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Colors of Gold: White Gold, Rose Gold, Pink Gold and Green Gold

By Ginny • August 8, 2017 • Gold Guides, Ultimate Guides

Why do gold have different colors? Is one more precious than the other?

HOW ARE DIFFERENT COLORS OF GOLD CREATED?

Pure gold is just “gold” or yellow in color. The color of gold is determined by the type of metal added to the initial pure gold to create the desired shade and materials. That’s why you can have three pieces of gold jewelry, each with a 18k gold stamp, but are of three entirely different shades of gold.

Although 18K yellow gold, rose gold and white gold have 75% pure gold, the difference in their added metals composition results in different colors.

>> What do 14k, 18k, 24k gold mean?

Gold of different shades will have pretty similar monetary value if their gold content is the same (for eg. both are 18K). Therefore, choice of color often boil down to preference.

The most popular shades of gold are yellow gold, white gold and rose (pink) gold. Others that you might come across are green gold, grey gold, blue gold, black gold and purple gold.

WHAT IS WHITE GOLD?

Colors of Gold: White Gold, Rose Gold, Pink Gold and Green Gold

White gold is the alloy of yellow gold and a white metal such as nickel or palladium, that is overlayed with rhodium.

Rhodium is one of the rarest and most valuable precious metals. It does not corrode or oxidize. Rhodium is about 8 times more expensive than gold. It is white in color, and thus Rhodium is what makes white gold white.

Composition:

18K white gold 14K white gold
  • 75% gold
  • 10% palladium
  • 10% nickel
  • 5% zinc
  • 59% gold
  • 25.5% copper
  • 12.3% nickel
  • 3.2% zinc
WHAT IS ROSE GOLD?

Colors of Gold: White Gold, Rose Gold, Pink Gold and Green GoldOur Stackable Name Ring

Rose gold, red gold and pink gold are gold with a pinkish tint to them. They are alloy of gold and copper, with some silver added to lighten the redness. The more copper used, the stronger the pink tint.

18K Red Gold 18K Rose Gold 18K Pink Gold
  • 75% gold
  • 25% copper
  • 75% gold
  • 22.5% copper
  • 2.75% silver
  • 75% gold
  • 20% copper
  • 5% silver
WHAT IS GREEN GOLD, GREY GOLD, BLUE GOLD, PURPLE GOLD, BLACK GOLD… WHAT?

Colors of Gold: White Gold, Rose Gold, Pink Gold and Green Gold

These following shades of gold are very uncommon, but you might just want to know that they exist:

Green gold = gold + silver + cadmium (at least 14k)

Grey gold = gold, silver, manganese and copper

Blue gold = gold + indium (about 12k)

Purple gold = gold + a special type of aluminum (AuAl2) (about 18k)

Black gold = gold electroplated with black rhodium or ruthenium

Colors of Gold: White Gold, Rose Gold, Pink Gold and Green Gold

IS ONE GOLD COLOR MORE VALUABLE THAN THE OTHER?

The answer is technically no. The purity of the gold, and not its color, affects a gold piece’s value. Yellow, white and rose gold are similarly priced if they contain the same percentage of pure gold. Therefore, you should make your purchase decision based on your preference and occasion.

>> How to care for gold-plated jewelry

SHOP OUR RANGE OF 18K GOLD PLATED JEWELRY

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Handwriting Disc Necklace with Charm
– Signature Bangle – Handwriting Cuff Wide Band – Stackable Name Ring

In my next post, I will explain the differences between between solid gold, gold plated, gold filled and gold vermeil jewelry. If you are buying gold jewelry and have any other question, just leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to answer them.

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Fineness of Gold: 10k, 12k, 14k, 18k and How To Tell If Gold Is Real
Differences Between Solid Gold, Gold Plated, Gold Filled and Gold Vermeil

About the Author

Ginny

Hello, it's Ginny. I am a mother of two beautiful kids and I love to do craftwork in my spare time. I started Centime out of a dream to create handmade gifts with a timeless appeal and personal touch. With this blog, I wish to impart my knowledge from years as a jeweler so that you can pick out gifts of everlasting love.

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2 Comments

  • Reply Does Gold Turn Green? | Centime Blog February 9, 2018 at 8:15 am

    […] >> What is green gold? Different colors of gold explained […]

  • Reply Differences Between Solid Gold, Gold Plated, Gold Filled and Gold Vermeil | Centime Blog May 30, 2018 at 2:22 am

    […] >> What is green gold? Different colors of gold explained […]

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Hi, I’m Ginny. I run Centime.

Hi, I’m Ginny. I run Centime.
Hi, I'm Ginny. Welcome to Centime's blog. I started Centime because I was sick of generic, branded gifts with no soul. As I have always loved to make my own jewelry and gifts, I dreamed of creating handmade gifts with a timeless appeal and personal touch. Centime was born out of that dream, and I am grateful to be living my dream everyday. All the posts in this blog were written by me, using years of experience as a jeweler so that you can pick out the perfect gifts that are not just gifts but symbols of everlasting love. Love for keeps, we call them. My colleagues and I also occasionally post inspirations and customer stories that touch our heart. We will also keep you updated of any changes going on in our store. I hope you enjoy this blog, and keep loving <3
Ginny of Centime

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