Gold’s natural colour is yellow, but it comes in different shades due to the addition of various alloys. Pure gold (24 carats) is too soft for practical use in jewellery, so metals like silver, copper, and palladium are added to strengthen it and change its colour. For example, white gold is created by adding palladium or nickel, while rose gold contains more copper. The choice of alloy and its proportion results in varying colours of gold, without affecting its fundamental properties. The blending of alloys allows jewellers to offer a wider range of colours, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Why does gold come in different colours?
The most popular gold colours in the jewellery market are yellow, white, and rose gold. Yellow gold retains its classic appeal, symbolising tradition and wealth. White gold, often preferred for modern and sleek designs, is popular in engagement rings and elegant jewellery. Rose gold, with its subtle pink hue, has gained popularity due to its romantic and vintage appeal. Each of these shades suits different styles and occasions, making them the top choices among buyers. While less common, green and black gold also have niche appeal in avant-garde jewellery designs.
What are the most popular shades of gold colour?
The colour variations in gold come from the metals added to pure gold. Yellow gold retains its warm colour because of a balanced mix of silver and copper. White gold, made with palladium or nickel, takes on a silver-like appearance, often finished with rhodium for extra shine. Rose gold’s pink hue comes from the addition of a higher proportion of copper. Less common colours like green gold result from mixing gold with silver, and blue or purple hues are achieved using elements like indium or aluminium. The chemistry behind these alloys creates unique shades while maintaining gold’s durability and lustre.
Exploring the chemistry behind different gold colours
Yellow gold is the traditional and purest shade, admired for its warm, rich hue. White gold, made by blending gold with white metals like palladium or nickel, has a sleek and modern silver-like appearance. Rose gold, with its pinkish tint, is a blend of gold and copper, offering a romantic, vintage look. These three shades differ not only in appearance but also in the type of alloy used. Yellow gold suits classic jewellery, white gold complements contemporary designs, and rose gold is often used in trendy, statement pieces. Each colour appeals to different tastes and occasions.
What are the differences between yellow, white, and rose gold?
| Criteria |
Yellow Gold |
White Gold |
Rose Gold |
| Style |
Traditional, classic |
Modern, sleek |
Romantic, vintage |
| Alloy Composition |
Gold, silver, copper |
Gold, nickel, palladium |
Gold, copper |
| Durability |
Highly durable |
Durable but requires rhodium coating |
Durable but can scratch easily |
| Skin Tone Compatibility |
Warmer skin tones |
Cooler skin tones |
All skin tones |
Choosing the right gold colour depends on personal preference, skin tone, and the style you want for your jewellery. Traditional yellow gold suits classic pieces, white gold offers a modern look, while rose gold adds a romantic touch.
How to choose between different gold colour types for your jewellery?
Real gold jewellery is made by blending gold with alloys, giving it different shades like yellow, white, and rose. In contrast, gold-plated jewellery involves applying a thin layer of gold over a base metal. While both options offer aesthetic appeal, real gold maintains its value and durability over time, whereas gold plating can wear off, exposing the underlying metal. Plated gold tends to lose its colour faster, and the gold content is minimal, affecting its overall quality. It’s essential to distinguish between these two when purchasing jewellery, as real gold holds much more long-term value.
The difference between real gold colours and gold plating colours
The colour of gold can impact the loan value to some extent, but it primarily depends on the purity and weight of the gold. Yellow, white, and rose gold typically contain the same gold content, but alloys like copper or palladium may affect the overall weight. For instance, a higher percentage of copper in rose gold might slightly reduce the total value compared to pure yellow gold. However, when determining the loan amount, lenders focus on the gold’s purity, not its colour. It’s crucial to ensure that the gold used in jewellery, regardless of its colour, is of high quality for maximum loan value.
Can I get a gold loan on rose gold jewellery?
Yes, you can obtain a gold loan on rose gold jewellery, as it contains a significant amount of gold, just like yellow or white gold. The value of the loan depends on the purity and weight of the gold in the jewellery, not its colour. Lenders typically assess the gold content in rose gold to determine its value. Since rose gold is a mixture of gold and copper, the final loan value will reflect the amount of pure gold in the jewellery. Ensure that your rose gold jewellery has a high carat value for the best loan amount.
Gold loan eligibility for white, yellow, and rose gold
Gold loan eligibility is based on the purity and weight of the gold, regardless of its colour. Yellow, white, and rose gold are all accepted for gold loans, provided they meet the lender’s purity standards, typically 18 carats or higher. The loan amount is calculated based on the gold’s value, and all three colours of gold contain similar gold content when purity levels are equal. Whether your jewellery is made from yellow, white, or rose gold, as long as the gold content is significant, it will be eligible for a loan. Lenders focus on the gold's purity, not its hue.
Which gold colour is better for a higher gold loan value?
The gold colour that offers the highest loan value is typically yellow gold, as it tends to contain fewer alloys compared to white or rose gold. However, the loan amount is determined primarily by the gold’s purity and weight, not the specific colour. White and rose gold may contain additional metals like palladium or copper, which can slightly reduce the overall gold content. For the best loan value, ensure that your gold jewellery, regardless of colour, has a high purity level, such as 22 or 24 carats. The key factor remains the purity of the gold, not its shade.
