When it comes to buying jewelry, there are a lot of factors to consider. You have to think about the style of the piece, the metal type, and how much you’re willing to spend. But when it comes down to it, the most important decision is which color gold to choose. White gold vs yellow gold? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each so you can make the best decision for you.
Spoiler alert: white gold usually has a higher ROI!
What Is The Main Difference Between White And Yellow Gold?
Before we learn about the differences, let’s learn about:
What Is White Gold?
White gold is an alloy of gold and at least one white metal, usually nickel or palladium.
Its color is affected by the type and concentration of the metals used in the alloy, as well as by any surface treatments that are applied.
Most white gold contains a small amount of nickel, which may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
In order to avoid this, some manufacturers create white gold that contains a higher concentration of palladium instead.
White gold is often coated with a thin layer of rhodium plating, a bright white metal that creates a shining surface and helps to resist tarnishing.
Though it is more expensive than other precious metals, rhodium is also more durable, making it an ideal choice for jewelry that will be worn often.
Overall, white gold is a beautiful and versatile metal that makes an excellent choice for fine jewelry.
White Gold History
White gold was first introduced in the late 19th century as an alternative to platinum.
Platinum was the metal of choice for wedding bands and other jewelry, but it was also very expensive.
White gold was a more affordable option that still had a beautiful, white color.
Platinum and white gold engagement rings became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and the trend has continued to grow in popularity ever since.
White gold is also very strong and durable, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear.
White Gold Pros And Cons
Pros
- Will not discolor or tarnish over time
- Timeless color that meshes with any style
- High scratch-resistance
Cons
- If not done right, the color can look fake.
- Tends to show scratches and wear
- Not hypoallergenic
What Is Yellow Gold?
Yellow gold is a type of gold that is typically used in jewelry.
It is alloyed with other metals, such as copper and silver, to create a harder metal that is less likely to scratch or tarnish.
The percentage of pure gold in yellow gold varies, but it is typically around 75%.
The higher the purity of the gold, the more expensive it will be.
Yellow gold is a warm, rich color that makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and other special jewelry pieces.
It is also hypoallergenic, so it is a good option for people with sensitive skin.
Yellow gold can be combined with other metals to create different colors, such as rose gold or white gold.
If you are considering buying yellow gold jewelry, be sure to ask about the purity of the gold and the quality of the piece.
In order to ensure that your jewelry will last for many years, it is important to choose a piece that is well-made and made from high-quality materials.
Yellow Gold History
For centuries, yellow gold has been used in jewelry and other decorative items.
Its rich color and malleability make it an ideal material for crafting stylish and distinctive pieces.
Although it is not known exactly when gold was first discovered, it is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia.
In either case, it is clear that gold has been prized for its beauty and value for thousands of years.
Today, yellow gold remains a popular choice for those looking to create stunning jewelry designs.
Thanks to its history and uniqueness, yellow gold will likely continue to be prized by people around the world for many years to come.
Yellow Gold Pros And Cons
Pros
- Low reactivity to other elements
- Doesn’t corrode or tarnish
- Relatively low melting point
- Scratch-resistant surface keeps its shine over time
Cons
- Yellow gold setting fades over time
- Soft metal dents very easily
- Sometimes difficult to find another metal that will match your yellow gold perfectly
How To Choose Between Yellow And White Gold?
When it comes to gold, there are two main types that people tend to choose from yellow gold and white gold.
But how do you know which one is right for you?
Here are a few things to keep in mind that may help you make your decision:
1. Karat
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the karat of the gold.
Karat is a measure of purity, with 24 karats being the highest possible purity.
That said, pure gold is too soft to be used in jewelry, so it’s often alloyed with other metals to give it strength.
The most common alloys used in gold jewelry are copper and silver.
The higher the karat, the more expensive the piece will be.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that higher karats also mean that the piece is more likely to scratch or dent.
If you’re someone who is hard on your jewelry, you may want to opt for a lower karat so that your piece can better withstand wear and tear.
2. Alloy Mix
In addition to the karat of the gold, you’ll also want to consider the alloy mix.
The alloy mix refers to the specific proportions of metals that are used in gold jewelry.
For example, 14K white gold typically contains 58% pure gold, while 18K white gold contains 75% pure gold.
The most popular alloy mix for yellow gold is 14K (58% pure gold), while the most popular alloy mix for white gold is 14K (58% pure gold).
Keep in mind that if you have allergies to certain metals, you’ll want to choose a mix that doesn’t contain those metals.
For example, if you’re allergic to nickel, you’ll want to avoid white gold because it often contains nickel as one of its alloys.
3. Plating
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing between yellow and white gold is plating.
Plating is a thin layer of metal that’s applied over the top of another metal.
For example, many yellow gold pieces are actually made of brass or base metals that are then plated with yellow gold.
If you’re looking for a piece that’s less expensive but has the same look as solid yellow or white gold, plated pieces are a good option.
Just keep in mind that plating can wear off over time, so you’ll need to have the piece replated every few years to maintain its appearance.
4. Care Required
Finally, you’ll want to consider how much care each type of gold requires.
Yellow and white gold require different levels of care in order to maintain their appearance.
For example, yellow gold should be cleaned with a mild soap and warm water solution, while white gold should be cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water solution.
You’ll also need to take care when storing your yellow or white gold jewelry since both types can tarnish when exposed to air or certain chemicals.
When not wearing your jewelry, store it in an airtight container such as a zip-top baggie or jewelry box lined with felt.
You should also avoid exposing your jewelry to chlorinated water or harsh chemicals such as hairspray or perfume since these can cause discoloration.
Which Gold Is Best For An Engagement Ring?
When it comes to engagement rings, there are a lot of decisions to be made.
- What style of ring do you want?
- What kind of diamond or gemstone do you want?
- And, perhaps most importantly, what color gold do you want?
There are three main types of gold that are commonly used in engagement rings: yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.
Each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Let’s discuss one by one:
Yellow Gold Ring
Yellow gold is the traditional choice for engagement rings.
It’s classic and timeless, and it pairs well with all types of diamonds and gemstones.
A yellow-gold wedding band can be also an option to match your yellow-gold engagement ring
If you’re looking for a ring that will never go out of style, yellow gold is a great choice.
One downside of yellow gold is that it can require more maintenance than other types of gold.
Yellow gold rings can tarnish over time, so it’s important to clean them regularly and have them checked by a jeweler every few years to make sure the setting is secure.
White Gold Ring
White gold is a popular choice for modern brides-to-be.
It has a sleek and elegant look that goes well with any type of diamond or gemstone.
White gold is also very durable, so it can stand up to everyday wear and tear.
The main downside of white gold is that it requires more frequent maintenance than yellow gold or rose gold.
White gold can tarnish over time, so it needs to be cleaned regularly and re-plated every few years to keep its bright white color.
Types Of Gold
1. Rose Gold
Rose gold is a type of gold that gets its name from its rose-colored hue.
It’s created by mixing pure gold with copper and silver.
Rose gold is a popular choice for jewelry because it has a romantic, feminine look to it.
2. Green Gold
Green gold is made by mixing pure gold with silver and zinc.
It’s not as commonly used in jewelry as some of the other types of gold, but it can occasionally be found in green gemstone rings or other types of statement jewelry.
3. Blue Gold
Blue gold is created by adding iron to pure gold.
It’s not often used in jewelry because it’s difficult to work with, but it can occasionally be found in blue topaz rings or other pieces of blue gemstone jewelry.
4. Purple Gold
Purple gold is made by mixing pure gold with aluminum.
Like blue gold, it’s also not often used in jewelry because it’s difficult to work with.
However, it can occasionally be found in purple amethyst rings or other pieces of purple gemstone jewelry.
White Gold vs Yellow Gold FAQs
What is better yellow gold or white gold?
There is no definitive answer as to which type of gold is better – yellow gold or white gold.
Both have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Some people prefer the warm, golden hue of yellow gold, while others prefer the cool, sparkling look of white gold.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which metal you like best!
Which is more expensive white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold?
Gold is more expensive when it is in its pure form.
White gold is made up of a combination of gold and other metals, which makes it more expensive than yellow gold.
Rose gold is also a combination of gold and other metals, but it has a pinkish hue, which makes it more expensive than yellow gold.
Is white gold as pure as yellow gold?
No, white gold is not as pure as yellow gold. White gold is actually an alloy of yellow gold, silver, and copper.
Why do people prefer white gold?
People prefer white gold because it is a softer metal than platinum, yellow gold, and some other metals.
This makes it less likely to cause allergic reactions and it’s also easier to resize rings made of white gold.
Why is white gold cheaper than yellow?
The price of white gold is cheaper than that of yellow gold because more alloy metals are used in the former.
To make jewelry stronger, pure gold needs to be combined with other metals since it on its own is too soft.
White gold typically contains palladium or nickel in addition to silver and gold, while yellow gold typically contains only gold and silver.
The other metals in the alloy affect the color and the price.
What color of gold is the most expensive?
Light yellow-gold
Do diamonds look better in white or yellow gold?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference.
Some people feel that diamonds look better in white gold while others think they look better in yellow gold.
Diamond engagement ring settings are often designed with both yellow gold and white gold, so ultimately it comes down to personal preference for which color looks best.
What is the difference between white gold and platinum?
White gold and platinum are two different metals that are commonly used in jewelry.
Platinum is more expensive than white gold because it is a rarer metal.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual’s skin tone to decide which color gold they prefer.
How long does white gold last?
White gold can last indefinitely with proper care.
Which color of gold is best?
Gold is a very versatile color and can be paired with many different colors.
However, if you want gold that pops, I recommend going with bright yellow gold.
Why is my white gold ring turning yellow?
The alloy of white gold rings may be slowly oxidizing and turning yellow due to exposure to air and oils on your skin.
Over time, this can also cause the metal to corrode.
If this is the case, you may need to have your ring cleaned and re-plated with a white gold alloy every few years to keep it looking its best.
Can white gold fade?
The answer to this question depends on the type of white gold that is used.
Some types of white gold can fade over time, while others are more durable and will not fade as easily.
It is important to choose a type of white gold that will be durable and maintain its shine over time.
White Gold vs Yellow Gold: Which One Should You Invest In?
There are many types of gold that you can invest in, but not all of them will give you the same return on your investment.
When it comes to investing in gold, you want to ensure that you are getting the best possible return on your investment.
The type of gold that is best for investment depends on several factors, including the current market conditions, your personal financial goals, and your risk tolerance.
If you are looking for a safe investment with a high return, then investing in a gold IRA may be the right choice.
A gold IRA allows you to diversify your portfolio and protect your assets from inflation.
If you are ready to get started with a gold IRA investment, contact us today and we will help you find the perfect plan for your needs.