Depending on the era and the individual, tone on tone diamond rings are the jewelry of choice. Platinum or white gold engagement rings provide cool tints and neutral colors which appeal to many. Other gravitate towards colorful designer engagement rings. This can come in the form of fancy diamonds, colored gemstones, or gold.

Most diamonds are on the D-Z color scale, between colorless D and light Z. Diamonds closer to Z pair with gold in interesting ways. The jewels seem fainter with a yellow gold mount, but more colorful with white. Colored diamonds outside the D-Z scale are rare and in demand. D-Z heart engagement rings with a thin border of yellow diamonds adds color with minimal carat.

Other diamond rings come with colored gemstones for a touch of hue. The most popular of these are emeralds, sapphires and rubies. They’re sometimes mounted side by side with the diamond, or form a row of alternating color. Gemstones may serve as the central jewel while diamonds provide halos or side stones, or vice versa.

In its natural state, gold has a deep yellow hue. It’s often alloyed with other metals to add durability. Depending on the materials, gold changes color. Yellow, rose and white gold are the most popular, though other colors exist. Hues like yellow and pink add warmth to ring designs as well as contrast.

Different types of colored gold may be combined on the same ring. Styles include white gold wedding bands edged in yellow, or white on the outside and rose within. Variations with diamonds include designs with the band in one hue and the mount another. These touches of color highlight your ring’s beauty.