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White Gold Vs. Yellow Gold: Pivotal Differences You Should Know

Aug 02,2024 | Juyoyo

White gold and yellow gold are popular and classic choices for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other jewelry pieces, known for their timeless symbolic meanings and charming appearance. If you decide between white gold and yellow gold for your engagement ring, you can read this detailed article before shopping online. Join Juyoyo to learn more about the difference between white and yellow gold. Come on! Let's get started!

white gold vs yellow gold

 

Understanding White Gold & Yellow Gold

What is White Gold?

White gold is an alloy that is made by mixing pure gold with a white metal such as nickel, palladium, or silver. This combination creates a silvery-white appearance that is very similar to that of platinum. White gold is often used in jewelry as a more affordable alternative to platinum while maintaining a luxurious and elegant appearance. It is also often plated with rhodium, a shiny white metal, to enhance its color and make it last longer.

Related: Rose Gold Vs. Yellow Gold: Which to Choose? [Full Guide]

                 Sterling Silver Vs. White Gold: Full Comparison You Need to Know

 

What is Yellow Gold?

Yellow gold is a type of gold that is yellow in its natural state. It is made by mixing pure gold with alloying metals such as copper and zinc. The percentage of pure gold in the alloy determines the karat of the gold, with 24-karat gold being pure gold and lower karat gold containing a higher percentage of alloy metals, like 10k gold, 14k gold, 18k gold, and 24k gold.

Related: 10K Vs. 14K Gold: Which is Better?

 

White Gold vs Yellow Gold in Composition

White Gold

Composition

White gold is usually made by mixing pure gold with white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver, which give white gold its silvery-white hue. White gold is often plated with rhodium, a lustrous white metal, to enhance its color and make it more durable.

Common Karat Types

  • 18K White Gold: 75% gold, 25% white metals (such as palladium or nickel).
  • 14K White Gold: 58.3% gold, 41.7% white metals.
  • 10K White Gold: 41.7% gold, 58.3% white metals.

 

Yellow Gold

Composition

Yellow gold is a mixture of pure gold and alloy metals such as copper and zinc, giving it a warm yellow hue. The alloy of these metals adds strength and durability to the gold.

Common Karat Types

  • 24K Yellow Gold: 100% pure gold (too soft for most jewelry).
  • 18K Yellow Gold: 75% gold, 25% alloying metals (copper and zinc).
  • 14K Yellow Gold: 58.3% gold, 41.7% alloying metals.
  • 10K Yellow Gold: 41.7% gold, 58.3% alloying metals.

 

White Gold vs Gold in Appearance

White gold is typically a silver or white color imparted by mixed metals. Due to the gold content, its natural color is a pale yellowish or greyish-white. White gold is often plated with rhodium to give a bright, silvery white finish. Rhodium is a hard, white metal that is used to enhance the appearance and durability of white gold rings and other jewelry pieces.

In its pure form, yellow gold has a natural, warm golden hue similar to the color of gold. Depending on the specific mix of alloying metals, the exact shade may vary slightly. The golden hue increases with the percentage of pure gold.

white gold moss agate bridal set

Juyoyo Oval Cut Moss Agate White Gold Twisted Engagement Ring

 

White vs Yellow Gold in Durability

White gold is generally harder and more scratch-resistant than yellow gold due to the addition of alloying metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. This makes it more suitable for everyday wear, particularly in the case of engagement rings and bracelets.

Yellow gold is generally malleable and softer. The addition of alloying metals increases the durability of yellow gold. Gold with a higher karat number (e.g. 18K) is softer and more prone to scratching than gold with a lower karat number (e.g. 14K or 10K).

 

White Gold vs Yellow Gold in Maintenance

Maintenance of White gold

Rhodium Plating: The rhodium plating on white gold jewelry can wear off over time, especially on items like white gold rings that experience frequent contact and abrasion. Regular replating is recommended to maintain the appearance of the jewelry.

Polishing: White gold can be polished to remove scratches and restore its shine.

 

Maintenance of Yellow gold

Polishing: Yellow gold is softer and more malleable than white gold, which may need to be polished regularly to maintain its luster, but does not need to be re-plated.

Cleaning: To maintain its luster, yellow gold can be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water or a jewelry cleaning solution.

 

Gold vs White Gold in Skin Tone

Warm skin tones: Wearing a yellow-gold engagement tends to look better if you have a warm skin tone. The warmth of the gold complements the skin tone.

Olive skin tones: Olive skin is suitable for light gold jewelry, and less gold content, such as 14k, and 10k gold is more suitable for olive skin.

Cool skin tones: White gold is more appropriate if you have a cool skin tone. The cool tones of the metal can enhance the skin's undertones.

Neutral skin tones: If you have neutral skin, this means you can wear both gold and white gold.

However, personal preference always reigns supreme! Choosing jewelry that makes you feel confident and beautiful is the most important factor.

yellow gold moss agate engagement ring

Juyoyo Pear Moss Agate Engagement Ring and Opal Wedding Band

 

Yellow Gold vs White Gold in Hypo Allergy

Yellow gold is generally considered to be more hypoallergenic than white gold, which contains nickel. Nickel, which can cause allergic reactions in some people, is present in some white gold alloys. Nickel-free white gold alloys are available and are often alloyed with palladium or other hypoallergenic metals. Juyoyo offers a customization service for personalizing a Nickel-free engagement ring.

 

White Gold Versus Yellow Gold in Value

The intrinsic value of white gold and yellow gold is essentially the same, as long as they have the same karat. For example, a 14K white gold ring and a 14K yellow gold ring with the same weight and design will have the same gold content and therefore the same value. However, when it comes to alloy metals, white gold can be more expensive. This is due to the additional processes involved, such as alloying with more expensive metals and rhodium plating.

 

White Gold vs Yellow Gold: Which is Better?

Both yellow gold and white gold offer unique advantages and aesthetic qualities. The choice between white gold and yellow gold often comes down to personal preference and the desired look of the jewelry. Come to Juyoyo now to find your unique white gold or yellow gold engagement rings at an affordable price!

yellow gold rainbow moonstone

Juyoyo Round Rainbow Moonstone and Diamond Twig and Leaf Natural Inspired Ring

 

White Gold & Yellow Gold Rings Recommendation

You may have a clear idea of which white gold or yellow gold ring to choose after comparing white gold and yellow gold in various ways. Here are some exquisite white gold and yellow gold engagement rings or wedding bands. Or there's a rose gold option if you prefer a rose gold engagement ring!

white gold moissanite engagement ring

Juyoyo Unique Moissanite White Gold Designer Engagement Ring

white gold moissanite wedding band

Juyoyo Marquise & Round Cut Moissanite White Gold Twisted Curved Wedding Band

moissanite yellow gold vintage engagement ring

Juyoyo Unique Moissanite Yellow Gold Vintage Engagement Ring

gold moss agate engagement ring

Juyoyo Unique Hexagon Cut Moss Agate Engagement Ring Yellow Gold

 

FAQs about White Gold & Yellow Gold

What is the Difference Between White Gold and Yellow Gold?

The main difference between white gold and yellow gold, apart from the obvious appearance, is the metal component of its synthesis. White gold is pure gold mixed with white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. Yellow gold is pure gold mixed with alloyed metals such as copper and zinc.

Is White Gold Better than Yellow Gold?

It depends. When it comes to white gold or yellow gold. Both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages in different aspects. It all comes down to your style, skin color, and allergies.

Is White Gold More Expensive than Yellow?

In general, due to the additional processes involved, such as alloying with more expensive metals and rhodium plating, white gold is more expensive than yellow gold.

Is White Gold Real Gold?

Yes, white gold is real gold. White gold is an alloy that consists mainly of pure gold that is mixed with other white metals such as palladium, silver, or nickel. Mixing these gives it the white color we come to associate with white gold.

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