What is the Difference Between White Gold and Yellow Gold?

The main difference between white gold and yellow gold lies in their composition, appearance, and durability. Here are the key differences:

1. Composition: Yellow gold is obtained by mixing pure gold with alloys of copper and zinc, while white gold is a mixture of pure gold and white metals like palladium, nickel, and silver.
2. Appearance: Yellow gold has a yellowish color, which is often considered classic and vintage, and complements lower-colored diamonds. On the other hand, white gold has a yellowish hue and an appearance similar to platinum, providing good matching with gemstones and diamonds of different colors. Rhodium plating on white gold makes the metal look completely white.
3. Durability: White gold is generally stronger and more durable than yellow gold because it consists of harder alloyed metals. Yellow gold is more prone to scratches and denting and needs to be polished regularly.
4. Maintenance: White gold requires regular rhodium plating and polishing, while yellow gold only needs regular cleaning and polishing.
5. Allergies: White gold uses nickel, which is a common allergen, while yellow gold is more hypoallergenic.

In terms of cost, both yellow and white gold come in various karats, and their prices depend on the karat level and the metals used. Generally, both white and yellow gold are priced equally, but the extra rhodium plating on white gold might increase its price.

Comparative Table: White Gold vs Yellow Gold

Here is a table comparing the key differences between white gold and yellow gold:

Both white gold and yellow gold are made from gold alloyed with different metals to achieve their distinct colors. They are both durable and suitable for jewelry making, but their differences in color, composition, and style make them more suitable for different preferences and skin tones.