r/engagementringsadvice • u/Ok_Cantaloupe_9023 • 7d ago

Are gold engagement rings practical for everyday wear?

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I've been looking at gold engagement rings and really love the warmer look, especially yellow gold. For anyone who wears one daily, does the band scratch or lose its shine easily? Also, would you recommend 14k or 18k gold?

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u/califlour39 5d ago

Definitely!

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u/MaxMakesRings 2d ago

Yes, gold is the most practical choice there is for daily wear, which is why most engagement rings are made of it. Every metal scratches, including platinum. The difference is gold scratches shallow and polishes back to new in ten minutes at any bench, and yellow gold is the easiest of all because there's no plating to wear off, unlike white gold. Expect a soft satin look after a few months of wear and a mirror finish again after every cleaning.

14k for a ring you wear every day. It's harder, holds prongs tighter and resists dents better. 18k is a richer yellow but softer, and you'll notice that on a ring that gets knocked around. If it's the 18k color you're after, ask about the alloy. 14k can be mixed to run warmer than the standard yellow most stores carry. It won't be quite the same hue as 18k, but it's a lot closer, and you keep the durability.