Types of Gold: Differences Between Yellow, White and Rose Gold

A rose gold ring is displayed on white artificial roses. Gold jewelry can come in different colors and alloys; yellow, white and rose gold each appeal to a different style.

What is the Carat and Purity of Gold?

One of the first features that catch our attention when buying gold jewelry is the karat value. Karat refers to the purity level of gold. 24 carat gold is pure gold (contains 99.99% gold), but since it is soft, it is not used in pure form in jewelry. For this reason, gold jewelry is usually hardened by alloying it with other metals. For example:

• 22 Carat Gold: Contains approximately 91.6% pure gold. It is used in bracelets and sets, especially in some cultures where jewelry traditions are strong. Its color is a very vibrant yellow, but it is less preferred in detailed jewelry because it is soft.

• 18K Gold: Contains 75% pure gold (the rest is metals such as silver and copper). It is one of the most popular gold settings in jewelry; it offers a good balance. It is often used in jewelry such as diamond rings and necklaces because it is both valuable and harder.

• 14 Carat Gold: Contains 58.5% pure gold. It has high durability and is widely preferred in daily jewelry. It is also more affordable. Especially in Turkey, 14 carat gold necklaces, rings, etc. are very common.

• 8 Carat Gold: Contains 33% gold (the rest is alloy metals). It is considered low carat and is used in some jewelry, but its color is slightly paler than pure gold.

The general rule is this: As the karat increases, the value and yellow color of the gold increases, but its hardness decreases . For example, a 22-karat ring can bend more easily than a 14-karat ring. Therefore, it is more practical to choose 18 or 14 karat for jewelry that is used a lot in daily life (e.g. engagement rings).

Yellow Gold, White Gold and Rose Gold

Gold jewelry is divided into different types not only in terms of carat but also in terms of color: Yellow, white and rose gold are the most common gold colors. These colors are formed according to the metals added to the gold alloy:

• Yellow Gold: It is the natural color of gold. Its alloy usually contains silver and copper, but its proportions are adjusted to preserve the yellow color. Yellow gold has a warm and classic appearance, it is the most commonly used type of gold in traditional jewelry. Yellow gold is especially preferred in authentic jewelry, jewelry sets and classic wedding ring models. Yellow gold jewelry looks great on those with warm skin tones (wheat or dark skin).

• White Gold: A silvery white gold alloy. It contains white metals such as nickel, palladium or silver. Most white gold jewelry is also coated with rhodium plating to give it a bright white appearance (this coating can wear off over time but can be replaced). White gold looks modern and stylish because it looks like platinum. . It is often preferred in diamond rings because the white metal highlights the sparkle of the stone. White gold jewelry looks elegant on people with cool undertones and fair skin.

• Rose Gold: Gold that appears pink or reddish in tone due to the high copper content in its alloy. . It has a romantic and elegant appearance. Rose gold, which has become very popular in recent years, is used especially in young and modern designs. Rose gold is often seen in engagement rings, watch cases and chain necklaces. It can provide a nice contrast to both fair and dark skinned people. In addition, rose gold has a nostalgic atmosphere in vintage style jewelry.

There are rarer alloys outside of these three colors, such as green gold (gold with a high silver content can be slightly greenish), but they are not as common in jewelry. Generally, yellow, white and rose gold make up the main palette of the jewelry world.

Which Type of Gold Should You Prefer?

When choosing between gold types, you can consider several factors:

• Skin Color and Personal Taste: While some people prefer the warm tone of yellow gold to their skin, others prefer the simple elegance of white gold. You can choose according to your skin tone (if you have a warm undertone, yellow/rose gold may look better, if you have a cool undertone, white gold may look better). However, this is not a rule; you can also decide according to your visual taste.

• Purpose of Use: If it is a piece of jewelry that you will wear daily (for example, a ring that is worn constantly), 14 or 18 karat gold will be more resistant to scratches. If you are going to choose white gold, be aware that the rhodium plating may need to be renewed over time (it usually requires maintenance every few years). If it is a fancy set that you will wear on special occasions, 22 karat yellow gold can be purchased, which will increase its value.

• Stones in Jewelry: White gold or platinum is usually used in diamond and clear stone rings so that the stone looks clearer. Colored precious stones (emerald, ruby, sapphire) also look good with yellow gold. Rose gold contrasts with white diamonds and gives the stones a warm glow. When buying a piece with stones, you can also look at which gold color will match the color and cut of the stone.

• Fashion and compatibility: Some people like to keep all their jewelry in the same tone (like always wearing yellow gold), while others use two colors together (for example, wearing both yellow and white gold rings on top of each other has become a trend in recent years). Even “tricolor” designs that combine three gold colors are popular. Therefore, choosing a color that matches your existing jewelry makes it easier to create a combination. If you are buying a gift, it is a good idea to pay attention to which color of gold the other party wears the most.

In summary, yellow gold is a classic and never-losing option, white gold is a modern and elegant alternative, and rose gold stands out as a romantic and trendy choice. Although the care and usage features of each are very similar, the visual impact they create is different. You can determine your gold color according to your own style and the environment in which you will use it.

Understanding the types of gold and its carats makes it easier for you to make an informed jewelry choice. In this way, you can choose the jewelry that best suits your budget and taste, and enjoy the piece you buy for years to come. Remember, no matter what color or carat it is , gold jewelry is a symbol of elegance and permanence .

At Gliante you can find many elegant jewellery designed in yellow, white and rose gold. Discover the sparkling piece that best suits your style by browsing our collections in different types of gold!