When it comes to buying fine jewelry, many of us focus on the gemstone and design. But what about the metal? This too is an important aspect as the durability of the piece is considerably influenced by the type of metal you choose.
Today, we’ll discuss two very popular metal options, what differentiates them from each other, and the pros and cons of each.
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The Basic Definition
1. Yellow Gold
It is created by combining pure gold with alloys such as silver, copper, nickel or zinc. The result is a metal that is not just lustrous, but durable as well.
2. White Gold
This metal is a result of a combination of yellow gold with copper, zinc and nickel (or palladium). Rhodium plating is responsible for giving white gold its distinctive sheen.
Also Read: Types of Gold
Things to Consider Before Choosing White Gold
Pros
- You won’t have to worry about your jewelry piece rusting, tarnishing or corroding.
- Its physical structure enables more intricate designs.
- Has a look similar to platinum but is relatively less expensive.
Cons
- Is susceptible to scratches especially when used on a daily basis.
- Over a period of time, its rhodium plating may wear off and will require renewing.
- The presence of nickel may leave it unsuitable for those with sensitive skin.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Yellow Gold
Pros
- In addition to being rust-proof, it will retain its beautiful, warm color even after prolonged use.
- Has a traditional charm which makes it a popular choice for wedding rings.
- Is a safe investment choice as the price of gold remains stable during times of economic depression.
Cons
- In comparison to white gold, this one is more susceptible to scratches and dents.
- Can cause an allergic reaction due to the presence of nickel.
- May not complement fancy color diamonds and gemstones as well as platinum or white gold.
Also Read – The Evolution of Gold Jewelry
Conclusion
- The content of metals present in both these gold variants is what sets them apart. While yellow gold has more copper, white gold has more nickel and zinc. This leads to a difference in the color and appearance which gives them their individual identities.
- When purchasing gold jewelry, in any hue, it is important to check the purity. 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold have the same percentage of gold, plus 6 parts of ‘other metals’, which together totals to 24 karats. 14 karat gold will have lesser percentage of gold, hence it will be relatively less expensive than 18 karat gold. 24 karat gold is 100% pure gold, but this will be extremely malleable hence not suitable for jewelry.
- Both of these metals exude a different appeal. While yellow gold has a vintage vibe to it, white gold is more versatile and contemporary in its look. It would, therefore, be advisable to choose as per your style preference. Irrespective of what you pick, ensure you handle you gold jewelry with a lot of love and care.
