What is the difference between white gold and yellow gold?

Gold, a precious and shiny metal, has been used for thousands of years as a decoration and status symbol. Since ancient times, humans have been fascinated by its special color, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion. Gold jewelry, especially earrings, is considered a classic fashion accessory that never goes out of style. However, not all gold is the same. The two most common types of gold used in jewelry are yellow gold and white gold. Although they are both made of the same chemical element, there are significant differences between them in terms of appearance, composition, and properties.

What is the difference between yellow gold and white gold – important concepts to know

Pure gold:

Pure gold is very soft and is not suitable for the manufacture of mass production jewelry but for the production of artisanal jewelry due to its tendency to deform easily. Therefore, gold jewelry is usually made from an alloy of gold with other metals such as copper, silver, or palladium. These alloys improve the strength and resistance of gold to abrasion and allow for the creation of complex and sophisticated designs. The difference between white gold or yellow gold lies mainly in the composition of the alloy and the final color of the jewelry.

Karat:

The karat, the standard unit of measurement for the purity of gold in a jewelry, is an important concept to understand when choosing jewelry. The karat indicates the percentage of pure gold in the alloy from which the jewelry is made. The higher the number indicating the karat, the higher the percentage of pure gold in the jewelry. For example, 24 karat gold is completely pure gold without any additions of other metals.

It is important to note that the karat indicates the purity of the gold, not its quality. That is, 18 karat gold is not considered to be of lower quality than 24 karat gold, but simply contains a lower percentage of pure gold.

Yellow Gold vs. White Gold

As we mentioned, the main difference between white gold and yellow gold lies in the composition of the alloy. Yellow gold gets its characteristic color from the presence of metals such as copper and zinc in the alloy. On the other hand, white gold contains white metals such as palladium, nickel, or silver which give it a bright and silvery appearance. To achieve the bright and shiny white hue, white gold jewelry is often coated with a thin layer of rhodium, another white metal with a high luster. This coating protects the jewelry from scratches and oxidation and gives it a sleek and elegant look.

Despite the differences in composition and color, the two types of gold share many common characteristics. Both are considered precious metals, durable and easy to design. The choice between white gold and yellow gold is a matter of personal taste and style. Yellow gold gives a classic and warm look while white gold gives a modern and elegant look.

Durability

White gold, thanks to the rhodium plating, is considered to be more resistant to scratches and oxidation than yellow gold. However, the rhodium plating can wear out over time, especially in areas that are exposed to daily wear and tear such as rings or bracelets. In this case, the plating can be replenished in a relatively simple process.

Yellow gold, on the other hand, may be more susceptible to scratches, especially if it is of high purity. However, it is easier to repair and restore as its original color can be restored through sanding and polishing.

Finally, it is important to note that the durability of a piece of jewelry also depends on its design and the use it makes. Delicate jewelry with intricate engravings or with gemstones may be more vulnerable to abrasion.

Allergies

Allergies to jewelry, especially gold jewelry, are a relatively common phenomenon. The main reason for these allergies is sensitivity to certain metals used in gold alloy, such as nickel. Nickel is a very common allergen and its presence in jewelry, even in small amounts, can cause skin reactions such as redness, itching, rashes, and more. It is important to note that not everyone who wears gold jewelry will develop an allergy, but people with sensitive skin or a history of allergies to other metals are at a higher risk.

White gold, due to the widespread use of nickel in its alloy, can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. However, there is now a growing trend to use palladium instead of nickel in white gold alloy, which significantly reduces the risk of allergies. Yellow gold, on the other hand, typically contains smaller amounts of nickel, so the risk of allergies is lower.

If you are concerned that you have a jewelry allergy, it is recommended to choose jewelry made of 24 karat gold, earrings for example, as they contain a higher percentage of pure gold and less alloy. It is also recommended to remove the jewelry before bed, showering or exercising and clean it regularly.

 Here is a table summarizing the differences between yellow gold and white gold:

This table summarizes the main characteristics of each type of gold and highlights the pros and cons of each. You can choose according to personal preferences, style, and skin sensitivity.