Differences between yellow gold, white gold and rose gold
Gold, the metal par excellence loved and worn since ancient times, with an inestimable value that grows over time. Where do all its shades come from?
The colors of gold
In its pure state - defined as 24-karat gold or 999.99 thousandths - gold is almost never used in goldsmithing, as it is an extremely malleable metal and is therefore not suitable for making jewelry. What is usually used for jewelry and watches is created through alloys - defined as 18-karat gold or 750 thousandths - which combine the 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 clear chromatic difference?
In nature
Pure gold is yellow in color, but in goldsmithing its shades vary based on the alloys that compose it. Basically, we know three types of gold loved and appreciated in goldsmithing. The first is yellow gold, with a bright and brilliant tone. Then there is pink or red gold, more delicate and warm; and white gold, cold and bright, made lively by rhodium.
Yellow gold
The most loved and known since prehistoric times: yellow gold was popular since the times of ancient Egypt, a time when it was easily available. Its value has become symbolic throughout the world, reaching its peak during the period of the discovery of America. Yellow is its natural color and is obtained in 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 different alloys, especially silver and palladium. It is also composed of a part of nickel, often with rhodium or platinum plating, metals with an extremely white color that enhance and improve its appearance. A color that has conquered many in the contemporary era, also because it matches more easily with any gem and style.
Rose or red gold
At the peak of its popularity, we love rose gold (or red, it depends). 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 pink color. Obviously, the shades can vary based on the quantity of copper. Less precious? Absolutely not. In fact, it is among the most appreciated in jewelry.
Composition of gold
Below is a list of the % of gold contained in the most common carats – with the remaining percentage composed of other metals. If you want to learn more about gold title >
- 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 that we love the most.
