76% of our ring orders since December 2025 were yellow gold, and 14K yellow gold alone was 54%. We usually recommend 14K: a softer colour, more durable, and it scratches less than 18K. If you want a white diamond to look as bright as it can, we can tip the prongs in white or build a two tone head.
By Clint Casmiro, co-founder · Updated October 22, 2026
14K is 58% gold and 18K is 75%. We usually recommend 14K for an engagement ring: the colour is softer and more muted, and it's more durable and scratches less. 18K has a richer, more vibrant yellow and is a little softer. Our rule is never under 2 mm on a gold band, because gold thins over 20 to 30 years. The full comparison is in 14K vs 18K gold vs platinum. Matt and Emily's oval below sits on a split shank, and Juan's 5 ct marquise has pavé running down the band.
Yellow prongs warm up the edge of a white diamond, and each one reads as a small dot of colour. Three ways to handle it: keep them yellow, which suits champagne diamonds; rhodium tip just the ends so they blend into the stone while the ring still reads yellow; or build a two tone ring with a white head on a yellow band. Nathan's emerald cut uses white prongs on 14K yellow gold.
Yellow prongs warm up a champagne diamond, which is often what you want. The trade-offs with white gold are in champagne diamonds in yellow vs white gold, and our loose stones are in champagne diamonds.
For everyday wear we usually recommend 14K: more durable, scratches less, and a softer colour. 18K is richer in colour and a little softer.
On our ring orders from December 2025 to October 2026, 76% were yellow gold. Full numbers in the SMIRO Ring Report.
Yes. Either rhodium tipped prongs, where only the tips are white, or a two tone ring with a white gold or platinum head.
Each yellow prong reads as a small dot of colour at the edge of the stone. White tipped prongs blend into the diamond, so the edge of the stone reads white while the ring still reads yellow.
Yes. We design the band around your engagement ring in the same gold. See wedding bands.
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