When it comes to choosing a wedding ring, men have two popular metal options: white gold and yellow gold. Both have pros and cons to consider. This article compares white and yellow gold rings for men, looking at durability, maintenance, cost, and aesthetic to help men determine which is the better fit.
At a Glance
When choosing a mens wedding band, white gold and yellow gold are two of the most popular metals. While both of these metals cost roughly the same, white gold tends to be slightly more expensive due to it’s rhodium plating. Here is a quick comparison that will help you make the right choice.
| Yellow Gold | White Gold |
| Slightly Less Expensive | Slightly More Expensive |
| Classic Look | Modern Look |
| Compliments More Skin Tones | High Contrast on Darker Skin Tones |
| Long Lasting | Can Discolor With Time |
| No Replating Necessary | Replating Necessary |
Find more details about the pros and cons of white mens wedding rings and yellow mens wedding rings below.
Is White Gold Good For a Mens Wedding Band?
White gold can be an excellent choice for a men’s wedding band. The silvery hue of white gold gives it a sleek, modern look that many grooms prefer over the traditional yellow gold. Durability is a major pro for white gold rings. The metal is very hardy thanks to the addition of nickel, manganese or palladium which make it scratch resistant. White gold won’t tarnish or oxidize which means minimal maintenance – simply cleaning it occasionally will keep the ring looking new.
The cons of white gold revolve around its care requirements. To maintain its bright whitish shine, rhodium plating is required every 1-2 years which is an added expense. The rhodium plating can wear away revealing the slightly yellowish tint of underlying white gold alloy. Allergies to nickel in cheaper white gold alloys is also a concern for some wearers. Overall, white gold makes a great men’s wedding band with its stylish look, strength and low maintenance, as long as the re-plating costs are factored in.
Is Yellow Gold Good For a Mens Wedding Band?
Yellow gold can also be an excellent choice for a man’s wedding ring. The warm, traditional yellow hue gives yellow gold rings a classically masculine look that never goes out of style. Durability is a major pro – yellow gold is very long-lasting and scratch-resistant, able to stand up to everyday wear and last a lifetime. Yellow gold is also less prone to tarnishing or needing re-plating like white metals, making it virtually maintenance free. The cons of yellow gold rings largely come down to personal preference. Some men find the yellow tone too bold or flashy for their taste.
The yellow color can also clash with certain skin tones or not pair well with silver/platinum accessories. There are also fewer metal options for those with allergies compared to white gold alloys. Overall, yellow gold makes a great traditional men’s wedding band choice with its enduring good looks, strength and lack of maintenance. As long as the yellow tone suits the groom’s style, it’s a wedding ring metal that can’t be beaten.
White Gold or Yellow Gold Better for Dark Skin Tone?
When it comes to choosing between white gold and yellow gold wedding bands for darker skin tones, both options can look beautiful if selected thoughtfully. For many with rich, deeper complexions, yellow gold tends to be more flattering and enhances one’s skin tone nicely. The warm, golden hue compliments the melanin in darker skin and makes it glow radiantly. Yellow gold creates a harmonious appearance. In contrast, white gold against darker skin can sometimes look harsh or stark, almost washing out the complexion.
Yellow Gold or White Gold Ring For Light Skin Tone
For fair, light skin tones, white gold wedding bands tend to be more complementary than yellow gold. The bright, silvery-white hue of white gold flatters those with cooler undertones and pale complexions by matching nicely rather than looking too harsh or bold. White gold’s metallic shine adds a contemporary pop especially when accented with diamonds or gems that sparkle elegantly against the light metal backdrop. Meanwhile, yellow gold can sometimes look a bit overwhelming on paler skin, washing it out or looking too bold. However, some with light skin find white gold rings lack enough contrast and prefer the warmer, more vibrant look of yellow gold.
Rose gold can be another more flattering option for fair skin if yellow gold seems too bold. Ultimately it comes down to choosing a ring style and metal shade that blends well with light skin. With the right wedding band yellow gold can certainly work, but in most cases white gold is a foolproof match.
Do You Have to Replate a White Gold Wedding Ring?
Yes, is is recommended that white gold wedding rings are periodically replated, typically every 1-2 years. The rhodium plating applied to white gold creates its bright white color. Over time this plating can wear away revealing the duller underlying white gold alloy metal. Replating restores the shiny white appearance. The process is inexpensive but must be done consistently to keep a white gold ring looking its best.
Tips For Choosing a Mens Wedding Ring
Consider these tips when shopping for a mens wedding ring.
- Pick a comfortable width based on his lifestyle and hand size. Narrow bands 4mm-6mm work for most while wider bands up to 9mm provide an embellished look.
- Get the right fit. Rings should slide on easily but not twist or slip off. Have his ring size accurately measured.
- Look for comfort fit rings with rounded inside edges for maximum comfort.
- Consider finish options like brushed, polished or matte based on his style preferences.
- Budget accordingly for quality; high-karat gold and diamond bands cost more. Shop sales for deals.
