Understanding the Common Types of Gold Jewellery
Since the beginning of time, gold has been a soft, precious metal with cultural and monetary value, valued for its beauty, rarity, and functionality. It is often classified by karat weight, from 8 to 24k gold. With the addition of silver and other metals, it can vary in both colour and weight. Let’s delve into the most popular and widely worn types of gold jewellery.
What is Yellow Gold? (The Timeless Choice)
Yellow gold is a precious metal that occurs naturally and has been admired for centuries due to its warm, rich colour. It is the most traditional form of gold jewellery, but it is a very soft metal that easily deforms in its purest state. The deeper the yellow tone, the more gold it contains, and the softer the item becomes. Therefore, gold jewellery needs to be alloyed with harder metals like copper and silver to increase its strength.
916 Gold Glittery Butterfly Earrings
Key Features of Yellow Gold:
- Warm, golden hue that is timeless.
- Popular for classic, vintage, or cultural jewellery.
- Commonly available in 22K, 18K, and 14K variations.
- Hypoallergenic in higher karats.
What is White Gold? (Modern and Minimalist)
Unlike yellow gold, white gold does not exist in its pure form. It is made from yellow gold and combined with white metal alloys, such as zinc, palladium, and silver, to offer better rigidity and give off a silvery-white, modern finish. Furthermore, white gold is often coated with rhodium, a precious metal that enhances shine and durability.
18K White Gold Clover Key Pendant
Key Features of White Gold:
- Silvery-white colour, like platinum.
- Modern and sleek aesthetic.
- Often used in engagement rings and contemporary jewellery.
- Usually comes in 14K or 18K purity levels.
What is Rose Gold? (Romantic and Trendy)
Rose gold, also known as pink or red gold, is a popular gold type known for its soft, romantic pinkish hue among the younger generation. It is made of a blend of pure gold and copper, which gives it that distinctive pinkish tint. The higher the copper content, the redder the gold. It is a perfect balance of classic and contemporary, appealing to all age groups. People love it as it's warm, flattering on most skin tones, and adds a feminine, vintage touch to any outfit.
14K Rose Gold Sparkles Petite Hoop Earrings
Key features of Rose Gold:
- Warm pinkish hue
- Durable, scratch-resistant and unlikely to tarnish
- Complements a wide range of skin tones and can be used in many jewellery pieces like necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Denotations of Gold (Gold Karat System)
As shown below, the karat system measures the amount of pure gold in a gold jewellery:
999 (24k Gold) – 99.99% gold
916 (22k Gold) – 91.6% of gold
750 (18k Gold) – 75% of gold
583 (14k Gold) – 58.3% of gold
417 (10k Gold) - 41.7% of gold
375 (9k Gold) - 37.5% of gold
Comparison between White, Yellow and Rose Gold
|
Features |
White Gold |
Yellow Gold |
Rose Gold |
|
Colour |
Silvery-white hue |
Warm yellow gold shine |
Gorgeous pink hue |
|
Allergens |
May cause nickel reactions |
Hypoallergenic |
May cause nickel reactions |
|
Maintenance |
Requires rhodium plating (re-plating required every 1-2 years) |
Easiest to maintain as it keeps its colour naturally |
Requires occasional polishing to keep it shiny |
|
Durability |
More scratch-resistant |
Softer, especially in high karats |
Most durable and scratch-resistant due to its high copper content |
Which is Better?
Yellow gold is the most classic and traditional option, often associated with warm tones.
White gold offers a modern and sleek look and is often a popular choice for engagement rings; however, it requires more maintenance.
Rose gold is renowned for its durability and distinctive pink hue, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more romantic or vintage aesthetic.
Choosing a gold colour is entirely a matter of personal preference and what best suits your style. Ultimately, the decision is yours. White gold, rose gold, and yellow gold are among the most popular options for crafting various types of jewellery. These gold variations differ not only in colour but also in their composition and characteristics.
Shop our Gold Collection here:
999 Gold: https://www.arthesdam.com.sg/collections/a-lasting-legacy-with-999-gold
916 Gold: https://www.arthesdam.com.sg/collections/the-gift-of-a-lifetime-in-916-gold
18k Gold: https://www.arthesdam.com.sg/collections/everyday-wearables-in-18k-gold
9k Gold: https://www.arthesdam.com.sg/collections/everyday-essentials-in-9k-gold