Differences between yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold
Gold, the metal par excellence loved and worn since antiquity, of inestimable and ever-increasing value over time. Where do all its shades come from?
The colors of gold
In its pure state - defined as 24-carat gold or 999.99 thousandths - gold is almost never used in jewelry making, as it is an extremely malleable metal and therefore not suitable for making jewelry. What is usually used for jewelry and watches is created through alloys - defined as 18-carat gold or 750 thousandths - which combine pure metal with other more or less precious metals. This affects its value, calculated precisely through carats, but also its appearance.
What aspects of the production of these materials determine such a distinct color difference?
In nature
Pure gold is yellow in color, but in jewelry making its shades vary depending on the alloys it contains. Basically, we know three types of gold loved and appreciated in jewelry. The first is yellow, with a bright and vivid tone. Then there is rose or red gold, more delicate and warm; and white gold, cold and luminous, enlivened by rhodium.
Yellow gold
The most loved and known since prehistoric times: yellow gold was popular since ancient Egypt, when it was easily available. Its value has become symbolic worldwide, reaching its peak during the period of the discovery of America. Yellow is its natural color and is obtained in an alloy with copper, zinc, and silver. We can say that the more intense the yellow, the purer the gold.
White gold
White gold is made with various alloys, particularly silver and palladium. It also contains a part of nickel, often with rhodium or platinum plating, metals with an extremely white color that enhance and improve its appearance. A coloration that has won over many in the contemporary era, also because it matches more easily with any gem and style.
Rose or red gold
At the height of its popularity, rose gold (or red, depending) is very much liked by us. It is obtained thanks to the alloy created together with copper (about 20%) and silver. It is precisely the copper that gives the originally yellow gold its pinkish color. Obviously, the shades can vary depending on the amount of copper. Less precious? Absolutely not. In fact, it is among the most appreciated in jewelry.
Composition of gold
Below is the list of the % of gold contained in the most common carats – with the remaining percentage made up of other metals. If you want to learn more about gold purity >
- 8kt gold contains 33.3% pure gold
- 9kt gold contains 37.5% pure gold
- 12kt gold contains 50% pure gold
- 14kt gold contains 58.5% pure gold
- 18kt gold contains 75% pure gold
- 22kt gold contains 91.5% pure gold
- 24kt gold contains 99.99% pure gold
All the colors of gold are beautiful, unique, and precious. We just have to choose the one we love the most, or combine the different types of gold we love the most.
