The difference between white and yellow gold

18 March 2025
Mai
الفرق بين الذهب الابيض والاصفر

When talking about gold, its luxurious luster and precious value come to mind, but the most important question remains: What's the difference between white gold and yellow gold? Both are symbols of luxury and elegance, yet each has unique characteristics that make them suitable for different tastes and uses.

AtQimat Zawiya Al Shifa Gold and Jewelry , the closest gold shop to my location in Riyadh , we provide you with the most detailed information about the advantages and differences between these two types, helping you choose the perfect piece that reflects your refined taste. Whether you're looking for classic yellow gold with its warm luster or modern white gold with its sophisticated brilliance, we offer the highest quality standards and the latest designs that combine luxury with exquisite craftsmanship.


What is the difference between white and yellow gold?

The difference between white gold and yellow gold lies in the composition, color, and durability . Here are the details:

1. Formation:

  • Yellow gold: It consists of pure gold mixed with metals such as copper and zinc, giving it its durability and distinctive golden color.
  • White gold: Pure gold is mixed with metals such as palladium or nickel, then plated with rhodium to give it a silvery shine and color.

2. Color:

  • Yellow gold: retains its natural golden color, and the higher the percentage of pure gold, the brighter the color.
  • White gold: It has a shiny silvery appearance due to the metals it is alloyed with and the rhodium coating it has.

3. Durability and maintenance:

  • Yellow gold: Less prone to scratching but requires regular polishing to maintain its shine.
  • White gold: Harder and more scratch-resistant, but requires re-plating with rhodium from time to time to maintain its shine.

4. Price:

  • White gold may be more expensive due to the cost of rhodium plating and additives.
  • Yellow gold is more expensive in higher carats because it contains a higher percentage of pure gold.

5. Use in jewelry:

  • Yellow gold is ideal for classic, traditional jewelry.
  • White gold is preferred in modern jewelry and complements the look of diamonds and clear gemstones.



Get an elegant gold pendant that reflects your distinctive style, only from Qimmat Zawiya Al Shifa Gold and Jewelry Store.



Get now an 18-karat gold pendant that reflects your classic elegance at the best price from Qimmat Al Shifa store.



Shine with this elegantly designed 18-karat white gold necklace , now available at Qimat Zawiyat Al Shifa Gold and Jewelry.



Get this elegant gold necklace with a double-layer design to give you a touch of luxury and charm. It is now available at the Qimmat Zawiya Al Shifa Gold and Jewelry store, the best gold store in Saudi Arabia .



Adorn your neck with this charming golden choker , an elegant design that suits all occasions. Get it now.


In general, the choice of white or yellow gold depends on personal taste and the look one seeks to achieve, as each has its own unique beauty and investment value.


Is white gold more expensive or yellow gold?

When comparing the prices of white gold to yellow gold, we notice that white gold is often more expensive. This is due to several influential factors, including:


  1. More complex production processes: White gold is produced by mixing yellow gold with other metals such as palladium, nickel, or silver. This addition increases the cost of production compared to pure yellow gold.
  2. High Demand: White gold is extremely popular, especially in the jewelry and luxury watch industries. This increased demand contributes to its higher prices compared to yellow gold.
  3. Lower Production Quantities: White gold is produced in smaller quantities than yellow gold due to the complexity of its manufacturing processes. This limited supply plays a significant role in its high market value.
  4. Additional maintenance costs: White gold requires more regular maintenance than yellow gold, requiring frequent cleaning and maintenance to maintain its shine. These additional costs are reflected in its final price.

What are the forms of white and yellow gold?

  • White and yellow gold are available in a wide range of designs to suit a variety of tastes. They can be found in rings , bracelets, necklaces, and luxurious earrings, as well as in watches and luxury accessories, giving each piece a touch of distinction and elegance.
  • White gold is known for its superior ability to highlight the beauty of gemstones, making it an ideal choice for jewelry studded with diamonds and other precious stones, enhancing their brilliance and sparkle. Yellow gold, on the other hand, is a classic choice for lovers of traditional luxury, adding a warm and elegant touch to various designs.



Gold tones studded with the finest stones to add a special charm to your hands. Reserve yours now before it runs out at Qimat Zawiya Al Shifa Gold and Jewelry.



Stand out with a royal look, and buy this luxurious gold ring with its attractive design from the Qimmat Zawiya Al-Shifa Gold and Jewelry store, the best store that sells gold in installments in Riyadh.



Adorn your wrist with this luxurious gold bracelet , now available at Qimat Zawiya Al Shifa Gold and Jewelry Store.




Add a touch of elegance to your wrist with this elegant gold bracelet . Shop it now from Qimat Zawiya Al Shifa Gold and Jewelry Store.


What are the disadvantages of white and yellow gold?

Although white and yellow gold are luxurious options that add a touch of elegance and beauty to jewelry, each has some drawbacks that should be considered before purchasing. In the following lines, we will learn about the disadvantages of each type:


Disadvantages of white gold:

  1. Requires regular maintenance: It needs to be re-plated with a layer of rhodium every now and then to maintain its shine and scratch resistance.
  2. More expensive than yellow gold: due to added metals such as palladium and rhodium, which increase its cost.
  3. Its color fades over time: Without regular maintenance, it may lose its luster and appear dull.

Disadvantages of yellow gold:

  1. More prone to scratches and wear: Due to its softness, it requires special care during daily use.
  2. It may change color over time: due to the reaction of copper and other metals with air and sweat, which leads to the need to polish it regularly.
  3. Less hard than white gold: making it less resistant to pressure and scratches, especially in delicate designs.
  4. It may not be ideal for white gemstones, such as diamonds, as their brilliance does not stand out in the same way that white gold does.


Your guide to choosing the perfect gold according to your needs

When purchasing gold, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the right piece that meets your needs and suits your taste. The most important of these factors are:

  • Determine the purpose of the purchase: Are you looking for a piece for everyday use, a special occasion, or an investment? This will influence your choice of gold type, whether white gold for a modern look or yellow gold for a warm, classic feel.
  • Budgeting: Determine how much you want to spend, keeping in mind that white gold is often more expensive than yellow gold due to the added metals.
  • Choosing the right karat: The higher the karat of gold, the higher its purity and price. 24-karat gold is the purest but softest, while 18-karat and 14-karat gold are more durable and less expensive.
  • Choose a design and style: Whether you prefer classic designs or modern models, make sure to choose a piece that matches your personal style and reflects your taste.
  • Buy from a trusted source: Make sure to purchase gold from a trusted and certified store to ensure its quality and authenticity.


Finally, whether you prefer white gold with its modern luster or yellow gold with its classic appeal, the choice depends on your taste and needs. At Qimat Zawiya Al Shifa Gold and Jewelry, we offer you a sophisticated selection of jewelry crafted to the highest quality standards, so you can find the perfect piece that reflects your style and lasts a lifetime.


Frequently Asked Questions: The Difference Between White and Yellow Gold

Which is more expensive, white gold or yellow gold?

White gold is typically more expensive than yellow gold due to the additional metals used in its manufacture, as well as the rhodium plating that needs to be periodically renewed.


Does white gold change color over time?

Yes, over time the rhodium plating may wear off, causing discoloration, so white gold needs to be replated to maintain its original shine and appearance.


Which is more durable, white or yellow gold?


White gold is more durable than yellow gold because it is alloyed with hard metals such as palladium and nickel, making it more resistant to scratches and corrosion.

Does white gold cause skin allergies?

White gold may cause an allergic reaction in some people if it contains nickel, so it is preferable to choose nickel-free white gold for people with sensitive skin.