Difference between White Gold and Yellow Gold
Gold is an element extracted from the earth. From very ancient times, great value has been assigned to it, both symbolic and monetary; all due to its appearance, rarity and beauty. Difference between White Gold and Yellow Gold
It is commonly used in jewelry, although it also has practical uses in the fields of Electronics (it is a good conductor of electricity), Dentistry, among others.
In addition to its beauty, symbolism, and value, gold is known for its high malleability and resistance to corrosion and other chemical reactions.
We know you have a good idea of what gold is, but you may have realized that yellow is not the only one and that there is also white gold. If like many others, you are also wondering what is the difference between them; keep reading, because we will explain it to you below.
YELLOW GOLD
In its pure state, gold is yellow in color and relatively soft. However, its softness is a disadvantage for use in jewelry; since it is necessary for it to maintain its shape when the gem is embedded.
Due to the need to make gold stronger and less malleable, it is combined with other metals and this affects its color and hardness.
The most common type of gold is yellow, and it is combined with zinc. The karats that gold has are precisely those that indicate how much it has of the other elements with which it has been combined. Pure gold is 24 carats. 22 karat gold is 92% gold and 8% other metals. In the case of gold 10, it is only 41% gold.
If you have the same karats, the color does not matter, the gold is as is. For example, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold contain gold to the same extent.
WHITE GOLD
White gold has become very popular, especially in recent decades; perhaps because it resembles platinum or titanium; two elements that double in price.
White gold is generally mixed with rhodium and that is why it gets a clear grayish color. Thanks to rhodium, white gold looks brighter.
Finally, yellow gold has always been considered classic, traditional and timeless. It is very popular for offering a good contrast to shiny stones such as diamonds, but being softer than white gold; it is also more likely to have marks or scratches.
Key Differences
- Yellow gold is more common than white gold.
- White gold is usually combined with rhodium, while yellow is combined with zinc.
- White gold is harder and stronger than yellow gold.