Why Is The Gold Oura Ring More Expensive?
If you know about Oura Rings, you would know that gold Oura Rings are more expensive than other finishes. Have you ever wondered why the gold Oura Rings are more expensive than others? If you have, we are here to explain the reasons behind this price variation.
How Much Does an Oura Ring Cost?
Oura Rings usually has two styles to choose from: Heritage and Horizon. Once you decide on the style you want, then there are multiple color choices (finishes) available for you to pick your desired color.
At the point of writing this article, here is the price breakdown of Oura Rings.
Oura Ring Heritage Style Price Breakdown
- Silver – $299
- Black – $299
- Stealth – $399
- Gold – $449
Oura Ring Horizon Style Price Breakdown
- Silver – $349
- Black – $349
- Stealth – $449
- Brushed Titanium – $449
- Gold – $499
- Rose Gold – $549
As you can see, regardless of the style of Oura Rings, the gold variation of finishes tends to be more expensive than others. Shall we investigate what causes this?
Why Is The Gold Oura Ring More Expensive?
The gold Oura Ring is more expensive compared to others mainly due to its luxurious aesthetic and the specialized manufacturing process involved in its production. Let’s discuss the factors that contribute to the higher price tag of gold Oura Rings.
PVD Coating
Contrary to what some might believe, the gold Oura Ring is not made of real gold or even gold-plated. Instead, it uses a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating to achieve its golden color.
This method plays an important role in giving a shimmering appearance and enhances the ring’s resistance to scratches. Although PVD coating is less expensive than actual gold, it can still contribute to the higher price tag of gold Oura Rings because of the complexity of the process and the precision required.
Aesthetic Appeal
Gold is often associated with luxury and prestige. This aesthetic appeal justifies the higher price point for consumers who value appearance.
The craftsmanship required for gold Oura Rings is complicated, and only a handful of artisans have the skill to come up with such quality products. This adds to the manufacturing costs and, ultimately, the retail price of the gold Oura Ring.
Brand Positioning
The Oura, as a brand, positions the gold variations of rings as a premium product. Actually, it is not something that is unique to Oura, but most luxury brands. They target high-end consumers with gold rings, and the price tag is usually higher than that of the other variations.
The perceived value of gold as a symbol of wealth and status plays a significant role in its higher price, too. People tend to pay more for a product that is seen as luxurious even if there is no or less difference when it comes to features.
Is Oura Ring Real Gold?
No, the Oura Ring uses a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating to achieve its gold-colored finish rather than actual gold or gold plating. In the PVD process, a solid material (usually a metal such as Titanium, chromium, or zirconium) is vaporized in a high-vacuum environment. This vaporized material then condenses onto the surface of the object being coated.
Is the Gold Oura Ring an Example of the Pink Tax?
Well, the Oura Ring doesn’t fall under the traditional definition of the pink tax primarily because of uniform pricing. The Oura Ring is generally priced the same regardless of the buyer’s gender. The price variation between gold Oura Rings and other types is not humongous, and as we explained earlier, there are valid reasons why gold Oura Rings are more expensive than others.
Is the Gold Oura Ring Worth the Extra Cost?
Whether the Gold Oura Ring is worth the extra cost depends on your priorities in terms of aesthetics and functionality. As you know by now, gold Oura Rings get the gold finish from a PVD coating rather than actual gold.
However, the main features of Oura Rings remain the same regardless of the finish or color. If your objective is to use the features of an Oura Ring, there is no point in opting for a gold ring, as base models are cost-effective and come with the same functionalities.
What is the Most Expensive Oura Ring?
The Rose Gold Oura Ring on Horizon style is the most expensive Oura Ring. It has a price tag of $549 and is $50 more than the normal Horizon-style gold finish. The Gold Rose finish is available only on Horizon finish, and similar to gold, they use PVD technology to manufacture rose gold Oura Rings.
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