Yellow Gold vs White Gold

Yellow Gold vs. White Gold: Key Differences

Deciding between yellow gold and white gold? We can help!

Yellow Gold vs White Gold

Gold has long been a classic metal choice for any piece of jewelry- and for good reason! Gold is both strong and stunning. 

But when shopping for engagement rings, wedding bands, or even fine jewelry, it’s a good idea to determine the differences between yellow and white gold.
Apart from looking different from one another, each metal feels different on the skin, can have different price tags, and vary in durability.

In this blog, we’re going to break down the key differences between yellow gold and white to make your decision making process as easy as possible.

What Is White Gold?

Despite common misconceptions, white gold is always made up of pure gold and at least one other metal.

When the second metal (which is commonly palladium, nickel, or silver) is added to the gold base, it not only affects its color but makes it stronger. 

On its own, pure gold is quite soft and malleable. Alloy metals strengthen the gold while keeping its quintessential shine!

Interestingly, white gold is not completely white until it gets plated with the precious metal rhodium. This rhodium coating adds a further lustrous sheen to the jewelry and protects it from scratches. And an added benefit is that very few people are allergic to rhodium!

At the end of the entire process, white gold is sleek and shiny- very similar to platinum or silver.

What Is Yellow Gold?

Did you know that yellow gold is not pure gold? Yellow gold is composed of pure gold and at least one other white metal. For example, 18K gold is a mixture of 75% pure gold and 25% other white metals. 

This is a breakdown of the common types of gold:

  • 24K – 100% pure gold
  • 22K – 92% gold and 8% alloyed metals
  • 18K – 75% gold and 25% alloyed metals
  • 14K – 58% gold and 42% alloyed metals

As you can see, the higher the karat number, the more pure gold there is. 

Unfortunately, pure gold is far too soft to be worn as everyday jewelry. So white metals are added to strengthen the metal and give it that soft and creamy yellow that we all know and love. 

Yellow gold has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Due to its historical rarity, gold was seen as a symbol of wealth and status. And even today, yellow gold remains highly desirable and sophisticated!

What Is The Difference Between Yellow Gold & White Gold?

The most obvious difference between these two beautiful metals is their color. White gold has a silvery tone, while yellow gold has that classic golden hue. 

If you want to wear a metal color that looks best with your skin tone, match your metal to pre-owned jewelry, or include certain gems onto your metal, the color will make all the difference.

Since the properties are mostly the same, it all comes down to visual preference. That being said, both metals have their own pros and cons. Keep reading to find out what they are in more depth!

Yellow Gold vs. White Gold

Yellow Gold vs White Gold A Guide infographic

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Yellow Gold vs. White Gold

Durability

Of the two metals, yellow gold is both the most expensive and the least durable. Yellow gold is more prone to scratches and dents, making it not the most durable option. This metal will also require regular polishing to keep its shine.

On the other hand, white gold has far more resistance to wear and tear. With its rhodium plating, white gold jewelry pieces have a shiny and strong finish. Unfortunately, this plating can wear off over time and may reveal the yellow-ish color underneath. While white gold is a stronger alternative to yellow gold, it still requires proper care and maintenance.

Neither of these metals is entirely hassle-free, but white gold is generally the safer and stronger option.

Price & Affordability

Believe it or not, yellow gold and white gold are frequently equal in cost. This is especially true if the percentage of pure gold is the same. For example, 14K white gold will be comparable in cost to 14K yellow gold.

In some instances, white gold may be slightly more expensive due to the rhodium plating. 

At the end of the day, these two metals are rarely placed at drastically different price points.

Hypoallergenic Properties

Generally, white gold is considered to be more hypoallergenic than yellow gold. This is because of the alloyed metals that are added to the base (such as nickel or palladium) which are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

That being said, it is still very possible that someone may also have a sensitivity to white gold. It’s worth noting that even though white gold is considered hypoallergenic, it is not completely free of allergens.

If you know that you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist or a jeweler before buying gold jewelry of any kind. 

Especially when deciding on an everyday piece of jewelry- it’s best to make sure you’ll be comfortable!

Color

As we know, the color of these two metals is their key difference.

In general, yellow gold tends to compliment warm skin tones beautifully. Yellow gold will bring out the warmth of yellow, olive, or medium-dark skin tones, creating a radiant glow. 

White gold, on the other hand, tends to compliment cool skin tones well. White gold can give you a fresh and vibrant look if you have slightly paler skin with pink or red undertones.

That being said, it is so important to remember that personal preference plays a huge role in choosing your color of gold. Some people may prefer the classic and traditional look of yellow gold, while others may prefer the modern and sleek look of white gold, regardless of skin color.

Wear what you like and what makes you feel good!

Weight

The weight difference between yellow gold and white gold can vary depending on the specific piece of jewelry, but in general, the weight of the gold itself should be roughly the same.

The difference in weight between the two comes from the other metals used to alloy it. White gold typically requires more alloy metals than yellow gold to achieve its silvery color, which can make it slightly heavier. But this difference in weight would be minimal and barely noticeable when being worn.

Ultimately, weight should not be a significant factor when deciding on a type of gold- both are durable and long-lasting choices for your jewelry.

Popularity

The popularity of yellow gold versus white gold really depends on what type of jewelry you’re looking at. 

In a very general sense, white gold has risen in popularity, especially in engagement rings. White gold has a modern and sleek appearance that appeals to many young people moving away from the traditional look of yellow gold.

On the other hand, yellow gold remains a timeless choice that is still popular in wedding bands and many types of fine jewelry. 

Ultimately, personal preference plays a big role in determining which metal is right for you.

Both types of gold are stunning, classic, and easy to incorporate into any ensemble!

Why Choose A White Gold Engagement Ring?

There are plenty of reasons why white gold will make a great metal for your engagement ring!

The color of white gold is very similar to that of platinum but is less expensive, making it a more affordable option for the same look! 

White gold is also a durable metal that can withstand everyday wear and tear, making it a practical choice for your engagement ring. 

White gold is incredibly versatile; it will look good with a number of gemstones and styles! They even say that white gold tends to reflect the sparkle of any diamonds on your ring, enhancing their size and brilliance!

Why Choose A Yellow Gold Engagement Ring?

You simply cannot go wrong with a yellow gold engagement ring! This is a metal that has been used in jewelry for centuries!

Yellow gold has a warm, classic, and traditional appearance that many find attractive. Evoking these feelings suits engagement rings perfectly.

Additionally, if your ring has diamonds or warm-toned stones such as ruby, morganite, and purple sapphire, gold will pair with them nicely. 

Because of yellow gold’s prevalence in jewelry, it will not be hard to find a wedding band or fine jewelry to match it. 

Plus, they say yellow gold looks good on everyone!

FAQs

Which is better, white or yellow gold?

This all comes down to personal preference! If you have cool toned skin, white gold may be better for you. If you like the classic look of traditional jewelry, yellow gold may be better for you. It all depends on what you are looking for in your jewelry. Wear whatever feels best to you!

Is yellow gold more expensive than white gold?

Generally, the answer is no. More often than not, yellow gold and white gold with the same amount of pure gold will cost the exact same. If they’re not, it’s actually more likely that white gold will be more expensive due to its rhodium plating.

Does white or yellow gold last longer?

With the proper care, both yellow gold and white gold can last a very long time!

Even though the rhodium plating that is often coated on top of white gold strengthens the metal, it can wear off over time and need to be reapplied.

Unlike white gold, yellow gold doesn’t require plating or re-plating.

It’s important to remember that all gold jewelry will eventually show signs of wear and tear and may need to be polished or repaired over time.

Is yellow gold out of style?

Not at all! While white gold has definitely risen in popularity recently, yellow gold is as strong as ever. Yellow gold can still be found in engagement rings, wedding bands, and all types of fine jewelry. Just like diamonds, they say yellow gold is never out of style!

Final Thoughts

With two stunning metals to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out which one is best for you. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preferences and needs. Whether you decide on donning a silvery white gold piece or a creamy yellow gold piece, you’ll know they’re both stunning.

Check out all that James Allen has to offer- in both yellow and white gold!

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Rachel Glassman

Rachel is fond of the written word and the moving image- and will talk about both with anyone who will listen!

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10 Unique Wedding Bands For The Modern Man

Everyone deserves to wear a piece of jewelry that is as unique as they are. For men, traditional yellow and white gold wedding bands are just the tip of the iceberg in men’s wedding jewelry trends. Join us as we explore statement styles of one-of-a-kind forever rings. 

Men's wedding bands

Believe it or not, there are more to men’s wedding bands than the simple and popular classics. There are men’s wedding rings that come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. From a touch of extravagance with diamond rings to alternative metals with patterns and textures aplenty, skies are truly the limit on choices for men’s wedding bands today. 

It’s all a matter of preference and taste. At James Allen, we value our customer’s individuality and unique styles. That’s why we’ve taken the time to highlight ten exquisite rings that are sure to stand out and show off the personality of their wearers. After all, a wedding ring is a symbol of two partners’ love and unity.  

Picking a wedding ring for your future husband should take some time and thought. It’s not always easy to get it right, but the trick is to go with something that reflects your partner’s unique style and character. Read on while we unpack our top 10 most unique men’s wedding bands. 

Textured Wedding Bands

Textured wedding rings offer dimensions to any band while gracefully hinting at the personality and interests of their wearers. These rings are perfect for men who work with their hands, enjoy outdoor activities, and like a rugged look to their most precious accessory. 

Textured rings can be rough, with indented, grooved, and carved features circling the band. Unlike smooth and polished surfaces, these rings accentuate the idea that there’s a masculine edge to them without taking away from the true meaning behind a traditional wedding band. 

These unique men’s wedding bands are on the rise and come in just about any gold and alternative metal. Their versatility makes it easy to get the metal of your choice and the style you prefer. 

Two-Toned Wedding Bands 

Men’s two-toned wedding rings come in a wide range of styles and materials. Combine two metals in a stripe or line around a thicker wedding band for a delicate touch or create more dimensions to a narrow band. 

A two-toned wedding ring will perfectly reflect your love and your partner’s unique sense of style in one polished band. It’s the ideal choice if your groom’s personality is bold and he loves to stand out. 

Diamond Wedding Bands 

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but we know even the roughest and toughest gentlemen will oh and ah over the brilliance of a little sparkle. 

Diamonds are resilient and can handle the obstacles of any man’s lifestyle while being the perfect representation of strength and eternal love. This unique men’s wedding band looks excellent as a thicker ring, and the diamonds simply add a touch of glamour for the groom. 

Gemstone Wedding Bands

If diamonds aren’t your style but you’re still looking for something with a bit of sparkle, a hint of color may be just what the doctor ordered. Precious gemstones are rare and full of spirited meaning, like sapphires, for example. These stones have typically represented longevity and prosperity for centuries. 

You don’t have to believe wholeheartedly in their symbolism to know that they make for stunning unique men’s wedding bands. The darker blues and blacks give the wedding ring a handsome and bolder look while hinting at a more luxurious style. 

Alternatively, if you like the idea of darker-colored wedding bands but prefer to skip the extra shine, check out our collection of men’s black wedding rings.

Patterned Wedding Bands 

Now for the fun men’s wedding rings. Patterned wedding bands can be the perfect choice for any groom who loves the idea of wearing a piece of jewelry that has indented symbols, pictures, or artful motifs. A personalized design is our equivalent to a custom-designed ring. It shows the heart of its wearer while giving them everything they’ve ever wanted in their wedding band.

Patterned rings are just as versatile as textured wedding bands and are not limited to a specific metal. You can get a patterned ring on a budget by opting for an alternative metal if you’re looking for something less traditional and a bit more flashy.  

These unique men’s wedding bands can give that something extra while showing off the wearer’s personality through its art. We also find these rings to be a thoughtful, romantic gesture. Gifting your soon-to-be husband with a ring that speaks to his style, identity, and even his favorite interest shows just how much you care. There will be no question as to how much effort you’ve put into getting the perfect wedding band. 

Most Asked Questions About Men’s Wedding Bands 

Now that we have our unique men’s wedding bands out of the way let’s look at the semantics behind other important wedding ring questions.

Who Buys The Groom’s Wedding Band?

In today’s modern culture, it’s likely you, the groom’s partner, will buy his wedding ring. You can do this by yourself or with the help of your family. Alternatively, if you and your fiancé have a shared budget, then you can both decide how much to spend on your rings together. 

How Much Should You Spend On The Wedding Band?

It all comes down to your budget and the groom’s expectations. It’s important first to work out what style band he would prefer. The more expensive metals like platinum and diamond rings can push you just past $2000. In comparison, you can get alternative metal bands starting at $100 and classic wedding rings starting at $270. 

Do Men Also Wear Engagement Rings?

Traditionally the person who proposes to their partner would not wear an engagement ring. However, traditions are changing, and it has more to do now with what you as the couple want. 

Men’s engagement rings are increasing in popularity, and so if it works for your budget and it’s something you’d both like, hop on the new trend! 

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to picking unique men’s wedding bands for you, James Allen has all the tools and convenience you need to find the perfect fit. Visit our wedding ring page for all you need to know about the different metals, styles, designs, and more! 

Direct any questions you have to our 24/7 customer service team, and they’ll gladly assist you. 

Got time? Check out our related articles below.

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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unique wedding rings: yellow gold wedding ring, rose gold wedding ring, white gold wedding ring

9 Unique Wedding Rings That Make A Statement

How do you make a statement? We’ve curated a lineup of unique wedding rings so you can rock your personal style.

Unique wedding rings

Whether your engagement ring is a classic solitaire or something a bit more glitzy, picking a unique wedding ring will make your wedding set truly one-of-a-kind. Conclusion: you don’t have to settle for a less-than-perfect band.

Haven’t yet found the one? Maybe you’ll find it in one of the unique wedding rings below! 

Women’s Unique Wedding Rings


MYTH:

Women’s wedding rings must have diamonds.

TRUTH:

Gemstone wedding rings are here to stay. 


Emerald and Diamond Wedding Ring

Sapphire and Diamond Wedding Ring

14K White Gold Round Brilliant Diamond And Marquise Sapphire Wedding Ring

MYTH:

Wedding rings have to be simple.

TRUTH:

One look at the unique wedding rings below, and you’ll see that they come in all patterns and shapes.


Crown Diamond Wedding Ring

14K Yellow Gold Crown Diamond Ring

Leaf Motif Wedding Ring

Leaf Motif Wedding Ring

Arched Wedding Ring

14K White Gold Alternating Shape Diamond Band

Men’s Unique Wedding Bands


MYTH:

Men’s wedding rings have to be gold or platinum.

TRUTH:

Nope. These unique wedding bands also come in tungsten, wood grain, titanium, and even carbon fiber.


Carbon Fiber & Titanium Wedding Ring

Men's Black Titanium 8mm Comfort-Fit Carbon Fiber Inlay Design Ring

Woodgrain & Chrome Wedding Ring

Cobalt Chrome™ 8MM Wood Grain Comfort Fit Ring

MYTH:

Men’s engagement rings have to be plain.

TRUTH:

Diamonds and gemstones add classic shine to any men’s ring.


Tungsten & Diamond Wedding Ring

White Tungsten Carbide 9MM Round Diamond Band By TRITON

Sapphire Channel-Set Wedding Ring

14K White Gold 7.5mm Comfort-Fit Channel Set Sapphire Ring

Searching for more unique wedding ring ideas? Browse on!

  1. How to match your wedding rings
  2. Wedding ring engraving ideas
  3. The complete guide to women’s wedding rings
  4. The complete guide to men’s wedding bands

Obsessing over one (or more) of the wedding rings in this post? Share the love on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or in the comments below!

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Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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Sapphire Rings: Something New, Something Blue

We’ve got the scoop on why you absolutely need to add a blue sapphire ring to your jewelry box. Read on to find out!

Sapphire Rings: Something New, Something Blue

You may be wondering: With so many ring styles and stunning gemstone options to choose from, what sets blue sapphires apart? Featuring a mesmerizing blue gemstone, sapphire jewelry makes the perfect gift for that special occasion. And trust us, you’re going to want a blue sapphire ring. Brace yourself for a whole lot of BLUE. 

1. They’re Unique

There’s no denying that diamonds are the de facto choice when choosing your sparkler. But we think a blue sapphire comes a close second, and we’re not alone! Blue sapphire is one of the rarest gemstones to grace an engagement ring. Choose blue sapphire and set yourself apart from the crowd with these statement pieces.

White Gold Vintage Bowtie Sapphire & Diamond Ring

14K White Gold Vintage Bowtie Shaped Stations Alternating Sapphire And Diamond Ring

Yellow Gold Diamond & Marquise Sapphire Wedding Ring

14K Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Diamond And Marquise Sapphire Wedding Ring

2. A History Of Glam

Blue sapphire rings are popular amongst celebrities and have been associated with the royal family for centuries. Notably, the September birthstone brings to mind the world’s most famous (and gorgeous) blue sapphire ring once belonging to Princess Diana and currently worn by Kate Middleton. It broke trends back then and is still making its mark today.

White Gold Oval Halo Sapphire and Diamond Ring

18K White Gold Oval Halo Sapphire And Diamond Ring

White Gold Milgrain Bezel Sapphire Ring

14K White Gold Milgrain Bezel Sapphire Ring

3. They’re Tough

Blue sapphire is an inherently strong and durable gemstone, with a score of 9 on the Mohs scale – second to only diamonds. This means that you can flaunt your blue sapphire ring without worrying about chipping, scratching or cracking from everyday wear. Choose a traditional shape and get creative with a sparkling white gold ring.

White Gold Sapphire Pavé Sugarloaf Ring

18K White Gold Sapphire Pave Sugarloaf Ring

White Gold Sapphire Pavé East-West Oval Ring

18K White Gold Sapphire Pave East-West Oval Ring

4. They’re More Affordable

The tradition, uniqueness and lasting beauty associated with sapphires also come with dazzling affordability. Sapphires typically cost less per carat than diamonds, giving you more design flexibility and bang for your buck. Whatever style you choose, one thing is certain – you’ll shine down the aisle in a ring with a splash of blue 😉 

Three Stone Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Three Stone Round Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring

Vintage Diamond & Marquise Sapphire Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Vintage Round Diamond And Marquise Sapphire Engagement Ring

5. They’re Perfect For Everyday

When you choose a blue sapphire ring, it will be a perfect accessory for almost any outfit, whether you’re casual in blue jeans or glamming it up in a cocktail dress. No matter the occasion, you’ll always have an excuse to put yourself in our blues.

Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire & Aquamarine Ring

14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire And Aquamarine Asymmetrical Ring

Rose Gold Diamond & Sapphire Baguette Milgrain Ring

14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire And Aquamarine Asymmetrical Ring

All Blue-d Up? Check out the articles below to get more inspiration!

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Jarred Maram

Jarred is a writer by day and unofficial office ping pong champion

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The Royal Wedding: Matching Rings Made in Heaven

With the royal wedding almost upon us, we’ve taken the liberty of picking out matching wedding rings for Markle’s sparkle.

royal wedding matching wedding rings

The big news out of Kensington Palace last year was Prince Harry’s engagement to Meghan Markle. Oh, and that ring. You probably don’t need reminding that he popped the question with a classic three-stone sparkler, complete with a cushion cut center diamond. Or that the two round cut side stones came from Princess Di’s personal collection. But just in case you do, here’s a more affordable James Allen lookalike ring to jog your memory:

14K Yellow Gold Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring With Scroll Undergallery

Feeling nostalgic? Get Inspired by Meghan Markle’s Engagement Ring all over again!

In honor of the upcoming royal nuptials, we’ve rounded up some Insta-worthy wedding rings that would look perfect alongside Ms. Markle’s stunner. Think of them as the stylish yin to her sparkling yang.

BROWSE WEDDING RINGS

The Royal Wedding: Ringin’ in the Reign

The future royal has described her style as “classic with a modern twist”. This is evident in Harry’s choice of engagement ring, which features an intricate floral-like motif. She would do well to pair it with an understated wedding ring that doesn’t draw attention away from that magnificent diamond trio.

14K Yellow Gold 3mm Bezel Set Diamond Wedding Ring
Bezel Set Diamond Wedding Ring

This eternity ring has that classic style, but the surrounding diamonds give it an added je ne sais quoi.

14K Yellow Gold Baguette Wedding Ring
Baguette Diamond Wedding Ring

Classic meets contemporary in this sleek and sophisticated design.

The Royal Wedding: Your Other Other Half

One of the nice things about three stone engagement rings is how truly versatile they are. They can be paired with most wedding ring styles and metal types, so you’re bound to find something that suits your taste and “royal” wedding budget!

Double or Nothing

Pavé bands are the obvious choice if you want to accentuate your diamonds, as they essentially double the amount of sparkle.

14K White Gold Matching Wedding Band
Overlapping Single Row Pavé Wedding Ring

14K White Gold 0.20CTW. Pavé Diamond Wedding Ring
Pavé Diamond Wedding Ring

A Shine of the Times

14K White Gold Round And Baguette Milgrain Diamond Wedding Ring
Round and Baguette Milgrain Diamond Wedding Ring

Ever feel like you were born into the wrong era? Then you’ll dig the vintage stylings of this art deco charmer. Seriously, rings this regal should be illegal!

14K White Gold Blue Sapphire And Diamond Ring
Sapphire and Diamond Rope Style Wedding Ring

If you have a penchant for a more modern aesthetic, you may appreciate the smooth contours of this rope-style wedding ring. Its pavé diamonds are interwoven with blue sapphires, delivering a refreshing pop of color.

Mix or Match

Matching metals bring harmony to the wearer’s hand, while mixed metals lend a decidedly eclectic look. Demand for these sexy stackables is piling up!

14K White Gold Thin French-Cut Pavé Set Diamond Eternity Wedding Ring
French Cut Diamond Eternity Wedding Ring

14K Rose Gold Thin French-Cut Pavé Set Diamond Eternity Wedding Ring
French Cut Diamond Eternity Wedding Ring

The Royal Wedding: Princess Charming

For more classy combos, read up on How to Match Your Wedding Ring and Engagement Ring. Tell us which crowning jewel gets your royal seal of approval on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.

Pin this image to save your royal wedding ring inspo:

royal wedding pinterest pin

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Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.

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