White Gold vs. Yellow Gold
What is the difference between white gold and yellow gold? Gold is an element extracted from the earth. From very ancient times, it was assigned a great value, both symbolic and monetary; all due to its appearance, rarity, and beauty.
It is commonly used in jewelry, although it also has practical uses in the fields of Electronics (it is a good conductor of electricity), Dentistry, among others.
In addition to its beauty, symbolism, and value, gold is known for its high malleability and resistance to corrosion and other chemical reactions.
We know you have a good idea of what gold is, but you may have noticed that yellow is not the only one and that there is also white gold.
If like many others, you’re also wondering what the difference is between white gold and yellow gold; continue reading, because then we explain it to you.
White Gold vs Yellow Gold
Difference between White Gold and Yellow Gold
White gold
White gold has become very popular, especially in the last decades; perhaps because it resembles platinum or titanium; two elements that double in price.
White gold is usually mixed with rhodium and that’s why it gets a clear grayish color. Thanks to rhodium, white gold looks brighter.
Yellow gold
In its pure state, the gold is yellow and relatively soft. However, its softness is a disadvantage for use in jewelry;
since it is necessary that the same maintain its form at the time of embedding the gem.
Due to the need to make the gold stronger and less malleable, it is combined with other metals and this affects its color and hardness.
The most common type of gold is yellow, and it is combined with zinc.
The carats that gold has been precisely those that indicate how much it has of the other elements with which it has been combined.
Pure gold has 24 carats. The 22-karat gold has 92% gold and 8% other metals. In the case of gold 10, it only has 41% gold.
If you have the same carats, no matter the color, gold is just the same. For example, 18 carats of yellow gold and 18 carats of white gold contain gold to the same extent.
Finally, yellow gold has always been considered classic, traditional, and timeless.
It is very popular for offering a good contrast with shiny stones such as diamonds, but being softer than white gold; it is also more likely to present marks or scratches.
Key Differences between White Gold and Yellow Gold
- Yellow gold is more common than white gold.
- White gold is usually combined with rhodium, while yellow is combined with zinc.
- White gold is harder and harder than yellow gold.
