Wedding rings are traditionally made from gold but, in recent years, those looking for an individual alternative have opted for silver or platinum. However, as these have become more common, many couples are searching for a new and unique way to express their love and fealty to one another, be it in the form of engagement or wedding rings.
Two-tone gold is a relatively new concept that is offering couples the chance to wear wedding rings that are as individual as they are. Two-tone wedding rings consist of one colour of gold, such as white gold, is fused with metal of another tone including platinum. In the construction of traditional wedding rings, a seamless tube of a precious metal is cut into prescribed widths. With a two-tone ring, a second ‘blank’ is fused to the first to create a ring of differing colours. This can be done in a variety of ways, sometimes using many strips of white and yellow gold to create an unusual and striking effect, sometimes using two different metals such as gold and platinum.
The use of the different metals does not have to be linear; with the resurgence in popularity of Celtic-style wedding rings, many two-tone rings use applications that allow the different colours to be almost woven together, creating a braid effect. Of course, you can choose a ring that highlights either the gold or platinum in the design or one that has equal amounts of both.
This choice can also help to determine the choice of gemstone you might want to have inlaid in the ring. Some stones, such as rubies, can appear much darker on yellow gold but set against platinum can retain their lustre.
Because gold is a relatively soft metal, it lends itself to engraving quite readily. Many floral designs, cross-hatching or Celtic Infinity Knot designs are used in two-tone wedding rings to make them even more unique.