The World Gold Council announced recently that gold prices are expected to “remain resilient” over the next few months, after demand for gold jewelry rose 17 percent in 2010.
Part of the reason for gold’s enduring worldwide value is its luster, but mainly its malleability as a soft metal when in its purest form, and when alloyed with other metals, it is the perfect material for fine jewelry. So while other metals, mainly platinum, have gained significant popularity over the last few years, gold has proven its staying power with its resent rise in price.
Gold has been used for centuries across the world as a show of wealth and sometimes power, today it remains the perfect metal for showcasing antique of vintage inspired engagement ring designs which strive to encapsulate an old world aura. The Venetian 5011R Verragio, for example, features a Round cut diamond set onto a shank adorned with a double row of pave’ set Round diamond that carries halfway down the band. However it is the finishing touches like the Italian inspired lace detail inside of the band, and the antique beading along the outer edges that make this ring the perfect design to be crafted in yellow gold.
Yellow gold specifically can also be used to create a contrast to a design that is heavily adorned with white diamonds, like the Eterna 4012L from Verragio. Featuring a total of 4.5 carats worth of Joint prong set diamonds around the band in an eternity style; this ring is heavy on the bling, with just flashes of gold peeking through in between the diamonds.
Finally, for something a little flirtier the Classico 0356 from Verragio cast in yellow gold offers an almost floral design with a Round cut diamond center with a unique halo of smaller Round cut diamonds set onto a slightly split shank. The simple yet elegant design gets a pop of color when designed in yellow gold, and because Verragio rings are always custom made, it is possible to use a Yellow or Pink center diamonds to offset the white diamond halo as well as the yellow of the band.