Yellow, White and Rose Gold: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re wondering which gold is the most durable; yellow, white and rose gold are similar in each karat rating. A piece of 18k white gold jewellery is as durable as a piece of 18k rose gold jewellery or yellow gold jewellery. For this reason, durability doesn't have to come into the equation when choosing between yellow, white, and rose gold. Equally, the purity of gold is identical for each colour as long as the piece is similar in other characteristics, such as karat, weight and size. 

Did you know? Gold is a malleable, soft metal in any of its colour varieties, which is why it is mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more resistant to scratches. These different metals, known as alloys, vary in each colour of gold and make a slight difference to the durability of your jewellery. At Fyne, we source our alloys from a Responsible Jewellery Council certified company (which is also ISO certified).

Here is our guide to gold colour comparison, which will help you understand the differences and why you might want to choose one type of gold jewellery over the other.

Classic gold is known for its bright yellow tinge, which is most often used in traditional wedding rings. It is the natural colour of mined gold and, as such, is the most popular. Yellow gold can come in various karats, most often between 9k and 24k, with 9k being the most durable but least pure and 24k being the least durable but most pure.  

Pros and Cons of Yellow Gold

Some benefits of choosing yellow gold:

• Classic style: The most apparent advantage of yellow gold is that it is a classic option. It is usually considered the best gold for wedding rings and engagement rings.
• Hypoallergenic: Because of the alloys it contains, it is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
• Great for all complexions: Yellow gold perfectly complements warm skin tones and stands out on fairer skin tones, making it the ideal choice for any complexion.

Some negative characteristics of yellow gold:

• May require maintenance: Yellow gold is more prone to scratching than white or rose gold because of its soft alloying metals (particularly in 10k and 14k gold). This is why we use 18k gold in our jewellery; it’s the least likely to tarnish. That being said, yellow gold can dull or develop a patina over time if exposed to moisture, harsh chemicals, or sweat, so it's important to remove it before doing any activity. 

White gold is popular for engagement rings, as its white colour complements colourless diamonds and offers a more contemporary look. It is alloyed with platinum, nickel, silver, manganese, and palladium. It is usually plated with rhodium to make it even stronger and give it its mirror-like shine. This aesthetic is very similar to platinum, which is very expensive, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more accessible price tag.

Pros and Cons of White Gold

Why choose white gold?

• Great alternative to platinum: Because white gold is physically similar, shoppers often turn to it for its modern, sleek, and desirable look. It’s also more budget-friendly!
• More scratch-resistant: Its alloys make it stronger and more scratch-resistant than yellow gold.
• Stands out on all complexions: It stands out on any skin tone because of its shine.

Some downsides of white gold:

• Wear and tear: Your jewellery may eventually need to be replated due to its rhodium finish, which rubs off over time.
• Not the best choice for sensitive skin: Some of its alloys, such as nickel, can cause allergic reactions in some people. For this reason, we choose not to use nickel as an alloy in our white gold pieces. 

Rose gold is a less sought-after choice for wedding jewellery despite its stunning sunset appearance, which vintage connoisseurs tend to find highly appealing. Carl Faberge first popularised rose gold in his famous Faberge eggs, and since then, it has gained popularity worldwide, especially among those looking for something distinctive.

Pros and Cons of Rose Gold

Rose gold benefits:

• Unique: Rose gold is unique and romantic, with its red-pink hue associated as the colour of love.
• Durable: It’s the strongest of the three colours of gold because its principal alloy is copper, an extremely durable metal.
• Great for all complexions: The tone is warm and flattering on all skin tones.
• Not as prone to discoloration: It’s a very low-maintenance choice because it doesn’t require replating like the rhodium on white gold. Also, because of its stronger alloy, it doesn’t tarnish as quickly as yellow gold, although it can look more yellowish over time.

Negatives of rose gold:

• Harsh on sensitive skin: If you are allergic to copper, rose gold may irritate your skin.
• Can change colour: Good quality 18k rose gold can turn more yellow over time. Whereas lower karats may turn a darker colour due to their higher copper content (this happens as the gold oxidises). It’s important to note that the changes in your jewellery will be affected by the karat weight, which is why we choose to use the highest-quality 18k gold in all of our jewellery.

Gold, in either of its three colours, is a classic choice of metal for jewellery, which is why it has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most popular metals in jewellery elaboration. However, there are a few factors to consider if you are debating between white vs yellow vs rose gold. Here are some of them:

Skin Tone

The right gold colour can enhance your natural skin tone. 

• Yellow gold is an excellent choice for those with warm undertones. 
• White gold tends to flatter cool skin tones, particularly those with fair or pinkish hues.
• Rose gold is the most versatile of the three, as its subtle pink glow complements most skin complexions.

Wearability

Durability is an important consideration, especially for daily-wear jewellery. 

• Yellow gold in higher karats, like 18K or 22K, is softer and more prone to scratches and dents. 
• White gold is stronger due to its alloy content, making it more resistant to scratches, but it requires maintenance to retain its colour. 
• Rose gold is the most durable of the three because of its high copper content, which strengthens the metal and makes it ideal for long-lasting jewellery.

Style

The colour of gold significantly impacts the overall look of a piece of jewellery. 

• Yellow gold exudes a classic, vintage feel and is often associated with traditional and antique designs. 
• White gold provides a modern and elegant appearance, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and contemporary jewellery. 
• Rose gold stands out as a unique and trendy option, offering a soft, romantic look that pairs well with both vintage and minimalist styles.

Matching with Gemstones

Different gold colours enhance different gemstones. 

• Yellow gold pairs well with warm-coloured stones such as rubies and emeralds, bringing out their richness. 
• White gold enhances the brilliance of diamonds and works beautifully with cool-toned gemstones like sapphires, aquamarines, and tanzanites. 
• Rose gold has a soft, romantic quality that complements pastel or pink-hued stones, such as morganite, pink sapphire, and amethyst.

How much does the price differ between yellow, white and rose gold? As a rule of thumb, gold prices vary depending on the karat and alloy composition rather than the colour.

Yellow gold and rose gold are generally similar in price, though the cost may fluctuate based on the amount of pure gold versus alloy metals used. White gold can be slightly more expensive due to the additional cost of rhodium plating and stronger alloys like palladium. While all three gold types can be found in various price ranges, white gold may require additional long-term maintenance costs.

Note: Although gold colours can vary in price at most retailers, at Fyne, we offer all three gold colours at the same price. 

Browse our variety of jewelry pieces and styles in either yellow, white or rose gold. We also offer the same items in a choice of metals, as with Fyne’s stunning Marquise Diamond Solitaire Necklace (Certified). You will notice that in almost all cases, there are three colour options under each piece. Additionally, each piece is made to order, giving you the flexibility to choose the piece of gold jewellery that suits you best.

Our top picks available in three golds: The Noor Eternity Ring in rose gold is the perfect option for daily wear. The Leena Diamond Hand Chain (in yellow gold) is one of our top sellers; it’s a totally unique way to express your style. The Spiral Diamond Earrings in white gold are an addition you won’t find anywhere else, with boldly cut lab diamonds that are bound to catch attention.