for a gold ring. This handmade and highly unique ring will make a sentimental and meaningful family heirloom for generations to come.