White Gold Vs Yellow Gold Vs Rose Gold Jewellery Guide

Gold has been the symbol of wealth, power, and beauty for centuries. Yet, as timeless as it is, the variety of gold jewellery available today can sometimes make choosing the perfect piece feel like a daunting task. Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, a necklace, or just treating yourself to something special, you've likely come across gold in various shades—white, yellow, and rose. Each colour tells a different story and brings its own unique charm to your jewellery collection. But why are there three different colours? And how do you decide which one is right for you?

Let’s dive into the world of gold jewellery and explore the differences between white, yellow, and rose gold. By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of which one will best complement your style and needs.

Why Are There 3 Different Colours Of Gold?

Gold, in its purest form, is a bright, shiny yellow. The gold bars you might picture in a vault or see on display are typically 24-carat gold, which is 100% gold with no other metals mixed in. This pure gold, while beautiful, is also very soft and malleable—so much so that it’s not practical for everyday wear. That's where alloys come in.

When gold is mixed with other metals, not only does it become stronger and more durable, but its colour can also change depending on which selection and percentage of metals are mixed in. This process gives us the three popular colours of gold used in jewellery today: white, yellow, and rose.

• Yellow Gold is the closest to pure gold and gets its colour by mixing gold with small amounts of metals like copper and zinc.
• White Gold is made by alloying gold with white metals such as palladium or nickel, and is often finished with a rhodium plating to give it a brilliant white sheen.
• Rose Gold gets its pinkish hue from mixing gold with copper, which deepens the colour to a warm, rosy tone.

The Significance Of Gold Colour

Colour isn't just an aesthetic choice—it's also a reflection of personality, heritage, and even fashion trends. Here’s what each colour of gold jewellery signifies:

Yellow Gold: 

Often associated with traditional and classical styles, yellow gold is what most people think of when they imagine gold. It’s been a symbol of wealth and luxury throughout history and continues to be a favourite for those who appreciate timeless elegance. It is the most common shade of gold used for gold signet rings.

White Gold:

White gold has a more modern appeal. It’s often chosen by those who love the look of platinum or silver but want the value and durability of gold. White gold’s neutral colour also makes it highly versatile, and works great as gemstone jewellery.

Rose Gold: 

Rose gold has seen a surge in popularity over the last decade, especially among younger generations. Its soft, romantic hue is seen as unconventional yet beautiful, making it perfect for those who want something different without straying too far from traditional gold.

What is the Difference Between White Gold and Yellow Gold, and Rose Gold?

Now that we understand the basics of what gives each type of gold its colour, let’s dig a little deeper into the differences between them.

Composition and Durability

• Yellow Gold: Yellow gold is made by mixing pure gold with metals like copper and zinc. The higher the karat, the more pure gold is in the alloy. For example, 18k gold is 75% gold, making it more yellow in colour and softer than 14k gold, which is 58.3% gold. Yellow gold is durable and resists tarnishing, but like all gold, it can scratch, especially in higher karats.
• White Gold: White gold is an alloy of gold and white metals like palladium or nickel. To achieve its white, silvery appearance, it’s often coated with rhodium. This rhodium plating makes white gold more durable, but it can wear off over time, revealing the yellowish hue underneath. Re-plating is a common maintenance task for white gold jewellery.
• Rose Gold: Rose gold is created by adding a higher proportion of copper to the gold alloy. This not only gives it its distinctive pinkish colour but also makes it more durable than yellow or white gold. However, the high copper content can cause allergies in some people, so it's important to make sure rose gold is suitable for your skin type.

Colour and Aesthetic Appeal

• Yellow Gold: Bright and rich, yellow gold has a classic appeal. It pairs well with warmer skin tones and has a timeless quality that makes it perfect for vintage or antique-inspired pieces.
• White Gold: With its sleek, modern look, white gold is often chosen for contemporary designs. It has a cooler tone, making it an ideal match for diamonds and other precious stones that benefit from a colourless backdrop.
• Rose Gold: The soft, pinkish hue of rose gold exudes romance and femininity. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a piece of jewellery that stands out, yet remains elegant and understated.

Maintenance and Care

• Yellow Gold: Requires regular polishing to maintain its shine, but doesn’t require re-plating like white gold. Scratches can be more noticeable, especially on higher carat yellow gold.
• White Gold: Needs more maintenance due to the rhodium plating. Over time, the plating will wear off, requiring re-plating every few years to maintain its white lustre.
• Rose Gold: Generally, rose gold is low maintenance and doesn’t require re-plating. However, like yellow gold, it can get scratched and might need occasional polishing.

Which Gold is Best?

When it comes to choosing the best gold for your jewellery, the practical aspects like hardness and durability play a big role. If you're looking for something that can withstand everyday wear and tear, rose gold is a fantastic choice due to its higher copper content, which makes it tougher and less prone to scratching. Yellow gold, especially in lower karats like 14ct, is also quite durable while maintaining that classic, warm glow. On the other hand, white gold, while strong and stunning, requires a bit more upkeep because of its rhodium plating, which can wear off over time and need re-plating. So, if you're after durability with minimal maintenance, rose gold or 14ct yellow gold might be your good for you. Otherwise, if you’re open to maintaining your jewellery that will be worn every day, then white gold jewellery is also a good option for you.

Which Gold is Best for Jewellery?

When it comes to deciding which gold is best for jewellery, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. It largely depends on personal preference, lifestyle, and even skin tone. Here are some factors to consider:

Traditionally, yellow gold complements warmer skin tones, white gold flatters cooler skin tones, and rose gold tends to be universally flattering. If you have a very active lifestyle or work with your hands a lot, you might prefer a lower-carat yellow gold or rose gold, both of which are more durable. White gold is also durable, but it does require periodic re-plating to keep its bright, white finish. Some people may have allergies to nickel, which is often used in white gold. In this case, you may want to opt for white gold that’s made with palladium instead of nickel, or choose yellow gold or rose gold instead. If you love timeless, classic pieces, yellow gold might be your go-to. For those who prefer something modern and sleek, white gold is an excellent choice. Rose gold is perfect for those who want something unique and trendy.

Can’t Pick Your Favourite? - Why Not Choose All Three?

If you can’t decide between white gold vs yellow gold vs rose gold, why not choose all three? 3-colour gold jewellery is a beautiful option that combines the best of each shade, offering a unique, harmonious look. This kind of jewellery adds a vibrant touch of colour and variety to your outfits, making it incredibly versatile. Whether it’s a tri-colour ring, bracelet, or necklace, this combination allows you to enjoy the warmth of yellow gold, the modern elegance of white gold, and the romantic blush of rose gold all in one piece. Plus, it’s perfect for those who love to mix and match their jewellery, effortlessly matching other pieces in your collection.

White Gold vs Yellow Gold vs Rose Gold Jewellery

Ultimately, the choice of white gold vs yellow gold vs rose gold comes down to your personal style and preferences. Each type of gold has its own unique qualities and appeal, making them all equally desirable for different reasons. White Gold is perfect for those who love a contemporary, clean look and don’t mind a little extra maintenance to keep their jewellery looking its best. Yellow Gold is ideal for those who appreciate classic beauty and timeless elegance, offering a rich, warm tone that never goes out of style. Rose Gold is the go-to for trendsetters and romantics who want something a bit different yet still sophisticated.

When choosing gold jewellery, consider what will best suit your lifestyle, skin tone, and the statement you want to make. And remember, whether you go for white, yellow, or rose gold, the piece you choose is sure to be a cherished addition to your collection. After all, gold, in any form, is a symbol of beauty and value that will last for generations. And Don’t forget, white gold and yellow gold and rose gold jewellery isn't just for women, it also looks fantastic as gold jewellery for men! Explore our men’s jewellery collection to find something you like.

If you would like more information on gold jewellery, explore our Gold Guide to learn everything you need to know to fully understand gold jewellery. 

Gold Jewellery At Sonny’s Jewellers 

At Sonny’s Jewellers, we have a wide range of gold jewellery for you to explore. With white gold diamond rings, beautiful yellow gold earrings, stunning rose gold necklaces and more in every colour, there is something for you to add to your collection. 

Browse our range of gold jewellery online now, or visit us in our Birmingham Jewellery Quarter showroom to discover even more jewellery.