If your partner doesn't like yellow gold, white gold is a great option for their engagement ring. Silver-toned but more durable than silver for everyday, long-term wear, this is our recommendation for those who prefer cool-toned metals.
Read on to learn more about what to consider when choosing an engagement ring if your partner doesn't like yellow gold, including alternative options and how they compare, the best non-yellow gold engagement ring styles, and where to buy a white gold engagement ring.
What engagement ring should I buy if my girlfriend or partner doesn't like yellow gold?
If your soon-to-be fiancé doesn't like yellow gold, there are a couple of durable cool-toned metals to choose from. As we mentioned, white gold is our top recommendation if you're looking for an engagement ring for someone who never wears, or doesn't like, yellow gold jewellery.
Pictured: 9ct White Gold Diamond & Sapphire Cluster Engagement Ring
White gold vs platinum engagement rings
Both white gold and platinum are good engagement ring metal options for someone who doesn't like yellow gold, but how do they differ?
We go into this in-depth in our guide to white gold, but the main difference is their composition; white gold contains a mixture of pure yellow gold and white alloy metals to create its white appearance (either warm white, or bright white if rhodium-plated), while platinum is typically 95% pure and naturally a cool grey-white colour.
We don't rhodium-plate our white gold engagement rings at Wild Fawn - this is a conscious choice, as the plating process relies on chemicals that don't align with our sustainability standards. We also love the subtle, naturally occurring warm tint white gold has when left unplated, while still being white-toned and radiant.
Platinum is another great engagement ring metal option for someone who doesn't like yellow gold. Its rich, deep colour is naturally cool-toned and extremely durable, making it perfect for your silver-loving partner.
Read our full guide to white gold here
We have a range of ready-to-ship and made-to-order engagement rings in white gold, available to see during your appointment, or order directly from our website. Platinum engagement rings are available by request through our bespoke service, so they work to the same 6-8 week timeline as our made-to-order designs.
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Is sterling silver suitable for an engagement ring?
Not usually. Sterling silver is a slightly softer metal than gold and platinum, as it contains 92.5% pure silver, whereas gold has a lower proportion of pure gold in it, depending on its carat. Being softer, sterling silver is more susceptible to scratches, dents, and visible wear, making it a riskier choice for a piece like an engagement ring, which you'll be wearing every day for life.
White gold and platinum offer a very similar look to sterling silver while providing both durability and longevity in beautiful cool tones.
The best white gold engagement ring styles and settings
Many beautiful engagement ring styles suit white metals, ranging from traditional to modern, and also somewhere in between. There is generally no 'best' ring style for non-yellow gold metals, as white gold and platinum work in similar ways to yellow gold; any yellow gold ring style can be made in white gold or platinum.
If you're looking for some inspiration and wondering what different engagement ring styles, settings, gemstones and styles suit white gold, we've collated some of our favourites below!
White Gold Molten Engagement Ring: One of our signature design styles at Wild Fawn, molten rings are carved from jeweller's wax, sculpting and using heat to create a molten texture. The wax is then cast in white gold, and the stones are set. Perfect for understated, modern brides who want something a little different.
Pictured: Solitaire Blue Sapphire Molten Organic Engagement Ring
White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring: Choose a white gold cluster engagement ring if your partner would love a multi-stone ring with character. These can range from dainty styles of small diamonds and sapphires, or a large, statement central gemstone accompanied by smaller accent stones in elegant cluster designs.
White Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring: A trilogy engagement ring is one that features three stones, thought to symbolise the past, present and future of a romantic relationship. Trilogy rings look beautiful when set in white gold, and make a wonderful, timeless choice.
White Gold Bezel Engagement Ring: A bezel set white gold engagement ring is one that features the gemstone(s) fully framed by the white gold (as opposed to being held in place with prongs or claws). A bezel setting is thought to be a contemporary choice, and also great for those who have an active lifestyle or would like a practical engagement ring.
White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring: Arguably the most classic and traditional engagement ring style is solitaire, a ring with a single stone. These look beautiful in all metals, including the cool-toned white gold and platinum that your partner prefers.
Pictured: Wide Band Engagement Ring with East-West Cushion Cut Diamond
Gemstones that pair well with white metal engagement rings
White Gold Diamond Engagement Rings: Diamonds look beautiful in white gold, creating a cohesive 'white' look on the entire design. Many love how the radiance of white gold complements the sparkle of a white or colourless diamond.
White Gold Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring: We love how blue sapphires look with white gold, creating a cool-toned design with a pop of colour. Choose from deeper, dark blue sapphires, bi-colour stones, or lighter hues.
White Gold Orange/Yellow Sapphire Engagement Ring: For something out of the ordinary, why not consider a uniquely coloured sapphire, in yellow or orange for your white gold engagement ring? We love how choosing a warm stone adds elegant contrast to the cool-toned metal.
Pictured: Cushion Cut Peachy Orange Sapphire Engagement Ring with Diamonds
White Gold Green Sapphire Engagement Ring: While we love all of our engagement ring styles, green sapphires do have a special place in our heart, and they look just as breathtaking in white gold as they do in yellow gold. We hand-select sapphires that have been responsibly sourced from small, independent, fairtrade mines in Australia and Sri Lanka. The beauty and depth of these stones speak for themselves; green sapphires make a great choice for white gold engagement rings!
Where to buy white gold engagement rings in the UK
Wild Fawn Jewellery is a sustainable jewellery brand based in South East London, specialising in ethical engagement rings in both white gold and yellow gold. The gold we use is 100% recycled; we only ever use lab-grown diamonds and responsibly-sourced sapphires, and each ring is made from start to finish in the UK by our small team and trusted UK-based suppliers.
We have a selection of ready-to-ship white gold engagement rings, which can be yours in just 1-2 weeks. We are always making new ready-to-ship styles, so keep an eye out to see new designs regularly. We also have a number of made-to-order engagement rings available in 9ct or 18ct white gold, which take around 6-8 weeks to make.
Your white gold engagement ring journey starts with a complimentary, no-obligation appointment, where you can see our ready-to-ship styles in person, or discuss a bespoke or custom ring. If you've spotted a white gold engagement ring on our website that your partner will love, you can also simply place your order, letting us know your delivery deadline and ring size.
Design your own white gold engagement ring
If you have an idea for a custom white gold engagement ring, our bespoke service can make your dream ring a reality! Simply book an engagement ring consultation with us here; we can't wait to meet you. If you've seen a yellow-gold engagement ring you like, any of our engagement rings on our website can be made in white gold - just get in touch if the option isn't available to select in the product page.
