How to Choose: Yellow Gold vs White Gold Jewelry

Both are exquisite, and either is a good choice for engagement rings, wedding rings, or other jewelry. However, each creates a different look and has its own advantages. Here's some basic information on white gold vs yellow gold and some hints on how to choose between them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 1

   Know that both yellow gold and white gold are equally "real gold." Because pure gold is too soft to be used for jewelry, it is combined with other metals to make it stronger while retaining its beauty. Yellow gold is gold combined with metals such as copper and zinc, while white gold is pure gold combined with white metals such as zinc, nickel, or palladium. Both contain the same amount of pure gold; for example, 18K yellow gold and 18K white gold both contain 75 percent pure gold (each karat represents 1/24 purity; pure gold is 24 karats). White gold, in addition, has a thin coating of a bright silver metal called rhodium to give it more luster.

2. 2

   Note that white gold rings may require more maintenance. The rhodium coating on white gold eventually shows some wear, exposing the not-so-glittering alloy underneath. This doesn't mean your ring is "cheap" or flawed; as explained in Step 1, white gold has a coating of rhodium to give it that brilliant silver-white appearance. Even though rhodium is a very hard metal, daily exposure to the elements will take its toll. Plan on getting your ring replated at the jewelers every 12 to 18 months. Replating white gold is quick and inexpensive, and your ring will look as sparkling white as it did when it was new.

3. 3

   Consider the skin tone and color preferences of the future wearer of the piece. People who like to wear (and look good in) black, white, gray, taupe, and cool-toned blue, sage green, or plum would match best with white gold. For those who prefer brown, cinnamon, tan, cream, and rich, warm colors such as amber, peach, coral, or emerald green, yellow gold may be the better choice.

4. 4

   Are you, or the future wearer of the piece, allergic or sensitive to nickel? Although white gold from Europe no longer contains nickel, it is still generally used in white gold jewelry made in the United States or other non-European countries. Consider nickel-free white gold in which another metal, generally palladium, is substituted for nickel. Note that nickel-free white gold is slightly more expensive than yellow gold or standard white gold.

5. 5

   Does the jewelry include a colored gemstone? You'll want to make sure the metal compliments the jewel. Many people choose white gold with colored gemstones so that the color of the metal does not detract from the hue of the gemstone. This is particularly true with yellow diamonds, whose color could lose some if its richness if paired with yellow gold. But white gold isn't always the rule with colored stones. For example, the violet blue of tanzanite can look richer against the contrast of yellow gold. And stones with warm colors, such as garnet or citrine, can look brilliantly at home in a yellow gold setting.

6. 6

   Consider the subtle (and sometimes subjective) differences in style between yellow and white gold. Some people think white gold has a more contemporary edge and feel it sets off a diamond more effectively in a solitaire engagement ring or other diamond jewelry. People with a casual, denim-and-cotton lifestyle often prefer white gold, while yellow gold often fits in with glitzy and fashionable looks. However, yellow gold can also be the height of elegance. Nothing is more classic than a simple wedding band in gleaming yellow gold.
   In the end, the choice comes down to personal preference. Either color of gold can work with any look or lifestyle.