Yellow gold is the oldest and most classic metal in fine jewellery, and it is having a genuine resurgence in engagement rings. Its warm colour comes from the gold itself, not a surface treatment, so it needs no plating and does not fade or change tone through wear. This guide covers what the colour looks like at different purities, which stones suit it best, and what to expect from the metal over time.
The colour, and why purity changes it
Yellow gold's warm tone is the natural colour of gold softened by alloying metals, typically copper and silver, that give it strength. We offer yellow gold in both 9ct and 18ct. 18ct gold is 75% pure gold and has a deeper, more saturated yellow than 9ct, which contains a smaller proportion of pure gold and a larger share of alloying metal. Neither is objectively better. It comes down to how rich a colour you want against how the two purities compare on hardness and price, which our 9ct vs 18ct gold guide covers in full.
Choosing a stone colour for yellow gold
Yellow gold's warmth affects how a stone's colour reads face-up, which is worth factoring in before you choose a grade. Near-colourless moissanite and lab diamonds in the G-J range tend to work exceptionally well, since the setting's warmth harmonises with the stone rather than fighting it. In effect, the warm metal makes a G or H grade read as slightly warmer and more characterful than the same stone would in a cool-toned setting. Colourless grades, D-F, also work well in yellow gold, creating a deliberate and classic contrast between a bright white stone and warm metal, a combination that has been used in fine jewellery for centuries. Our moissanite 4Cs guide and best moissanite for an engagement ring guide go further into choosing the right grade for your setting.
Settings that suit yellow gold
Yellow gold is the most versatile of the four metals we work in. A classic solitaire, a round stone in a simple four or six prong setting, is one of the most enduring ring designs there is. Vintage-inspired detailing, milgrain borders, filigree, and delicate pavé, has a period character that yellow gold carries more authentically than any other metal. A halo setting in yellow gold creates a warm, glowing frame around the centre stone, while channel-set accents and twisted bands both suit the metal's organic warmth. A minimalist yellow gold setting with clean lines and a thin band has also become a genuinely contemporary choice, not just a traditional one. See our vintage inspired engagement rings guide for more on that particular direction.
No replating, ever
Yellow gold needs no rhodium plating. Its colour is inherent to the alloy, so there is no surface treatment to wear off or maintain, and the colour you receive is the colour the ring will always be. Over decades of wear, yellow gold can develop a very slight, natural deepening of tone as the surface softens with use. Many people consider this a feature of the metal rather than something to fix, and professional polishing can restore a bright finish at any time if preferred.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an engagement ring in yellow gold?
Yes. We offer yellow gold in 9ct and 18ct, depending on the design.
What stone colour works best in yellow gold?
Near-colourless moissanite and lab diamonds in the G-J range pair particularly well, since the setting's warmth complements the stone. Colourless D-F grades also work, creating a classic warm-cool contrast.
Does yellow gold need replating?
No. The colour is inherent to the alloy, so there is nothing to replate or maintain.
Will yellow gold change colour over time?
It can deepen very slightly in tone over decades of wear as a natural patina develops. This is not damage, and professional polishing restores a bright finish whenever you want it.
How much does a yellow gold engagement ring cost?
Our moissanite engagement rings start from R13,995 for a 1ct solitaire in 9ct gold, and our lab diamond engagement rings start from R24,995 for the same combination. See our prices guide for a fuller breakdown, or start a free design consultation for a quote on your specific design.
Browse our full yellow gold engagement ring collection, compare it against our rose gold and white gold ranges, or head back to our homepage to see everything we make. If yellow gold is the metal for you, start a free design consultation and we will help you choose the stone and setting to go with it.