Finding the perfect ring for your engagement or wedding is a multi-step process. One aspect you should consider is the metal used to make it. Two popular choices are white gold and yellow gold. Both metals are valued for their aesthetic qualities but differ in more than just their colour alone.
This article compares yellow gold and white gold, highlighting the differences between the two metals and helping you decide which is better for your needs and preferences.
Gold is a naturally yellow metal, but pure gold (24 karats) is normally too soft to be used in jewellery. Most karats of gold used in jewellery are alloyed with small amounts of a stronger metal to grant strength. Copper is commonly used as it can better retain gold’s yellow lustre.
White gold is not merely gold that is coloured white. Rather, it is an alloy made by combining yellow gold with a small percentage of other metals, usually nickel or palladium, copper, and zinc. This enhances the gold’s strength and durability, as pure gold by itself is too soft to be used in jewellery.
Interesting fact: White gold first saw widespread usage during World War I when the US Government declared that platinum was a crucial material for the war effort and could not be used for civilian applications. As such, white gold was used as an alternative in jewellery, and after the War ended, it remained a popular choice.
Yes. Although it has been mixed with other metals, it still uses pure gold as its base.
Apart from looking different, white gold and yellow gold also feel different, have different price tags, and vary in durability. Here are some of the differences between the two metals.
The most obvious difference; yellow gold retains its signature yellow lustre thanks to the copper in its composition, while white gold comes in varying shades of white or silvery-white depending on the amount of alloy metals used.
The durability of yellow gold varies with its purity. For example, 14 karat yellow gold is relatively scratch-resistant due to its copper content, while 18 karat yellow gold is softer and more susceptible to scratches and dents.
When comparing 18k yellow gold to 18k white gold, both would have similar durability.
Due to its softness, yellow gold needs regular polishing and rebuffing to maintain its shine. White gold requires less polishing, but its rhodium plating will wear off over time, requiring a replating once or twice a year.
Both yellow and white gold jewellery are generally resizable, offering flexibility for adjustments, whether it's 18k or 14k yellow or white gold.
Both metals are hypoallergenic, but yellow gold is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than white gold due to its lower nickel content.
White gold’s rhodium plating will protect wearers with sensitive skin, but when it fades away, the underlying metal may trigger a nickel allergy.
Yellow gold tends to complement warm skin tones beautifully. The distinctive yellow shine brings out the warmth of beige, golden, or medium-dark skin tones, creating a radiant glow.
White gold, meanwhile, is a better match for cool skin tones. The silvery-white colour will add vibrancy to pale skin with pink or red undertones.
14K white gold is a better choice for everyday jewellery. Its durability means that it can be worn during exercise or at a job requiring physical activity. 18k yellow gold is best suited for casual or fancy events or gatherings, where you can safely show off its beauty.
Explore also White Gold vs. Silver jewellery options and decide which metal is a better fit for you.
Strictly speaking, white gold is not inherently more expensive than yellow gold. The value of white gold vs. yellow gold is largely determined by their purity and current market prices. A 24k gold necklace of either metal, for example, will fetch a far higher price than a 14k one of the same type.
Ultimately, the true factor in white gold vs yellow gold value comes from personal or practical preferences. The choice between white and yellow gold typically comes down to personal style rather than monetary value.
White gold or yellow gold? Both metals have their unique benefits and drawbacks that will determine what you want to do with them. Learning about these is crucial when you want to consider which one is more practical for your uses:
Versatile: White gold perfectly complements various types of gemstones, making it a versatile choice for wedding rings, necklaces and other jewellery.
Affordable: White gold is a cheaper alternative to platinum, making it perfect for those looking for a high-end piece of silver jewellery without the high costs.
Durable: White gold is a strong and scratch-resistant metal, making it suitable for everyday jewellery wear.
Easy to maintain: Compared to other metals, white gold requires less polishing and only the occasional cleaning to keep its lustre.
Can cause allergies: White gold may contain nickel, which triggers allergic reactions in some people. If you have sensitive skin, you may opt for a different metal.
May require rhodium plating: White gold gets its silvery colour from the rhodium plating. As it wears away, the yellowish tint of the underlying gold may show. As such, the plating needs to be replaced periodically to maintain the metal’s white colour.
Can reflect colour: As a reflective metal, white gold may reflect colours from other nearby objects, affecting the appearance of a diamond or other clear gem.
Classic and timeless: The classic, warm appearance of yellow gold gives it a timeless appearance that beautifully complements clear diamonds.
Hypoallergenic: If you have sensitive skin or allergies, yellow gold will be suitable for you.
Easy to maintain: 18K or 14K yellow gold is a low-maintenance metal that only needs occasional cleaning to maintain its shine.
May not complement all skin tones: Yellow gold is better suited for warm skin tones and, thus, may not complement those with cool or pale skin tones.
Less versatile: Yellow gold’s classic appearance may not fit more modern or contemporary designs.
Soft: Most karats of yellow gold are very soft and more prone to scratches and dents.
A white gold necklace complements cool skin tones very well, while a yellow necklace is a classic piece that highlights the gemstones’ radiance and matches well with warm skin tones. Both are an excellent choice for showing off at a fancy event.
A yellow gold engagement ring is timeless and classic, perfectly suiting those with warm skin tones like tan or ivory. A white gold engagement ring, on the other hand, has a sleek, modern design that complements any sort of gemstone and stands out against cooler skin tones.
Above all else, pick the rings that best suit your future bride or groom, following trends is secondary.
If you or your bride/groom-to-be are hyperactive, an 18K or 14K white gold or yellow wedding ring would be suitable for an active lifestyle because both offer durability and resistance to everyday wear.
Wedding rings symbolise everlasting love and devotion, and yellow gold is a match made in heaven. Its timeless appearance will reflect your and your spouse’s deep emotional feelings. On the other hand, white gold lends a more modern edge to a wedding ring, symbolising your future life together.
Yellow gold diamond earrings are classic and timeless, perfectly complementing darker skin tones. While they are easy to maintain, they require care and attention to keep their lustre.
White gold diamond earrings look elegant on light skin tones and look extra stunning by highlighting the sparkle of the diamonds. As a plus, they do not tarnish as quickly, thus, requiring less frequent polishing. However, white gold is not as hypoallergenic, so it may irritate your ears.
High-grade colourless diamonds look stunning in white gold, as any colour in the diamond is more noticeable against the white metal. On the other hand, a yellow gold setting complements diamonds with a lower colour grade, as the metal's warm hue can enhance the diamond's appearance. This means you can choose a diamond with a lower colour grade for yellow gold settings and save on the cost of a colourless diamond, while still achieving a beautiful look.
Yellow gold is a classic yet easy-to-maintain choice that perfectly suits those with warm skin tones. White gold, meanwhile, is a strong and beautiful metal with a more contemporary appeal that offers all the best aspects of platinum at a lower price. If you want something durable and long-lasting that does not require a lot of maintenance, purchasing a white gold ring can be an excellent investment.
Ultimately, there is no universal rule saying that white gold is better than yellow gold or vice versa. It all comes down to your personal aesthetic preferences and whether the advantages of either metal will suit your practical needs.
Visit ZCOVA and browse our finest selection of wedding rings and engagement rings in Malaysia and Singapore. Then, try on whether white gold or yellow gold is right for you or your spouse-to-be.
Book an appointment with our ZCOVA Curators now. Our professional curators will happily assist you in choosing a white gold ring that suits your style.
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