14 February 2025
Gold has always been a symbol of luxury, but when it comes to choosing between yellow and white gold, things get a little tricky. You want a piece that’s not only beautiful but also durable enough to stand the test of time—after all, no one wants a ring that bends out of shape or loses its shine too soon!
But here’s the big question: Which one is better for you? Is yellow gold’s classic charm worth the investment, or does white gold’s sleek modern look come with more durability? Despite what you might think, the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think! In addition to colour, there are several other factors to consider.
In this post ahead, we’ll break down the differences, strengths, and weaknesses of both so you can make the perfect choice for your jewellery collection. Keep reading to find out which gold truly shines the brightest!
First, let’s clear up a common misconception—both white gold and yellow gold are made from real gold. However, pure gold (24K) is too soft for everyday wear, so jewellers mix it with other metals to increase its strength.
Yellow Gold: Yellow gold is what most people imagine when they think of traditional gold jewellery. It has a warm, rich colour and has been used in jewellery for centuries.
Composition:
White Gold: White gold has a silvery-white finish, making it look similar to platinum. It’s a modern favourite, especially for engagement rings.
Composition:
But here’s the big question—which one holds up better over time? Let’s find out!
Composition: Before we compare strengths, it’s important to understand what white gold and yellow gold are actually made of.
Yellow Gold: Made by mixing pure gold with metals like copper and zinc to add durability while maintaining its signature warm hue.
White Gold: Created by blending pure gold with stronger metals like nickel, palladium, or silver to give it a white-silver appearance. It is also coated with rhodium plating, which enhances its shine and scratch resistance.
Scratch Resistance: Jewellery, especially rings and bracelets, is constantly exposed to friction. Scratches can make a piece look worn out over time.
White Gold: The rhodium plating makes it more scratch-resistant and durable for daily wear. However, this plating wears off over time and needs to be reapplied every 1-2 years.
Yellow Gold: Since it contains softer metals, it is more prone to scratches and dents, especially in higher karats like 18K or 22K.
Strength and Longevity: If you want jewellery that will hold its shape over time, strength is a key factor.
White Gold: The presence of strong metals makes white gold less malleable and less likely to bend over time. However, rhodium plating requires maintenance.
Yellow Gold: While yellow gold is softer, it is less likely to become brittle like white gold. The upside? It’s easier to resize and repair over time.
Maintenance: No one wants jewellery that requires constant upkeep! Let’s see which metal is more low-maintenance.
White Gold: Needs rhodium re-plating every few years to maintain its shine and prevent yellowing.
Yellow Gold: Requires less maintenance, though it may need occasional polishing to remove scratches.
Skin Sensitivity: For those with sensitive skin, metal allergies are an important factor.
White Gold: Some alloys include nickel, which can cause allergies. If you have sensitive skin, go for nickel-free white gold.
Yellow Gold: Hypoallergenic and less likely to cause skin irritation, making it a safer choice for sensitive skin.
Now that you know the real difference between yellow gold and white gold, you can confidently choose the perfect metal for your jewellery. Both have their own strengths—white gold is more scratch-resistant, while yellow gold is easier to maintain.
No matter which one you prefer, quality matters the most! At AYAANI, we offer exquisite lab-grown diamond jewellery in both yellow gold and white gold settings so you get the perfect balance of beauty, durability, and sustainability.
