You might think that all gold jewellery is the same, but you’d be mistaken. Gold jewellery comes in many different shapes, designs and colours; not just the classic yellow gold that you often see people sporting with their outfits, or even as wedding rings. Where yellow gold might well be a very common piece of jewellery, you might well have come across rose gold and even white gold jewellery items. However, in this article, we’re going to focus on comparing yellow gold jewellery with rose gold jewellery, which is also available from us here at Little Star. What is yellow and rose gold? How do they differ in price, durability, alloys and possible allergy triggers? Let’s take a closer look at the difference between yellow gold and rose gold:
What is yellow gold?
Yellow gold is the most common type of gold jewellery on the market, and it has been since the dawn of time. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, gold jewellery was intended to be worn everyday, or for use in temples, throughout Egypt’s history. In Egyptian times, gold jewellery ranged in colour from bright yellow to pale yellows that looked, almost, grey, states the same source. For centuries, society has been looking to yellow gold jewellery as a fine statement of wealth and style. In that time, nothing has really changed.
Typically, yellow gold is a mix of pure gold and a variety of white metals, mainly silver, zinc and copper, which we’ll come onto in a moment. Pure gold is mixed with these alloys so as to improve its robustness and durability all-round. It’s long been a timeless choice when it comes to choosing the colour of the gold people wear. From wedding bands to watches and bracelets to necklaces, yellow gold is a classic option for anyone looking to effortlessly enhance their outfit whilst also making a statement.
What are the benefits of yellow gold jewellery?
There are many benefits to be had by choosing yellow gold over other colours that are available, such as rose and white. As well as the obvious benefit being that yellow gold makes for a classic jewellery item that will never age and can be worn time and time again for generations to come, some of the other benefits of yellow gold include:
It works well with warmer skin tones – if you have an olive complexion or a warmer skin tone, then you’ll find that yellow gold will compliment you perfectly
Yellow gold is hypoallergenic – yellow gold is more hypoallergenic than its counterparts. This is because it’s often mixed with sterling silver and is entirely nickel-free, which can be irritating to sensitive skin
What are the disadvantages of yellow gold jewellery?
Like with most jewellery items, no matter what they are or what they’re made from, there will be some disadvantages that you might experience, depending on your individual preferences. When it comes to yellow gold, you might well come across the following disadvantages of yellow gold:
- Yellow gold isn’t as flattering when combined with pale skin tones as it is when worn against darker skin tones
- Yellow gold might need to be rhodium plated to protect it against everyday wear
- Yellow gold will need to be polished to keep it looking shiny and scratch-free. Where it might well scratch, it’s still ideal for everyday wear
What is rose gold?
Rose gold, as the name would suggest, looks rosy or pink in colour. This is because it’s part yellow gold and part copper. How pink your rose gold jewellery becomes depends on the amount of copper that someone will decide to add to the rose gold. You’re getting the best of both worlds with rose gold jewellery, because not only are you adorning yellow gold, but you’re also embracing those delightful, light copper hues that are extremely popular right now. Rose gold is a popular choice for anyone looking for romantic and innocent elements to their outfit whilst still maintaining a sleek and contemporary style that will have you being the talk of the town.
What are the benefits of rose gold jewellery?
Rose gold comes with many different benefits, from enhancing skin tones to adding delicacy to an otherwise bland outfit and colour palette. Rose gold will elevate your look from safe and ordinary to classic and modern, making a statement that is both subtle and remarkable simultaneously. Here are some of the benefits to be had by adding rose gold jewellery to your beautiful collection:
- Rose gold flatters all skin tones – from pale undertones to warm complexions, rose gold is a wonderful option for anyone who is looking to deviate from conventional yellow gold
- Rose gold is durable – copper is a heavy component of rose gold. Seeing as copper is a stronger alloy than that which is combined with yellow or white gold, this makes rose gold the most durable of the gold options available. This means it can be worn everyday, with anything and for any occasion
- Rose gold is more affordable than its counterparts – in comparison to yellow and white gold, rose gold is relatively inexpensive. This is mainly because copper isn’t a costly alloy. The cheaper rose gold jewellery is, the more copper it is likely to contain
- Rose gold has a more delicate look – its pink hues are both graceful and modern, but it doesn’t stand out as much as the bolder yellow gold that’s available. If you’re looking for a subtle rose colour, then choose jewellery that’s been mixed with less copper and more gold, and vice-a-versa. Remember, the more gold that’s in there, the more expensive the piece will be.
What are the disadvantages of rose gold jewellery?
There are some disadvantages to choosing rose gold over yellow gold, as there will be with any material used to make jewellery. It’s usually dependent on the individual, because some jewellery pieces will be hypoallergenic, whereas others won’t be. Rose gold, for example, isn’t hypoallergenic.
This is because it contains copper, which can wreak havoc on particularly sensitive skin. You might also struggle to find rose gold jewellery as it’s not as prevalent as yellow or white gold jewellery items. In addition, you might find that rose gold comes in and out of fashion, so keep an eye on the trends. In summary, the disadvantages of rose gold are as follows:
- It’s not hypoallergenic, so sensitive skin could react to wearing it
- It’s not easy to find in comparison to yellow gold or white gold
- It’s not always in fashion, so you’ll need to monitor the trends to see if it’s in style
Yellow gold vs. rose gold: price
Neither rose gold or yellow gold are extremely expensive, especially if it doesn’t contain any embellishments, gems, diamonds, crystals or are adorning particular patterns or designs. Most of the time, its price will come from the karat of gold and the alloys that it’s mixed with. However, when doing your research, you’ll likely find that rose gold is more affordable than yellow gold, simply because it’s mixed with copper.
Yellow gold vs. rose gold: durability
Pure gold is far too fragile to be worn every single day, which is why pure gold is mixed with other metals to ensure its durability and to improve its strength. The higher the karat, the more prone to wear and tear it will be. This goes for both yellow and rose gold. In addition, and as previously mentioned, yellow gold will require more looking after than rose gold. It will need to be rhodium plated if you’re looking to wear it every day, but it will also need to be polished to keep it looking its best.
Rose gold, on the other hand, requires far less maintenance. If you’re lacking the time to maintain your jewellery, then rose gold would be better. However, if you don’t mind some light work and are looking to wear your jewellery every single day, no matter what you might be doing, then rhodium plated yellow gold would be more suitable. As with every consideration when it comes to choosing jewellery, it often comes down to the personal preference of the wearer.
Yellow gold vs. rose gold: alloys
Alloys are used in pure gold to strengthen and protect your jewellery, whether it be a ring or a bracelet. Rose gold is only ever combined with copper, whereas yellow gold can be mixed with sterling silver, zinc and copper also. Essentially, these alloys make the metal harder and, therefore, more resistant to constant wear and tear. You can strengthen the jewellery even further by having it rhodium plated.
Yellow gold vs. rose gold: allergies
If you have sensitive skin and find it difficult to wear jewellery for any prolonged amount of time, then you’ll face a choice between rose gold and yellow gold. Usually, people with sensitive skin will opt for yellow gold. This is because rose gold contains copper, which isn’t hypoallergenic. Yellow gold, on the other hand, is nickel-free and is only ever mixed with zinc and sterling silver. If gold is mixed with copper, then it’s done to create rose gold jewellery. Choose pieces that don’t contain nickel or copper, such as yellow gold, and avoid rose gold if you have skin issues that are aggravated by jewellery pieces.
Little Star jewellery is pleased to offer a wide range of different jewellery items for a variety of occasions. From Mummy and Me and Daddy and Me jewellery collections to one-off pieces that make the perfect christening gift, there is something for everyone when you choose Little Star jewellery for the ultimate, timeless piece of jewellery. For further information, get in touch with a member of our team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.