Rose Gold vs. White Gold vs. Yellow Gold Necklaces
You have plenty of metal options for your necklaces, but you may not be aware of the differences between rose, white, and yellow gold. We'll briefly compare these three metals so you can choose the one that is right for you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to Gold Types
While each style of gold metal is strong, shiny, and beautiful, they look different. Yellow gold has the classic hue that you recognize. White gold has a silvery hue and was originally made to look like platinum. Rose gold has a slightly pink hue that gives it a unique look.
Composition and Purity
Pure gold is too malleable to use for jewelry, so they're mixed with other materials to make the gold stronger. A mixture of metals is called an alloy. The alloys also give gold their distinct colors. Yellow gold is formed by blending pure gold with copper, silver, and zinc. White gold is usually an alloy containing gold, nickel, and zinc. Rose gold is an alloy of copper and gold.
You've probably heard the terms 14 and 18 karat when discussing gold necklaces. This is directed toward the percentage of pure gold in the metal. For yellow gold, 18k gold contains 75% gold, and 14k gold contains 58.3% gold. For rose gold, 14k rose gold contains about 58% pure gold and 42% copper alloys, and 18k rose gold contains about 75% pure gold and 25% copper alloys. For white gold, 14k white gold is 58.5% pure gold, and 18k white gold is 75% pure gold.
Color and Appearance
People often have preferences when it comes to metal. Maybe most of their jewelry is yellow gold or white gold, or they like all metals and prefer mixing and matching. Choosing a metal is a personal choice and could also depend on your coloring. For example, if you have a warmer skin tone, yellow gold and rose gold can bring out the rich warmth of your tones. White gold brings out the cooler tones in your skin. So, it depends on whether you want to bring out your skin's warm or cool undertones or balance them. Gold options look amazing in necklaces and are versatile metals that go well with all gemstones.
Durability and Strength
We already discussed how malleable pure gold is and how mixing gold with other metals is necessary to make it stronger. So 14K gold contains less pure gold than 18K gold, so 14K is stronger and more durable. Gold necklaces, for example, won't get scratched as easily as a ring. It's important to note that other jewelry pieces can scratch your gold jewelry, so you'll want to store necklaces carefully and be careful if you're layering them. Professional jewelers can buff out light scratches if your jewelry gets scratched.
Popularity and Trends
Yellow gold is a classic look and will always be a popular option for necklaces. Rose gold's popularity has increased in recent years because it's unique and stands out. White gold remains a sought-after option for those who like the cool hue of silver.
Price and Affordability
One of the reasons people adore gold is because it's affordable and looks amazing. Since 18K contains more pure gold than 14K gold, 18K will cost about 20% more than 14K gold. Plus, 18K is about 15% heavier than 14K gold.
Maintenance and Care
Carefully caring for your gold necklace can ensure that it lasts for years. Store your necklace separately from other pieces of jewelry to prevent scratching. For gemstone or diamond necklaces, periodically clean the stone settings and have it professionally inspected to make sure the prongs are intact and your stones are secure in the necklace. Keep your necklace at home if you're swimming, exercising, or doing anything strenuous that could damage your jewelry.
Personal Preferences and Styling Tips
Necklaces are versatile pieces that come in thousands of different designs. Consider your lifestyle and what types of events you attend the most to find the necklace that's perfect for you. You can dress necklaces up or down or layer different necklaces for more of a statement look. Browse different styles of necklaces, from solitaires, halo pendants to toi et moi necklaces, to see what look you prefer. Consider your skin tone and personal metal preferences as you browse different gold necklaces. If you're getting a necklace for a special occasion, consider what you'll be wearing and if you'll wear your hair up or down. Wearing your hair up draws more attention to your necklace and creates a more dramatic look.
Customization and Personalization
These days, you can customize necklaces to make them your own. You can select your favorite metal, such as yellow, rose, or white gold. You can also pick out the gemstones or create an entirely new necklace. Consider engraving your jewelry with a date, quote, inside joke, or phrase for an extra special touch.
Conclusion
Gold is a popular metal for both men's and women's fine jewelry. It's durable, gorgeous, and versatile that complements all styles of necklaces. You can select between white, yellow, or rose gold, depending on your preferences and what looks best on you. White gold has a silvery hue, yellow has the classic gold look, and rose gold has a tint of pink from the copper in its metal. Both 18K and 14K are great options, but 14K will be more robust because it contains less pure gold. Plus, 14K is more affordable than 18K gold. No matter what type of gold you choose, you can't go wrong–they're all fantastic for necklaces.
