At the mention of the word gold, most people picture out the metal as yellow in color. This color is gold’s purest form and the only one...
At the mention of the word gold, most people picture out the metal as yellow in color. This color is gold’s purest form and the only one in which it is ever mined. However, in its pure form, gold may easily lose its shape because it is soft and malleable. For this reason, gold is combined with other metals to create various, more durable alloys that assume different colors.
In essence, gold may now also be found in 3 different colors: yellow, white, and rose gold. Knowing this, you may be asking yourself how these metals differ, especially if you’re choosing a type that complements the custom sapphire engagement ring you have in mind.
First, let’s take a look at the key differences between the 3.
Yellow Gold
First of all, to avoid possible confusion, we’re talking about alloyed yellow gold, not pure yellow gold. Yellow gold is created when pure gold gets mixed with silver, copper, or zinc for that warm distinctive yellowish look.Same as other gold alloys, the higher the karat value, the higher the pure gold content, but the more fragile the piece of jewelry is, as well. This particular gold alloy most closely resembles pure yellow gold, but it is also softer compared to other alloys, making it more delicate and prone to scratches. You can polish it from time to time. Every time you do, however, a small amount of metal gets lost.
Pros:
● Most hypoallergenic among gold alloys
● Purest color of all the alloys
● Popular choice for an engagement or wedding ring metal
● Easy to maintain
● Complements darker skin tones
● Easy to shape
Cons:
● Requires regular cleaning and polishing
● Tends to easily get scratched or dented
White Gold
White gold is made by combining pure yellow gold with at least one white metal such as nickel, silver, platinum, or palladium. Additionally, these rings are plated with rhodium that’s responsible for the shine and white color. Aside from these attributes, rhodium also provides white gold with an extra protective layer, making white gold more durable. However, rhodium needs to be re-plated every once in a while, as the plating tends to wear off over time and the ring may start revealing its yellowish layer.White gold is often used as a more affordable substitute for platinum, as it resembles its color properties.
Pros:
● Complements fair skin tones
● Currently in higher demand than yellow gold
● Blended with stronger metals, thus more resistant and durable than yellow gold
● An affordable alternative to platinum
Cons:
● Requires occasional maintenance
● May cause allergic reactions if mixed with nickel
Rose Gold
Rose gold, also called red or pink gold, is a mixture of pure gold and copper. This type of gold alloy is a unique and romantic option for engagement or wedding rings. Rose gold has become increasingly popular over the last two decades.The difference between rose, pink, and red gold is the percentage of copper in the mixture. The higher the amount of copper, the stronger the red tint. When it comes to durability, this color of gold is the strongest and toughest between the 3, due to copper’s properties. However, copper is known to cause allergic reactions with some people, and as such, it’s not recommended for those with very sensitive skin.
Pros:
● Due to its color, it’s considered to be the most romantic-looking metal
● Complements all skin tones
● Very popular
● Highly durable thanks to copper
● Tends to be more affordable
Cons:
● More prone to causing allergic reactions
● Can be difficult to find
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