The appreciation of the value and beauty of gold has existed for thousands of years. Earlier cultures adorned themselves in glittering gold as a display of wealth. People around the world recognized its value and used it for trade.
Currently, gold is the standard for determining the value of currency internationally. Gold also remains one of the most desirable options for jewelry.
Solid gold (24k) has a deep yellow shade and the highest value, but pure gold is too soft for use as jewelry. Mixing gold with other metals makes it less likely to dent and scratch. The karat weight of gold allows people to know how much gold their jewelry contains. An 18k piece of jewelry is 18 parts gold and six parts other metals.
If it is 12 karats, it means it is half gold and half other metals. The more metals mixed into the piece, the lighter the yellow tone of the jewelry. This may make people think that white gold contains the least amount of gold, but that is not the case. All jewelry of the same karat rating will have the same amount of gold. The alloy mixture will determine if it is white or yellow.
Variations in Color
The most obvious difference between white and yellow gold is the color. Yellow gold will darken with a higher karat count but will always have its noticeable yellow hue.
White gold may have a silvery or whitish overall color but can contain a variety of undertones like pink, yellow, or brown.
Both color options have benefits for the wearer. The silvery color of white gold flatters cool skin tones better and can accentuate the sparkle in white diamonds. Yellow gold often appeals to those with warmer skin tones and looks more appealing with many gem colors.
Differences in Maintenance
All jewelry should have regular professional cleanings to keep the metal sparkling. White gold needs a little more care. To keep the pieces as lustrous and reflective as possible, jewelers apply a layer of rhodium. Rhodium is a silvery metal that provides a durable and corrosion-proof shell over white gold.
Rhodium also cuts the yellowish hue of white gold. The coating eventually needs replating to keep the jewelry looking like new. Jewelry that receives regular wear may need the plating replaced every couple of years.
Yellow gold does not need replating, but it is not entirely maintenance-free. Yellow gold is softer than white gold because the alloy uses softer metals. The softness makes it more vulnerable to scratches.
White gold contains harder metals, so it has more durability. To keep yellow gold looking its shiniest, the owner should consider an annual cleaning that includes buffing and polishing. Jewelry cleaning usually costs less than replating.
Alternative Metal Mixtures
Jewelers mix multiple metals with gold to strengthen the material. Yellow gold may contain copper or zinc, among others.
White gold typically only contains white metals like silver and nickel to keep white gold looking as brightly white as possible. Some wearers may experience allergic reactions to white gold because of its nickel content.
Benefits of Yellow Gold
- Yellow gold is a classic choice that often looks best with vintage design styles.
- Yellow gold is easier to maintain than white gold.
- Yellow gold is a hypoallergenic metal.
- Yellow gold is more malleable than white gold, so it works best for detailed jewelry designs.
- Pairing yellow gold with lesser-quality diamonds can make them look more upscale.
- Yellow gold accentuates the colors of many gemstones, like some sapphire colors and rubies.
Benefits of White Gold
- White gold mimics the look of platinum but for less cost.
- Many people prefer white gold today because it gives jewelry a modern look.
- White gold is more scratch resistant than yellow gold.
- The durability of white gold makes it less likely to bend or dent.
- White gold accentuates the brightness of diamonds and works well with most colored gemstones.
- The rhodium plating of white gold can protect the skin against chemical reactions in the alloy that can cause the skin to turn green or black when in contact with the jewelry.
The choice between yellow and white gold is typically an aesthetic one. The retail price and overall value are similar between karat sizes. There is no difference in the quality of jewelry based on the color of the gold.
Each type of gold requires care and maintenance, and both can flatter the wearer. The one difference all jewelry buyers should understand is that most white gold contains nickel, a common allergen.
Nickel allergies do not go away and can worsen over time. The rhodium coating will not prevent an allergic reaction. People with nickel sensitivity may want to choose yellow gold to ensure they can wear and enjoy their jewelry.
