White Gold Vs. Yellow Gold

Editor: jewelrymike

This guide will explain the difference between the two types of gold
White Gold vs. Yellow Gold

We all know that there are two types of gold, white and yellow, but few know the difference between the two. They are not different metals, but simply use different alloys. Both white and yellow gold are composed primarily of 58.3% pure gold. The remainder is composed of other metallic elements.

Pure gold is extremely malleable and soft, too soft in fact to be used for jewelry. It must be combined with other metals in order to become tough and durable enough to be formed into a fine piece of jewelry. The metals added to gold are called the alloys.

Yellow gold is alloyed with silver while white gold is alloyed with nickel. Both also use copper and zinc as alloying elements. So, quite simply put, the difference between whit and yellow gold is the type of alloy used in each. There is no real difference in value between the two; it is merely matter of preference and personal taste.

Categories: Jewelry