White Gold vs Yellow Gold: Key Differences

Choosing Gold Jewelry: What to Know

Gold jewelry is a thoughtful gift and a purchase that can appreciate in value over time. One of the beautiful things about gold is that you can purchase used gold jewelry at a good price and its value will increase, especially if you choose a piece that is rare, vintage, or designed by someone well-known. What’s more, buying pre-owned gold jewelry is a sustainable option that reduces waste while supporting the circular economy. When you are shopping for gold jewelry, though, it pays to know a little bit about it. To determine the quality of gold, check the karats. The lower the karats, the less pure the gold. However, pure gold is very soft, so for jewelry that is going to be worn every day and is likely to bump against things, a lower karat gold is a better option. That is why most 22K or 24K pieces of gold jewelry are earrings or necklaces, not rings or bracelets. 24K gold is considered pure gold, but what is in the other gold that makes it less pure? In lower karat gold, there are other metals, like copper, silver, palladium, and nickel. Does this impact the color of gold? Which is higher quality, white or yellow gold?

Gold Jewelry Comparison: White Gold vs Yellow Gold

Pure gold is yellow, so does that mean that yellow gold is purer and more valuable than white gold? No! The color of the gold has nothing to do with its purity. White and yellow gold simply have different alloys added to them. 18K yellow gold and 18k white gold have the same amount of gold, but while yellow gold’s alloys give it durability, white gold has alloys that also change its color. Yellow gold contains alloys that include zinc, silver, and copper, and these give it the creamy color that is so popular in yellow gold jewelry. The purer the gold, the more gold the tone will be. White gold is mixed with alloys that include manganese, palladium, and nickel. Interestingly, for white gold to look truly white and dazzling, it is often coated in rhodium plating, which will need to be replaced every couple of years. Yellow gold has a classic look that is warm and inviting and looks good on almost everyone. White gold is also classically beautiful but has an overall cooler tone. While yellow gold is suitable for just about any stone, white gold is best with stones that are cooler in color.

White Gold Benefits

One of the primary factors in choosing between white and yellow gold is the preference of the person who will be wearing the jewelry. Because they are both beautiful, choosing the one that best matches the coloring of the wearer is a safe be. However, white gold does have a few advantages. First, it is more durable and resistant to wear. Especially when they are rhodium plated, pieces of white gold jewelry are shiny and strong. White gold still requires care and maintenance, however, to keep the rhodium from wearing off and exposing a yellowish color. Additionally, while white gold is generally more hypoallergenic than yellow gold, people who are allergic to nickel may be sensitive to it and unable to tolerate white gold jewelry because of that. White gold is a favorite among people who wear cool tones and silver jewelry, and it is perfect for cool stones like emeralds, blue sapphires, and colorless diamonds.

Yellow Gold Pros and Cons

Yellow gold has been treasured for centuries, and it pairs nicely with warm-hued stones like ruby, morganite, and purple sapphire. It can also be beautiful with diamonds, and it is more forgiving than white gold of diamonds with a slightly yellow tone. However, because there are many different variations of yellow gold, it can sometimes be trickier to match yellow gold jewelry than it is to match white gold. And while yellow gold is beautiful, it is also vulnerable to scratches and denting. The higher the purity of the gold, the less durable the jewelry will be. Ultimately, though, both white and yellow gold are beautiful options for fine jewelry, and the choice comes down to personal preference.

Find the Best Gold Jewelry at a Jeweler You Can Trust

If you are in the market for fine jewelry, start your search at Houston Jewelry Buyers. Since 1967, we have taken pride in serving the community, buying and selling the highest quality fine jewelry and providing unrivalled customer service. In our stunning showroom, you will find more than 25 showcases of the finest designer jewelry, loose gemstones, and Swiss watches. Many of our pieces come with a warranty, and we have an in-store jewelry manufacturing and repair facility, so that we can repair your jewelry on the spot, while you enjoy complimentary refreshments in our store. Our family of jewelers is committed to providing exceptional customer service, with jewelry at incredible and unbeatable prices. Located in the Galleria area of Houston, our family owned business is the top jewelry buying and selling business in the area. For a free appraisal or to find the perfect piece of jewelry, visit our store or contact us through our website to learn more about all we have to offer.