When it comes to choosing gold jewellery and even pre-owned gold jewellery, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to go for classic yellow gold or sleek white gold. Both metals have their unique charm and appeal, but which one is right for you?
We, at Retrogold, will help you understand the key differences between the two through this post, and help you decide which metal to choose for your next piece of pre-owned gold jewellery.
The Basics: What is Yellow Gold and White Gold?
Yellow Gold:
Yellow gold is the most traditional and recognisable form of gold jewellery. It’s created by mixing pure gold with alloy metals like copper and zinc to give it strength and durability while maintaining its rich, warm hue. Yellow gold has been cherished for centuries and is often associated with timeless elegance and classic style.
A jewellery piece made from natural yellow gold looks astonishingly warm and bright as this pair of 22ct pre-owned gold earrings.
White Gold:
White gold, on the other hand, is created by mixing pure gold with white metals like palladium, silver, or nickel, giving it a cool, silvery-white appearance. Yes, it is not naturally white, unlike yellow gold.
To enhance its lustre and prevent tarnishing, white gold is typically plated with rhodium, a precious metal that adds a bright finish. White gold offers a modern twist on traditional gold, appealing to those who prefer a contemporary look.
This beautiful pre-owned gold ring is a beautiful example of what a marvel white gold is!
Yellow Gold vs White Gold: The Key Differences
1. Colour and Aesthetics
Yellow Gold: Known for its warm, rich, and classic look. It complements a wide range of skin tones, particularly warmer or olive complexions, and pairs well with vintage and traditional styles.
White Gold: Offers a sleek, modern, and sophisticated appearance. Its cool tone is flattering on fair and rosy skin tones, and it’s often chosen for its similarity to platinum, making it popular in contemporary and minimalist designs.
2. Durability and Maintenance
Yellow Gold: Less likely to show scratches because its colour is uniform throughout the metal. However, it’s softer than white gold, so it can wear down over time, especially if it’s high karat (18ct or 22ct).
Consider wearing this beautiful pre-owned gold bracelet carefully. With proper care, you can ensure its shine lasts forever.
White Gold: More durable due to the addition of harder metals, but it requires more maintenance. The rhodium plating can wear off over time, necessitating re-plating every few years to maintain its bright, white finish.
3. Price
Yellow Gold: The price varies depending on the karat (the purity of the gold), but it’s generally comparable to white gold. However, higher-karat yellow gold can be more expensive due to its higher gold content.
White Gold: Typically similar in price to yellow gold, but it may be slightly more expensive due to the rhodium plating process and the inclusion of more expensive alloy metals.
This stunning vintage white gold diamond pendant is a total steal for this price. It is unique, classy, and timeless.
4. Hypoallergenic Properties
Yellow Gold: Generally hypoallergenic, especially in higher karats (18ct and above), which contain fewer alloy metals that could cause allergic reactions.
Flaunt this beautiful pre-owned gold chain without worrying about your skin.
White Gold: May contain nickel, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. However, nickel-free white gold options are available, and the rhodium plating can help prevent irritation.
Which One Should You Choose?
Consider Your Skin Tone
Your skin tone can be a helpful guide in choosing between yellow and white gold. If you have a warm or olive complexion, yellow gold may enhance your natural glow. If you have a cooler or fair complexion, white gold can complement your undertones beautifully.
Think About Your Style
Your personal style is another key factor. If you lean towards classic, vintage, or traditional designs, yellow gold is a timeless choice that will never go out of style. If your style is more modern, sleek, and minimalist, white gold’s contemporary appeal might be more in line with your tastes.
Consider Maintenance:
If you prefer low-maintenance jewellery, yellow gold might be the way to go. It’s less likely to need regular upkeep compared to white gold, which requires occasional re-plating to maintain its finish.
Budget Considerations
Both metals are similar in price, but if you’re on a tight budget, keep in mind that white gold might incur additional costs down the line for re-plating. Yellow gold, particularly in higher karats, can be more expensive upfront but doesn’t require as much ongoing maintenance.
Allergies
If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to nickel, yellow gold is generally a safer bet. However, you can still enjoy white gold if you opt for nickel-free versions or are diligent about re-plating the rhodium coating.
Can’t decide? You don’t have to! Mixing metals is a popular trend, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. You can layer yellow and white gold pieces for a unique and stylish look that showcases your personality.
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless warmth of yellow gold or the sleek sophistication of white gold, choosing the right metal is all about what makes you feel most confident and beautiful.
Explore our collection of stunning white gold and yellow gold pre-owned jewellery pieces at Retrogold that are perfect for every style and occasion. Shop now and add some vintage charm to your collection.