The metal you choose sets the color of your ring and how it wears from day to day. All of our rings are made in solid gold, in yellow, white or rose, and in 10k, 14k or 18k depending on the piece. Here is how each option compares.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the most traditional choice in fine jewelry. Its warm tone suits classic and vintage-inspired designs, and it makes a diamond look slightly warmer.
- 18k yellow gold is 75% pure gold. It has a deeper, richer color and is a little softer.
- 14k yellow gold is 58.5% pure gold. The color is lighter, and the higher share of alloy makes it harder and more resistant to scratches.
Tip: choose 18k for the richest color, or 14k for a ring that stands up better to daily wear.
White Gold
White gold is gold mixed with white metals, then plated with rhodium for a bright, silvery finish. It sets off a colorless diamond well and suits clean, modern designs.
- Over time, the rhodium plating wears and a faint warm tone can show through. A fresh rhodium plating restores the bright white finish, usually every year or two depending on how often you wear the ring.
- Your first rhodium re-plating within 12 months of delivery is complimentary.
Rose Gold
Rose gold gets its soft pink color from copper in the alloy. It has a warm, slightly vintage feel and looks distinctive next to a white diamond.
- 14k rose gold has more copper, so its pink is stronger and the metal is harder.
- 18k rose gold has more gold, so its color is softer and more golden.
10k, 14k or 18k: What the Karat Means
Karat measures how much pure gold is in the metal. Pure gold is 24k, which is too soft for a ring, so it is mixed with other metals for strength.
- 18k is 75% gold: the richest color, and the softest of the three.
- 14k is 58.5% gold: a balance of color and strength.
- 10k is 41.7% gold: the hardest and most scratch-resistant, with a lighter color.
Our engagement rings and women's wedding rings come in 14k or 18k gold. Our men's wedding rings come in 10k or 14k gold.
Caring for Your Gold Ring
- Clean your ring with warm water, a little mild soap and a soft brush.
- Take it off for swimming, cleaning with chemicals, the gym and heavy work.
- Store it on its own so harder stones do not scratch the gold.
Every Tang&Co. ring has a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship (see the warranty). Engagement rings and wedding bands also include one complimentary resize within 60 days of delivery. Full eternity bands cannot be resized.
Quick Comparison
| Metal | Gold content | Look | Daily wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10k gold | 41.7% | Lighter color | Hardest, most scratch-resistant |
| 14k yellow gold | 58.5% | Soft, warm gold | Very good |
| 18k yellow gold | 75% | Rich, deep gold | Good, a little softer |
| 14k or 18k white gold | 58.5% or 75% | Bright white (rhodium plated) | Good; re-plating from time to time |
| 14k rose gold | 58.5% | Stronger pink | Very good |
| 18k rose gold | 75% | Softer, golden pink | Good, a little softer |
If you wear your ring every day and work with your hands, 14k is a practical choice. If color matters most, 18k gives the richest tone. Either way, you can choose white, yellow or rose gold on every engagement ring.