Whether you’re buying jewellery for yourself or as a present, part of the fun is choosing a style which communicates a meaning behind the piece. You may want the jewellery to tell a story, symbolise an important moment, or simply slot into a curated collection with ease.
When choosing gold jewellery, one of the main things to consider is the colour. Gold comes in three distinct shades – yellow gold, white gold and rose gold – and each has its own charm and beauty.
To help you find the right gold for you, we’ve created this guide to compare white gold vs yellow gold vs rose gold. We explain what each gold colour indicates about the metal, how it’s made, and the pros and cons of picking it for your special treasures.
Contents:
- Why do we have 3 different gold colours?
- What to consider when choosing a gold colour
- Why choose yellow gold?
- Why choose white gold?
- Why choose rose gold?
- The Verdict: white gold vs. yellow gold vs. rose gold
Why do we have 3 different gold colours?
Gold is one of the most desirable and beautiful natural materials in the world. Thanks to this, people have found it captivating for centuries, and jewellers have pushed themselves to create pieces that both reflect and boost its appeal.
As gold is a very soft precious metal, however, jewellers have often wanted to harden it up to ensure that their gold jewellery stands the test of time. This has led to alloys, blends and new creations, which turn pure gold into a more resilient and workable material.
These creations have also resulted in three different shades of gold jewellery – yellow, white and rose. While each type of gold has its own distinct properties, all three are desirable and make for stunning gifts and treasures. With the modern demand for variety, different colours of gold are chosen more for their overall appearance and allure than their robustness. Below we explain what makes each hue so special.
What to consider when choosing a gold colour
When selecting the perfect shade of gold for your jewellery, there's more to consider than just the hue. From investment value to durability and even skin tone, each type of gold—be it yellow, white, or rose—offers its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Let's delve into the various factors that could influence your choice.
Value
The weight and purity of your gold tend to be the determining factors for its value. Yellow gold, often considered the most 'pure,' especially in higher karats like 24k, tends to hold its value best over time. It's also the easiest to resell due to its timeless appeal.
White gold, while less valuable than yellow gold, offers a luxurious look similar to platinum but at a more affordable price. Rose gold, often less expensive due to its copper content, has a 'trendy' status that can sometimes make it more costly than its actual gold content would suggest.
Durability & maintenance
How long your gold stays looking its best, and how much care you have to give it, should also be on your mind when choosing jewellery. White gold is alloyed with stronger metals, making it more durable for everyday wear. However, its rhodium plating can wear off over time, requiring re-plating. Yellow gold is softer and may be prone to scratching but requires less maintenance.
Rose gold is the most durable due to its copper content, making it resistant to scratching and tarnishing. For tips on how to maintain your gold and platinum pieces, check out our jewellery care guide.
Hypoallergenic properties
If your skin is sensitive to certain metals, choosing hypoallergenic jewellery is key to your comfort. For those with sensitive skin or metal allergies, yellow gold, especially in higher karats, is the safest bet.
White gold contains alloys like nickel, which can be problematic for some. Explore our resources for more information on hypoallergenic metals, and learn about what causes gold contact allergies.
Sustainability
Precious metal mining can have a big impact on the environment. While none of the gold types significantly outperform the others in terms of sustainability, sourcing recycled gold or gold from responsible mines can make your purchase more ethical, regardless of the colour.
At 7879, we are driven by sustainability, ensuring that all our jewellery is ethically sourced and environmentally responsible. Our commitment to sustainable practices is visible throughout our supply chain.
Style & trends
At the end of the day, you want to wear jewellery that looks good, so knowing how to style your gold pieces is key. Yellow gold is timeless and versatile, suitable for both vintage and modern styles.
Rose gold, on the other hand, is seen as chic and trendy, often chosen for its romantic hue. White gold offers a modern, sleek look, often preferred for engagement rings and contemporary designs.
Skin tone
Part of understanding how different golds will look on you is knowing how each of them pairs with your unique skin tone.
Yellow and rose golds are generally more flattering on warmer skin tones, enhancing the natural hues of the skin. White gold is more suited to cooler skin tones, offering a striking contrast that highlights the metal's brilliance.
Why choose yellow gold?
Yellow gold represents the height of timeless elegance and luxury. Its warm tone and rich lustre are universally flattering, making it a versatile choice for both vintage and contemporary styles. Not only does it offer aesthetic appeal, but it's also a wise investment. Yellow gold, especially in higher karats like 24k, holds its value exceptionally well over time.
Additionally, pure, yellow gold’s hypoallergenic properties make it a safe option for those with sensitive skin. Whether you're looking for a delicate piece adorned with diamonds or prefer the minimalist designs offered by 7879, yellow gold is a classic choice that combines beauty, durability, and value, all while being kind to your skin.
Why choose white gold?
White gold offers a modern and versatile aesthetic that has gained immense popularity over the years. Its striking appearance, often compared to platinum, gives it a contemporary edge. This type of gold is usually alloyed with metals like zinc, nickel, and copper, making it more durable than yellow gold, which is why it's a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings.
However, white gold does require more maintenance; the rhodium plating needs to be refreshed every few years to maintain its bright lustre. While white gold may not be hypoallergenic due to its nickel content, it's a more economical alternative to platinum, offering similar looks without the hefty price tag. If you're looking for a metal that blends modernity with durability, white gold is a compelling choice. Just keep in mind that it may require a bit more care to keep it looking its best.
Why choose rose gold?
Rose gold captivates with its romantic and glamorous aura, offering a unique blend of gold and copper that results in its signature pinkish hue. This alloy has a rich history, once being the height of fashion in 19th-century Tsarist Russia, and is sometimes still referred to as 'Russian gold.' While it's available in both 14k and 18k varieties, the 14k version is often preferred for its brighter, pinker colour. Rose gold's durability is another strong point; it's the most robust among the gold colours, making it a long-lasting choice for those who prefer its aesthetic.
However, its trendiness can be a double-edged sword. While currently in vogue, rose gold has a history of falling in and out of fashion, which could affect its long-term value and appeal. If you're drawn to the vintage charm and durability of rose gold but are concerned about its fluctuating popularity, it may be worth considering how much the piece's timeless value matters to you.
The verdict: white gold vs. yellow gold vs. rose gold
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between yellow, white and rose gold. It all comes down to your personal style and what you’re looking for in your jewellery pieces. If you simply want something dazzling for yourself or a loved one, you can’t go wrong with any of the gold colours.
Gold will always be enchanting and treasured, no matter its hue.
On the other hand, if you’re thinking about buying a classic piece that could make a great investment, yellow gold is the way to go. Pure 24k gold is the best gold investment you can make, and this always comes with a unique yellow glow.
Finally, if you prefer cool-toned jewellery, but still want it to retain value, we’d suggest looking into platinum instead. Platinum is modern, luxurious, and highly sought-after. These features make it more of a stable investment than white gold.
We hope this guide has helped you to decide which precious metal to choose. Whether you’re in the mood for a dazzling new necklace or stylish gold ring, browse our selections of beautiful 24k gold jewellery and pure platinum jewellery for inspiration.
All 7879 jewellery is made of pure materials and priced by weight. We also offer a range of timeless designs for all genders and styles, allowing you to find a unique and valuable piece for yourself or your loved ones.