You’re engaged! Congratulations! After you’ve picked yourself up off the floor and stopped staring at that gorgeous ring on your finger, it’s time to start thinking about the wedding.
One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is what kind of metal you want for your engagement ring. Do you want white gold or yellow gold? platinum or palladium?
This decision may seem small, but it’s actually quite important. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the most popular white gold vs yellow gold engagement ring so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
What Is White Gold?
White gold is a type of gold that is alloyed with other metals to create a white color. The most common metals used to create white gold are nickel, palladium, and silver.
White gold is often used in jewelry because it has a bright, shiny appearance that can be made into any number of designs. It is also more durable than yellow gold and does not require as much care.
The process of making white gold begins with mixing pure 24 karat yellow gold with a white metal such as nickel, manganese or palladium. Once the metals are mixed together, they are put through a process called sintering which bond the metals together.
After the metals are bonded together, they are formed into the desired shape and then finished with a coating of Rhodium which gives it a shining lustrous surface.
What Are The Benefits Of White Gold?
White gold has many of the same properties as yellow gold - it is strong, durable and resistant to tarnish.
The main benefit of white gold is its aesthetic value - white gold has a lustrous whiteness that makes it a popular choice for jewelry. It should be noted that although white gold has a whiteness that can rival platinum, it is not as strong or as durable as platinum.
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What Are The Drawbacks Of White Gold?
Although white gold has many benefits, there are some drawbacks associated with this metal. One major drawback is that because white gold contains Nickel (a less expensive metal), it is more likely to cause an allergic reaction in people who have Nickel allergies.
In addition, because white gold is not as strong or durable as platinum, it may require more frequent repairs and replacements over time.
What Is Yellow Gold?
Before we discuss yellow gold engagement rings, it’s important to understand what yellow gold actually is. Pure gold is too soft to be used in jewelry, so it is mixed with other metals to create an alloy.
The most common alloy metals used with gold are copper and zinc. The more alloy metal used, the less pure gold there is in the mixture. The karat weight of a yellow gold piece of jewelry will tell you how much pure gold is present.
The most common karat weights for yellow gold are 14K and 18K. 14K yellow gold contains 58.5% pure gold and 18K yellow gold contains 75% pure gold. 24K yellow gold is 100% pure gold, but it is too soft to be used in jewelry so it isn’t as common.
Benefits Of Yellow Gold Engagement Rings
There are a lot of benefits that come with choosing a yellow gold engagement ring. First and foremost, yellow gold is extremely durable.
It's not as soft as silver or platinum, so it can stand up to wear and tear much better than those other metals. This makes it an ideal choice for someone who works with their hands or is otherwise active on a daily basis.
Another benefit of yellow gold is that it's hypoallergenic. If you're someone who's allergic to nickel or other metals commonly used in jewelry making, then yellow gold is a great alternative.
And because it doesn't contain any nickel, there's no risk of it causing skin irritation or leaving behind green marks on your skin (which can sometimes happen with other metals).
White Gold Vs Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
White Gold Vs Yellow Gold: Aesthetics
One of the first things you'll notice about white gold and yellow gold is that they have very different visual appearances. White gold is, well, white—or at least, it appears to be white.
In actuality, white gold is a mix of yellow gold and other alloys like nickel, manganese, or palladium. These other metals are added to give the gold a white appearance.
Meanwhile, yellow gold is exactly what it sounds like—a metal with a characteristic yellow coloration.
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So, which metal looks better? It really comes down to personal preference. The clean appearance of white gold appeals to some people, while the traditional appearance of yellow gold appeals to others. The choice is yours!
White Vs Yellow Gold: Durability
In terms of durability, yellow gold tends to be stronger than white gold. This is due to the fact that yellow gold contains more pure gold than white gold.
That said, both metals are relatively strong and durable, so you don't need to worry too much about either scratching or denting easily.
Learn More: How Much Is A 14K Gold Wedding Band Worth
White Vs Yellow Gold: Cost
Generally speaking, white gold is more expensive than yellow gold. This is because white gold contains more precious metals than yellow gold. So, if cost is a key consideration for you, then you may want to opt for a yellow gold engagement ring over a white one.
White Vs Yellow Gold: Maintenance
White gold does require more maintenance than yellow gold. It's not as resistant to scratches and scuffs, so you'll need to get it professionally cleaned and polished more often.
So, which is the best choice for you? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Consider what type of look you're going for and how much maintenance you're willing to do before making your decision. Whichever type of gold you choose, you can be confident that you're making a beautiful choice!
Conclusion
So, what's the verdict? Which type of gold should you choose for your engagement ring? The answer really depends on your own personal preference. Some people prefer the warmer look of yellow gold, while others find white gold to be more elegant and timeless. Ultimately, it comes down to what you think looks best on your finger!
