Gold is the king of all metals, especially when we talk about fine jewelry. Its pursuit has obsessed humankind since time immemorial, motivated by its value, its weight, its hardness, and its characteristic luster and color.
Traditionally, yellow gold has been the most popular choice in jewelry, but white gold has been gaining prominence and consolidating its position as a star material thanks to the fresh touch it brings to any design and its inherent versatility.
The Mumit online store is the perfect showcase to observe how both types of metals give rise to authentic works of art. It is important to note that you will not find designs in 24-karat gold, as pure gold is too soft on its own. In previous occasions, we explained what 18-karat gold is and why it is preferable when creating jewelry.
But, would you be able to tell what are the differences between 18-karat yellow gold and white gold, how each is obtained, which one is more expensive, or, directly, which one is better? We have already told you 5 interesting facts about gold that you didn't know, but today we want to answer all the questions you may have about the tonal changes of this iconic metal.
Differences between yellow and white gold
As we mentioned earlier, the first step when working with pure gold is to mix it with other metals to create a durable alloy, which results in the different types of gold colors used in jewelry manufacturing. It is the percentage of metals in the mixture that determines the purity of the gold and its color, making it possible to create three different types: yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.
Yellow gold is mixed with other metals such as silver and copper, creating the distinctive warm and brilliant color that we all know. It is more resistant than pure gold but softer than white gold.
White gold is usually combined with palladium, nickel, or silver. It is more resistant as it very often has a rhodium plating that provides shine and hardness.
In summary, although both types of gold have the same proportion of pure gold (18 parts out of 24, or 75%), the differences in their alloy result in very distinctive colors and a slight variation in hardness.
How yellow gold is obtained
If you're wondering what impact the percentage of metals has on the yellow gold mixture, we'll explain the details. Obtaining 18-karat yellow gold for use in jewelry is based on alloying 75% pure gold with 25% other metals such as silver and copper.
Keep in mind that the proportion of silver and copper can vary, affecting the final color of the yellow gold. You can see the dazzling color of Mumit's 18-karat yellow gold in the 18K Yellow Gold Cloud Hoop Earrings. Designed to attract and reflect light in an unparalleled way, this trendy piece of jewelry is perfect for illuminating any occasion with the unmatched brilliance of yellow gold.
How white gold is obtained
To obtain 18-karat white gold, we are talking about 75% pure gold, combined with 25% of other metals such as palladium and silver. This type of gold also usually has a rhodium finish to protect it from external agents, creating the unique shine that characterizes this metal.
If you want to understand more about this fascinating process, we tell you all the details about how white gold is made on our blog.
Two types of gold for two unique pieces of jewelry
Rings have always been a trend in jewelry, and if we also incorporate precious stones into their design, beauty is more than guaranteed.
If you want to admire the magical light of yellow gold rings, we recommend Mumit's 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Ring, a statement of style and elegance perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to any outfit. Romantic and timeless, it is an investment that will never go out of style.
From yellow gold rings, we move on to white gold rings. Capable of seducing even the most demanding tastes, Mumit's 18K White Gold Amara Diamond Ring (0.50 cts) is a piece designed to enhance the beauty of diamonds with several details conceived to reflect light and boost their brilliance. Discover the perfect fusion of craftsmanship and innovation embodied in one of the most original white gold rings in Mumit's entire collection.
As you can see, both white and yellow gold offer a remarkable variety of possibilities, adding astonishing resistance and durability to their undeniable aesthetic qualities. Furthermore, in both cases, they combine perfectly with any type of precious gemstone, creating an elegant and sophisticated fusion of colors and brilliance.
What do you think of the selection of gold jewelry we've shared with you? We're sure you're eager to discover new proposals and more dazzling combinations. Follow Mumit's Instagram profile and explore their sublime 18K gold creations inspired by the latest trends.
