Not all gold looks golden—meet yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. Get to know these charming shades of gold and how their qualities and advantages can reflect your unique personality.
Key Takeaways
- Gold typically comes in three distinct colours: yellow, white and rose gold.
- The exact shade of gold is determined by the type and proportion of the metal alloys added to gold.
- Each colour has unique qualities and benefits. Yellow gold is low-maintenance and hypoallergenic, white gold is modern and complements the brilliance of gemstones while rose gold is durable and features a sweet, romantic look.
The Many Colours of Gold
Pure gold is yellow, but gold jewellery comes in three distinct colours of yellow, white and rose gold. Despite their varied appearances, they all contain the same amount of pure gold according to the karat weight, though the exact shade is determined by the type and amount of metal alloys added to the gold.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold comes in the traditional rich, warm colour that we commonly associate with the metal. Typically alloyed with metals like copper and silver, the exact shade of yellow gold can also vary depending on the karat, as purer gold content often appears more vibrant.
This timeless favourite and low-maintenance metal also has the advantage of being hypoallergenic, making it the perfect choice for individuals with sensitive skin.
Yellow gold is traditionally preferred for wedding jewellery designs in Singapore, such as Si Dian Jin (4 gold pieces gifted to the bride) in Chinese culture or the Thali (also known as Mangalsutra, a gold pendant presented by the groom) for Hindu weddings.
White Gold
White gold resembles silver, but its sleek appearance is made by alloying gold with metals such as palladium, nickel or silver and then plating it with rhodium.
A popular modern choice, the neutral colour of white gold complements various gemstones to create a stunning effect. This makes it particularly suited for typical engagement rings to bring out the brilliance of a diamond.
Compared to yellow gold, however, white gold requires more maintenance to retain its lustre. The rhodium plating, which gives white gold its white colour, can wear off over time and require re-plating. To maintain your jewellery’s sparkle, visit our boutiques and discover a full range of services, including plating and cleaning.
Rose Gold
Rose gold has a romantic, pinkish hue achieved by alloying gold with a higher proportion of copper. The intensity of the hue depends on the amount of copper used, ranging from a subtle blush tone to a deeper, warmer pink.
With its rosy tint, this unique shade is extremely distinctive and has soared in popularity in the last decade. The added copper alloy also strengthens the metal’s durability, making it more durable than other gold styles and suited for everyday wear.
Closing Thoughts
Each variation of gold brings its own unique set of characteristics and benefits. Selecting the perfect shade for you depends on personal preference and needs. Skin tone is one common way of choosing: yellow gold tends to suit warmer skin tones, while white or rose gold may complement cooler skin tones better.
Whether you are drawn to the classic warmth of yellow gold, the sleek elegance of white gold, or the romantic charm of rose gold, Poh Heng has a full range of exquisitely crafted pieces made for every look and occasion. Explore our collections online or try them on in our boutiques and find the gold that truly reflects your personality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colours can gold come in?
Gold usually comes in a variety of shades including the classic yellow, white gold and rose gold. These colours are achieved by alloying gold with other metals.
Which colour of gold is the best?
The best colour of gold depends on individual preference. While skin tone is one typical way of selecting a suitable colour of gold, other factors such as budget and lifestyle or frequent use can also help determine which colour will best complement an individual.
Poh Heng offers an extensive range of handcrafted jewellery crafted in these three shades, so you can choose the right piece that suits your preference.
Are gold pieces in different colours hypoallergenic?
Gold is considered hypoallergenic as it is rarely known to cause allergic skin reactions. However, as the different colours of gold are created with other metals and alloys, the added metals can trigger allergies for some individuals. Higher karat gold is also less likely to cause reactions due to the high gold content.