Different Colours of Gold
Different Colours of Gold
The different colours of gold have their own unique characteristics, advantages, and challenges. In this post, we’ll explore the four most common types of coloured gold, followed by a discussion on the rarer and more unusual varieties.
1. Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the natural colour of gold as found in its natural state. However, pure gold (24K) is too soft for everyday jewellery, so it is commonly alloyed with other metals for added strength.
Composition:
- 18K yellow gold: 75% gold, 12.5% silver, 12.5% copper
- 14K yellow gold: 58.3% gold, 29% copper, 12.7% silver
- 10K yellow gold: 41.7% gold, 32.5% copper, 25.8% silver
Best Gemstone Pairings
Yellow gold is classic and goes with anything. It pairs well with traditional gemstones like:
- Ruby
- Emerald
- Sapphire
- Diamond
2. White Gold
White gold is a popular alternative to platinum due to its sleek, modern look. It is created by mixing gold with white metals and is sometimes plated with rhodium to enhance its brightness.
At Posy we use a white gold alloy that does not requires rhodium plating.
Nickle white gold is available in 10k, 14k, 18k and 19k alloys. Palladium white gold is typically only available in 14k but 18k may also be available.
Should you have any concerns about allergies or skin sensitivities we recommend palladium white gold.
Common White Gold Alloys:
- Nickel White Gold: Contains gold, nickel, and zinc. It is durable but may cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Palladium White Gold: Contains gold and palladium, making it hypoallergenic and more expensive than nickel-based white gold.
Best Gemstone Pairings
White gold’s cool, silvery tone pairs well with:
- Diamonds
- Blue sapphires
- Aquamarines
- Tanzanite
3. Rose Gold
Rose gold has a warm, romantic hue created by increasing the copper content in the alloy. The more copper it contains, the deeper the red colour.
Composition:
- 18K rose gold: 75% gold, 22.25% copper, 2.75% silver
- 14K rose gold: 58.3% gold, 41.7% copper
- 10K rose gold: 41.7% gold, 58.3% copper
Best Gemstone Pairings
Rose gold’s vintage charm works beautifully with:
- Morganite
- Pink sapphires
- Green or Teal Sapphire
- Diamond
4. Green Gold
Green gold, sometimes called electrum, is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. It has a subtle greenish tint, making it a unique choice for jewelry.
Composition:
- 75% gold, 25% silver (higher silver content results in a more pronounced green hue)
Best Gemstone Pairings
Green gold complements earth-toned and pastel gemstones like:
- Peridot
- Tourmaline
- Sapphire
- Alexandrite
Rare Gold Alloys: Purple and Blue Gold
While yellow, white, rose, and green gold are commonly used in jewellery, some rare gold alloys exist but are not suitable for traditional jewellery-making due to their brittleness.
Purple Gold
Purple gold, or gold-aluminum alloy, contains approximately 79% gold and 21% aluminum. While it has a striking violet hue, it is highly brittle and can shatter easily, making it impractical for most jewellery settings.
Blue Gold
Blue gold is made by alloying gold with indium or gallium, which creates a surface oxide that gives it a blue tint. However, the blue layer is fragile and can wear off over time, limiting its use in jewellery.
Gold’s colour variations allow for endless creative possibilities in jewellery design. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of yellow gold, the modern appeal of white gold, the romantic hue of rose gold, or the unique charm of green gold, there is a gold alloy for every taste.
Gemstone Engagement Rings