What's the difference between white and yellow gold?
Despite its brilliance, strength and rust-resistance, gold is combined with other metals to make jewelry.
This mixture gives the precious metal, which is usually yellow, other colors such as white or gray. And if, like many people, you're wondering about the difference between white and yellow gold, here are some answers to your questions.
What's the difference between white and yellow gold? Composition
As mentioned above, the base gold, when extracted, always has the same color. It's yellow.
The difference between white and yellow gold lies in the composition of the alloy.
We therefore generally observe :
- Yellow gold: 75% yellow gold with 12.5% silver and 12.5% copper.
- White gold: 75% yellow gold with 18.5% silver, 1% copper and 5.5% zinc.
- White gold: 75% yellow gold with 25% palladium or rhodium.
These different stages and treatments have evolved over time and according to buyer demand.
The cost of manufacturing is obviously a factor in the difference between white and yellow gold.
The difference between white and yellow gold: what impact does it have on the value of your gold jewelry?
The question most investors ask about the difference between white and yellow gold is the value of jewelry made from these two colors of the precious yellow metal.
In fact, several factors come into play and impact on the price difference between white and yellow gold
- The alloy used
- The carat
- Jewellery-making
- Material processing
Indeed, in terms of percentage of fine gold content, it is similar in a piece of jewelry of the same carat, whether yellow or white.
On the other hand, the treatment of the material required for manufacture or subsequent refining will be different and more costly depending on the case, which largely explains the difference between white and yellow gold.
As a result, white gold jewelry, which has benefited from more production work, is sold at a higher price on the market.
On resale, their rate remains similar, as it is a function of the carat content, but a white gold jewel may have an added value relative to its appearance, white gold being brighter and benefiting from a fashion effect.
At GOLDMARKET we can appraise your jewelry to clarify the difference between white and yellow gold and the assets you own.