It is not uncommon that when selecting your gold to use in making jewelry, the topic of discussion revolves around two classic ones of interest: yellow gold and white gold. They are both celebrated as beautiful, durable and versatile materials, but for different aesthetics, skin tones and lifestyle needs.
You may be buying an engagement ring , a spiritual gemstone charm, or simply the one signature jewelry that would perfectly complement your outfit, but having knowledge about the strongest and the weakest aspects of each metal may assist you to make a purposeful and conscious decision.
The Yellow Gold is warm and rich, which makes it feel traditional and pure and evokes the emotions of nostalgia. It is old school gold- or at least centuries-old; gold on royal accoutrements, ancient amulets, etc., are seen widely, and its craze is still the same.
White Gold is smooth and modern. It has a cool-toned polish and is platinum-like shimmer, making it popular in today's jewellery designs like minimalistic rings , and high-end gemstone settings jewellery .
Just imagine it as a character select: yellow gold murmurs warmth, heredity, and belonging. White gold is talking of simplicity, sleekness and sharpness.
Further Reading - Why Custom-Made Jewellery Is Gaining Popularity in Modern Times?
Yellow Gold usually contains an alloy of copper and silver to reinforce it. It is softer in a high karat version (e.g. 22k), yet its corrosion resistance is outstanding.
White Gold is either combined with nickel, palladium or manganese, and more often than not, plated with rhodium for that shiny exterior and extra strength.
Feature |
Yellow Gold |
White Gold |
Tone |
Warm, golden |
Cool, silvery |
Alloys |
Copper, silver |
Nickel, palladium |
Durability |
Softer (in high karats) |
Harder, rhodium plated |
Skin Sensitivity |
Hypoallergenic |
May cause reactions (cause of nickel) |
Maintenance |
Low upkeep |
Needs rhodium re-coating |
In most cultures, Yellow Gold symbolises divinity, wealth and the power of the sun. It is the favourite metal in astrological gemstones such as Ruby stone , Yellow Sapphire and Hessonite stone -optimizing the planetary positions as well as the spiritual heat.
The contemporary neutrality of White Gold helps make such gemstones as Diamond, Blue Sapphire , and Emerald stone jump out of the box. It represents clearness, advancement and unsentimental design.
If you are choosing jewelry on spiritual synergies or to astrologically suit you, yellow gold can be even more astrologically suited to you, particularly as worn for certain gemstones which are suitably aligned with those planets favourable to you.
Also Read - What Metal to Wear with my Astrological Gemstone
Cost of maintenance of Yellow Gold is minimal. The shine of its natural products takes decades, and it gets a mellow glaze with age, which is vintage.
White Gold should have its rhodium re-coated periodically in order to stay shiny. Lack of this causes it to become somewhat grey or dull with time.
The warm overtones (olive, golden, or brown skin but only with warm colors) combine really well with yellow gold.
Personal undertones such as cool (pink, fair or rosy skin tones) tend to flatter white gold more effectively.
One can wear neutral undertones in either, so just go with personality, wardrobe or the choice of gemstones .
Pro Tip: Put various golds on your wrist under natural light. Your instinct will make a choice even before your brain.
Read More - Gemstone Jewellery To Wear As Per Your Skin Tone
Ask yourself:
Does this make a daily wear? → White gold usually lasts longer when there are scratches.
Does this concern a spiritual or astrological buy? → Yellow gold is more effective in line with planetary rites.
Are you looking at something classic or fashionable? → Yellow gold is more traditional, white gold is more modern.
Do you have sensitivity to metals? → Go nickel-free white gold if you have allergies, or just keep up using the hypoallergenic yellow gold.
It is not only about the appearance but also a point of view on your lifestyle, your ideals and your relation to the clothes you wear.
So pause and pick it up and take its heft in your palm and see how it glows with the light, and say to yourself:
Does this sound like I am?
It does not just sparkle. It speaks.
Get the one with Navratan, whatever you choose, we are here for you to guide you and help you choose your perfect metal, gemstone, design or jewellery, whatever it is you need.