Weight, cost and purity… What is the difference between yellow and white gold?

It occupies Pure yellowgold, but it is treated by adding other metals such as palladium, nickel, or zinc, which gives it a lighter color and greater hardness.

White gold is often plated with a layer of rhodium, a bright white metal from the platinum group, to enhance its luster and protect it from scratches and corrosion.

As for yellow gold, it consists of pure gold with small amounts of metals such as Copper and silver, while white gold is mixed with white metals such as palladium, nickel, or zinc, and then plated with rhodium. Therefore, white has higher hardness and greater resistance to scratches and bends compared to yellow.

White gold plating

Yellow gold is known for its ease of maintenance, as it does not need re-plating like white gold, on which the rhodium plating may corrode over time, revealing the original yellow color of the gold.

Both types are offered in the same karats, such as 24 karat (99.9% pure gold), 21 karat (about 87.5% pure gold), 18 karat (75% pure gold), and 14 karat (58.5% pure gold), and the difference between them lies in the percentage of metals added to the gold.

White gold is preferred in modern jewelry, while yellow gold retains its appeal in designs. Classic. The two types can be distinguished by the stamp on the piece of jewelry, as a stamp such as: "18K" or "750" To denote yellow gold, while a stamp such as "18K WG" or "PLAT 750" For white gold.

The cost of mixing and plating with rhodium

Also, white gold is heavier than yellow due to the additional metals included in its composition, and it is also slightly more expensive, due to the cost of mixing and plating with rhodium, although the difference in price is not large.

White gold maintains its intrinsic value over time, but rhodium plating may affect its resale value, as it needs to be replated every few years depending on use and exposure to the elements. Foreign affairs.

Jewelry and coin making

Man has known yellow gold for thousands of years, and used it in the manufacture of jewellery, coins and tools, while white gold appeared in the nineteenth century as an alternative to the rare and expensive platinum.

And its popularity flourished during the period "Art Deco" In the 1920s, when it was used to design bold, symmetrical geometric jewelry, it remains today a favorite choice in contemporary jewelry, especially in the design of rings, earrings, and bracelets.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter