At last! You’ve found someone you love deeply and you are pursuing engagement rings! So exciting! We are here to support you in this process!
The classic solitaire diamond engagement ring remains a tradition in the 21st century. Yet there are many different ways to play with this classic and create a more individual piece. You have the power to choose an engagement ring that reflects the unique nature of your relationship.
Newly engaged couples are making their engagement rings one of a kind in many ways. Some couples choose gemstone accents or gemstone centerpieces for a nontraditional flair. Other couples choose modern or vintage styled settings. And many couples are even choosing to combine different types of metals, side by side, in one ring.
We want to highlight this elegant method of using two different types of metal to enhance your engagement ring. Two-tone engagement rings are a fantastic way to add flavor to an already charming token.
What is a two-tone engagement ring?
Also known as a mixed metal ring, a two tone engagement ring showcases two different types of metals (in the same ring) to create a look as unique as you are. For example, a ring can have a shank that is white gold and prongs that are rose gold or yellow gold.
There is a spectrum of boldness. There are some two-tone rings in which one color of metal is hidden on the interior, only noticeable to the wearer. There are other two-tone rings where both colors of metal vividly interplay in the style of setting.
Why do we love two-tone engagement rings?
We love the playful yet elegant look of two-tone engagement rings. This style of ring catches the eye and creates a depth of charm that stands out from a single metal ring.
This style of engagement ring can also have a very practical side. These gorgeous rings offer versatility because they pair well with other jewelry pieces. For example, your rose gold bracelet will look enchanting next to a rose gold engagement ring but may clash when set beside a white gold ring. An engagement ring with both rose gold and white gold will compliment your rose gold bracelet. The two-tone engagement ring allows all pieces to complement the engagement ring– a powerful accolade for a ring worn everyday!
A two-tone engagement ring also makes the decision of a setting easier. For example, if you flip flop between yellow gold or white gold for your engagement ring, you can have them both.
Many two-tone settings accommodate different shaped stones and appear in styles ranging from solitaires to halos.
What metal should I choose for an engagement ring?
While there are many metals to choose from for an engagement ring, we prefer yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold. These three metals are all affordable and compliment many skin tones. The three types of gold have a large selection with retailers so it’s easier to find the perfect one for you.
White gold, yellow gold, and rose gold look beautiful next to each other, making them a great option for two-tone engagement rings.
Gold is mixed with other metals to create an alloy, or mixture. After this process, gold can be worn everyday. You can find gold in both 14K or 18K. The 18K gold will have a richer tone thanks to the higher level of gold alloy. Both make great options for engagement rings.
Yellow gold, first popularized in Ancient Greece and Rome, has long been the most classic approach to engagement rings. Made by combining pure gold, silver, copper and zinc, yellow gold remains a first-class choice for engagement ring settings.
Gaining in popularity with engagement rings are white gold and rose gold .Rose gold, with its lovely romantic pink hue, is pure gold and copper alloys. White gold, with its silver glimmer, is an alloy of gold, nickel and zinc. 14K or 18K are best for rose gold and white gold.
All types of gold jewelry must be polished and cleaned at times to keep them looking fresh.
Another fantastic option for engagement rings is platinum. The color of platinum resembles white gold and the rarity of this metal connotes prestige. According to the GIA, platinum was referred to as the “only metal fit for kings” by King Louis XVI of France.
In addition to its royal prestige, platinum also has another major strength — it’s hypoallergenic, meaning it’s less likely to cause allergic reactions if you have a copper or zinc allergy. It’s also extremely durable, meaning the prongs of a platinum ring are highly unlikely to break or warp.
The major drawback of platinum is the price point. This metal is significantly more expensive but can be worth it for some individuals.
8 Extraordinary Examples of Two-tone Engagement Rings
These beautiful rings all feature two types of metal. Some rings in our selection have more pronounced two-tones than others. All of these rings feature combinations of 14K or 18K yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.
1. Two-Tone Ribbon Bypass Solitaire Engagement Ring
The ribbon bypass engagement ring from James Allen is romantic and dynamic. Two different metal ribbons intertwine to cradle the diamond of your choice. Whether combined with a round or oval diamond, this ring has graceful appeal.
2. Two-Tone Twisted Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
We love the twisted halo engagement ring from Blue Nile for its unique spin on a classic. The intertwining white gold and rose gold draw attention when they meet at the centerstone diamond.
3. Two-Tone Twist Diamond Engagement Ring
A petite looks stunning with rose gold and white gold shanks. The pavé-set diamonds flowing from the centerstone accentuate the romance and sparkle.
4. Two-Tone Tapered Pavé Halo Engagement Ring
On the other end of the spectrum from subtle is the eye-catching split shank halo engagement ring from James Allen. This beauty from James Allen wedges the centerstone between bezel-set pear surprise diamonds. You choose which diamond or gemstone takes center stage.
5. Vintage Two-Tone Floral Engagement Ring
The distinctive look of this vintage two-tone floral engagement ring is jaw-dropping. Between the rose gold floral motif and the cascading diamonds on the white gold band, this ring is a special beauty.
6. Two-Tone Intertwined Double Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
When you look at the intertwined double halo diamond engagement ring from Blue Nile, it appears the diamonds never stop– continuing into eternity. What a great foreshadow for your lives together! The white gold and yellow gold make this ring a real knockout.
7. Two-Tone Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring
For the most subtle two-tone style, the comfort-fit solitaire engagement ring has a hidden two-tone next to your skin– a secret you can choose to unveil or not.
8. Two-Tone Pear-Shaped Amethyst and Diamond Ring
With the popularity of non-traditional gemstone engagement rings, we had to include this beautiful two-tone amethyst and diamond ring from Blue Nile. It is bold, loud, and trendy.
For more ideas and inspiration, these helpful articles are worth a peek:
Which Metal is Best for Your Wedding Ring?
2022 Best Places to Buy Diamonds Online
17 Engagement Ring Styles for 2022
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
Read More
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- Ask a Diamond Pro: Radiant Diamond for a Yellow Gold Setting
- Ask a Diamond Pro: 0.50 Carat Diamond for a White Gold Pavé Setting