White Gold vs. Yellow Gold: What’s the Difference?

Choosing a timeless piece of jewelry for your personal collection means answering one question: white or yellow gold? Both are popular color choices to show off your stunning diamonds or other gemstones, but most people prefer one color over the other.

Don’t know what your preference is? Or still trying to understand what’s different about both?

We’ve created this guide to look into the difference between white gold and yellow gold and how to find the tone that matches best with your style and skin tone.

What is white gold?

White gold jewelry has a silver-like appearance. Even though it looks like silver, it’s still 75% pure gold mixed with 25% white metal alloys like nickel, palladium, or silver. Once these alloys are mixed with the yellow gold, it creates the “white” appearance.

Like yellow gold has a sheen, white gold also has a shiny appearance from rhodium plating. The rhodium plating adds a protective coating to the jewelry that enhances the shiny appearance, but it does wear down over time.

What is yellow gold?

Unlike the cool shade of white gold, yellow gold is the traditional, classic color of gold jewelry that has a warmer feel. Yellow gold is its natural state, but since pure gold is too soft for precious jewelry, this color is also alloyed with metals like copper and zinc to boost the jewelry’s durability.

Gold is measured in karats with 18K, 14K, and 10K being popular weights. 18K gold pieces contain 75% pure gold and 25% alloys. 14K gold is made up of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloys. 10K gold contains 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% alloys.

What are the differences between them?

The main difference between white gold and yellow gold is their color. White gold is much cooler and lighter than yellow gold, but both are mixed with metal alloys to strengthen the jewelry and create the color – the only difference there are the types of alloys that are being used.

Even though the color is visually different, there are a few other characteristics in white gold versus yellow gold that you should note to make the right choice for you. Check out this chart to compare the two shades before you go jewelry shopping. 

 

White Gold	Yellow Gold
Requires frequent cleaning with warm water and gentle dish soap. Rhodium plating will need to be re-plated once it begins to wear off.	Easier to care for than white gold since there is no rhodium plating. Only require frequent cleaning with warm water and gentle dish soap.
More scratch resistant from the stronger alloys that are mixed in.	More susceptible to scratches because of pure gold’s softness.
More versatile to wear since white gold is a neutral-based shade.	Though considered  traditional and classic, the warm yellow may be harder to wear with certain outfits or other jewelry styles.
Typically comes with a higher price for the process to add in extra alloys in order to create the color.	Can be less expensive than white gold but still considered to be an investment piece.
Not recommended for those with skin sensitivity. White gold is often mixed with nickel, which can trigger certain allergies.	More suited for those with skin sensitivity. The alloys used for yellow gold jewelry are less allergenic than those used for white gold.
White gold loses its color after consistent use. When the rhodium plating wears down, the yellow will shine through. Preventing this requires having the rhodium plating re-plated once it begins to wear to keep its color.	Better for a long-lasting  appearance. Yellow gold doesn’t fade since it’s a natural color and it doesn’t require re-plating like white yellow does.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Some people have a hard time deciding between white gold versus yellow gold when they like both colors. However, there are a few advantages and disadvantages to both options that you need to weigh out before purchasing a diamond bracelet or engagement ring.

White Gold	Yellow Gold
Pros: More durable from alloys and rhodium plating The cooler shade gives jewelry a modern look	Pros: More affordable than white gold Contains more hypoallergenic alloys The color has a timeless and classic appeal

Complements diamonds and gemstones More universally flattering on a variety of skin tones	Easy to maintain and does not require re-plating
Cons Harder to maintain between consistent cleaning and re-plating Can trigger allergies from its included alloys	Cons More scratch resistant from pure gold’s softness Not as universally flattering on all skin tones like white gold

 

Style & Skin Tone: Which Gold Complements You Best?

One of the most crucial aspects to purchasing any piece of jewelry is making sure it complements your skin and outfits. When trying to decide between yellow gold versus white gold, the challenge can be even harder.

While white gold tends to be more complementary for a variety of skin tones, you may find that you prefer the timeless appeal of yellow gold to pair with your outfits. But figuring out which shade fits your skin tone best is pretty simple.

Cool jewelry goes best with cool skin tones while warmer jewelry pairs best with warmer skin tones. Here’s how to discover which gold shade suits you best based on your skin:

● Cool skin tones: For lighter skin tones that have pink, red, or blue undertones, lean

more into white gold jewelry.

● Warm skin tones: Skin tones with yellow, peach, or gold undertones look best with

yellow gold jewelry to enhance the warmth.

● Neutral skin tones: If you have a mix of cool or warm undertones, you can get away

with wearing white gold and yellow gold.

Find Your Gold In Our Selection

Ready to build your gold jewelry collection? We offer fine, carefully curated selections of white gold and yellow gold jewelry that enhance the beauty of your everyday look. Our jewelry is not only made with the highest materials, but perfect for any style from traditional to modern and even vintage designs.