Although some jewellery pieces look beautiful in a display window, the actual comfort and fit of the jewellery can be very different. A ring with a diamond might make you stop and take notice, but the band width, setting style and overall metal colour can mean that after years you might not want to wear it as much.

White gold diamond rings are very popular in the UK due to them having the appearance of a pale precious metal while retaining the warm and heavy qualities of gold. This means they can be used for a variety of styles including classic solitaire, clustered diamonds and intricate settings.

Understanding what you’re purchasing can help when choosing a white gold diamond ring. Although two rings may look incredibly similar in images their purity, diamond quality and maintenance can vary greatly.

What Makes White Gold Diamond Rings Unique

White gold isn’t naturally white. It’s created by mixing pure gold with other metals to create a paler alloy. Often white gold rings will have a rhodium plating applied to give the shiny, silver colour you often see in stores.

However, this plating won’t last forever. Due to frequent contact with skin, fabric and general surfaces the rhodium plating will wear down. This can cause the gold underneath to appear slightly more warm.

This is completely normal and can be easily resolved by a jeweller polishing and replating the ring.

White gold also works extremely well with diamonds that are colourless or near colourless. The pale colour allows the diamonds to remain the focus of the jewellery, especially with simple settings and thin band widths.

Is 9ct or 18ct White Gold Better?

Both 9ct and 18ct white gold are commonly known options in the UK. However, there are differences between the two.

9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold, while 18ct gold contains 75% pure gold. This means that 9ct gold rings will be cheaper as there is less precious metal in the alloy. 18ct gold will contain more precious metal and is therefore often chosen for more valuable jewellery.

Neither will be completely scratch proof. The durability will depend on the alloy, style, thickness and wear.

If you are purchasing in the UK then make sure to check the hallmark. Gold jewellery over the exemption weight will usually need to have a recognised hallmarked. 375 and 750 will indicate 9ct and 18ct gold.

Understanding Diamond Specifications

Diamonds can be a confusing product to buy due to how the small differences affect the price.

While it’s a good idea to understand the 4Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat Weight), these all don’t have equal impacts on the appearance.

Quality in the cut is extremely important. This can dictate how well the diamond reflects light. A well cut round brilliant diamond will still look lively and bright even if it doesn’t have the best colour or clarity.

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. This doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the exact same size. Two diamonds with the same carat could be slightly different sizes.

Clarity can be a practical consideration. Some diamonds will have inclusions that aren’t visible unless viewed under magnification. Therefore you might not notice much difference by paying for a higher grade.

Lab Grown Diamonds

More and more people are finding white gold diamond rings with both mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds.

Lab grown diamonds have the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds. They just don’t originate from nature.

Lab grown diamonds can be cheaper than mined diamonds. Prices will depend on the size, quality and retailer.

If you’re looking to compare specifications then Novita Diamonds UK will be a great place to start. Taking a look at a few combination of sizes, shapes and settings will help you understand what differences are important for your budget.

Ask for clear grading information and make sure the diamond has an independent certificate from a recognised gemmological laboratory.

Different Settings

The setting on a ring will affect how the ring fits, how protected the diamond is and how easy it is to clean.

A solitaire setting with 4 claws will leave a lot of the diamond exposed. With 6 claws there will be more points of contact around the diamond. However, the quality will be important.

Bezel settings will have a border of metal around the diamond. This gives a smoother look and can protect the diamond better. If you often snag your jewellery then this could be a good option.

Halo settings will have smaller diamonds surrounding the main diamond. This can increase the overall presence. Pavé settings will have sparkle along the sides but can mean there are more small settings to check.

When looking at rings from retailers like Novita Diamonds, make sure to look at the side view. This will show you how high the setting is and if it will be comfortable next to your wedding band.

Band Width, Ring Sizes and Comfort

You may think a thin band will look delicate but the thickness and build of the band is important. An extremely thin band can be more prone to bending especially if the centre diamond is quite large.

A thicker band can give a more substantial feel. However you might need a different ring size.

Ring sizes in the UK are lettered. Make sure to double check the measurements against the retailers ring size chart (especially if you’re purchasing online).

Your fingers can also swell depending on the temperature. It can be more useful to measure your finger at different times of the day.

Keeping Your White Gold Diamond Rings in Good Condition

Cleaning your rings will help to keep them free from any soapy build up, oils and grime.

Many rings can be cleaned using a small amount of mild dish soap and warm water. Gently brush any dirt in accessible areas using a soft brush. Be careful when rinsing and wipe dry with a lint free cloth.

Avoid using any harsh cleaners or household products. It’s a good idea to take your rings off during any heavy impact activities.

Getting your rings professionally checked can be a great idea. If you have lots of small diamonds or delicate claws then a jeweller can check if any of the stones are loose, the settings are worn and if there is any damage.

Things to Check Before Purchasing in the UK

Images online will help you to understand what the ring will look like but won’t show you everything.

Make sure to check the exact metal type, measurements of the diamond, grading papers and if VAT is included in the price. Understand the resize, returns and warranty policies.

Customised and bespoke jewellery may have different return policies. This is especially important if you’re looking for an unusual size or any changes.

While retailers like Novita Diamonds can be considered, you should consider what specification, quality and suitability the ring has.

Often white gold rings are bought for a special occasion but will be worn much more during everyday wear. It’s important to consider comfort, secure placement of the diamond and realistic maintenance.