Yellow, Rose and White Gold Engagement Rings – What’s The Difference?

When most of us think of gold, we think of yellow gold. But gold comes in many different colors. Most commonly, you can find yellow, rose and white gold engagement rings. So what’s the difference between these colors, and is one any better than the other?

Some people assume that other colors of gold besides yellow contain less actual pure gold, and are therefore not as valuable or desirable. But, that is not the case. The amount of pure gold in a ring is determined by the carat weight. An 18 carat weight means that there is 75% pure gold, and 25% other metals. So, an 18 carat white gold engagement ring contains the same amount of pure gold as an 18 carat yellow gold engagement ring.

The difference is in the metals used in the alloy mix. Pure gold is very soft, so is almost always mixed with other metals to make it harder and more durable. The metals that are chosen are what give rose and white gold its color.

Yellow gold is most commonly mixed with copper and zinc. Rose gold is mixed with several metals, but always including enough copper to cause the rose hue. These colors will not chip or fade with age.

White gold is combined with white metals, such as palladium and silver. Nickel was the traditional metal used for a long time, but generally white gold engagement rings made now will not contain any nickel, as it can cause skin allergies and reactions. This mix of metals produces an off-white, greyish color, so all white gold is plated with another white metal called rhodium, which is very similar to platinum.

Rhodium is very strong, and very white but can wear away over time. Jewellers can re-plate your white gold engagement ring, and it is advised to do this annually.

Different carats of gold can have differences in colors. For yellow gold, the higher the carat weight the richer the yellow tone. For rose gold, the higher the carat weight, the more subtle the rose hue. White gold does not show much difference between carat weights, as the white color comes from the rhodium plating.

So if you’re trying to choose between yellow, rose or white gold engagement rings, you now know that the only difference between them is the color! They all contain the same amount of gold, so your only consideration is which color you prefer.