There are a lot of different kinds of jewellery that claim to be timeless. “Classic” is, in fact, part of the most enduring terminology in jewellery; if something is classic, it never goes out of fashion. Such eternally stylish pieces are, however, rather hard to find – a lot of styles and items claim to be classic, but are actually just a drop in the endless bucket of temporary fashion.
This is not to say that timeless jewellery does not exist – it is just hard to find. Certain designs, however, are indeed eternally stylish – every girl has a gold locket, for example; and the diamond ring, of course, has a permanent podium spot in the jewellery world by virtue of its popularity as a wedding or engagement present. However, both these examples are of jewellery that is used for a purpose – only lovesick young men gift the girls they love gold lockets, and diamond rings are rarely used outside of a wedding/engagement scenario. Is there no example of timeless gold jewellery being used for its own sake, by itself?
There is one example that could answer this question, perhaps – the gold ring. Gold, because gold is one of the most basic and simultaneously most elegant and valued metals; and a ring, because a ring is one of the most uncomplicated forms of jewellery, far less ostentatious than, say, a studded bracelet or a heavy watch or something like that.
As an evergreen symbol of masculinity, the gold ring has graced the fingers of many powerful men, from Tony Soprano to Bill Gates. These rings are seen as a symbol of wealth, health and everything that accompanies these two – vitality, strength, ability, fertility, and, of course, taste and affluence. This, perhaps, is the most powerful reason for the ancient tradition in both Western and Eastern cultures of gifting yellow gold wedding rings to a man upon his marriage.
Another interesting thing about gold rings is their high degree of versatility. For example, the silver ring can’t be worn everywhere – but a gold ring can, from the most low-key events to the most upscale affairs. Outdoors or indoors, on the street or in the bar, gold rings suit the locale and the person wearing them.
Yellow gold rings make a much bolder statement than, say, silver or white gold rings – for this reason, they are considered higher on the male jewellery “hierarchy”. As a case in point, yellow gold wedding rings are the standard wedding bands for women and men. Yellow gold engagement rings are very popular in the female jewellery tradition too, particularly because yellow gold diamond rings are one of the most classically sophisticated pieces of jewellery a lady can wear.
It is important to note, however, if you are getting a yellow gold engagement ring, that you should be careful to ensure what kind of gold it is made out of. Gold that is too pure can sometimes pose a risk, because it can get damaged or bent or misshapen through regular wear, particularly since gold is one of the softest metals used in jewellery-making (especially in its purer forms). Most jewellers recommend sticking with 14 carat gold for rings that are intended to be worn regularly, such as a yellow gold diamond ring you plan on gifting your fiancée upon marriage.