Rose Gold, White Gold and Yellow Gold: How to Choose

Yellow, rose and white gold can all be 18K, so the choice between them is about colour, upkeep and the look you want. Here is a practical way to decide.

How do the colours come about?

Gold is naturally yellow. Mixing it with other metals changes its colour:

• Yellow gold: pure gold mixed with silver and copper in balanced amounts, keeping a classic yellow tone.
• Rose gold: more copper in the mix, which gives a warm pink tone.
• White gold: gold mixed with white metals such as palladium or nickel-based alloys, usually finished with a bright white surface layer.

The purity can be the same in all three. An 18K piece is 75 percent gold whichever colour it is.

Yellow gold

It is the traditional favourite in India and suits a wide range of skin tones, especially warm and neutral undertones. It tends to make diamonds look slightly warmer, a look many people love for its richness. It needs little maintenance: a wipe and an occasional professional clean are enough.

Rose gold

Its pink warmth looks soft and modern, and it flatters many skin tones. It is a popular choice for delicate everyday pieces and for those who want something a little different. Because of its copper content it is slightly harder than yellow gold. Over time it keeps its colour well.

White gold

White gold gives a cool, bright look that makes diamonds appear icy and crisp. It is usually finished with a thin layer of a white metal to give it a brilliant shine. That finish can wear off with years of use, which can leave a faint warm tone, and a jeweller can re-finish the piece. Some people with sensitivity to certain metals should ask about the alloy used. See skin sensitivity and jewellery metals.

Which suits diamonds?

All three work. If you want a diamond to look as colourless as possible, a white metal setting shows it off. If you like a warm, classic look, yellow gold frames a diamond beautifully. Rose gold gives a romantic, vintage feel.

Choosing by lifestyle

• Low upkeep: yellow and rose gold need the least attention.
• A cool, modern look: white gold, with occasional re-finishing.
• Mixing with other jewellery you own: match the colour of your existing pieces, or deliberately mix metals. See mixing gold, white gold and platinum.

What about platinum?

Platinum is naturally white and does not need a surface finish to stay white, but it is a different metal with a different price. We compare it in platinum vs white gold for diamond rings.

Caring for each colour

All three clean in the same way: warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush, then a soft dry cloth. The difference is in the long run. White gold may need its bright finish refreshed after several years. Rose and yellow gold simply need a polish if you want the original shine back. Keep any piece away from harsh chemicals and chlorinated water, which can dull the finish of any gold colour.

Trying before choosing

Colour looks different on screen and on your skin. The best test is to try pieces on in daylight. You can view our range of diamond jewellery online and then book a visit to compare the colours in person.