Gold has fascinated humanity for centuries with its warm, yellow glow. But walk into any modern jewellery store, and you’ll notice gold isn’t always yellow—there’s the romantic blush of rose gold and the sleek sophistication of white gold. Have you ever wondered how these stunning colours are created? The secret lies in the art and science of gold alloys.
Why Gold Needs Alloys
Pure gold (24K) is naturally bright yellow, but it’s also very soft. To make it durable enough for jewellery, gold is mixed with other metals—known as alloys. These alloys not only strengthen the gold but also transform its colour.
The Science Behind Rose Gold
Composition
Rose gold is created by mixing pure gold with copper (and sometimes a small amount of silver).
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18K Rose Gold: 75% gold, 22.5% copper, 2.5% silver
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14K Rose Gold: 58.5% gold, 38% copper, 3.5% silver
How the Colour Appears
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Copper gives the metal its warm, reddish-pink tone.
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Silver is added in small amounts to soften the red, creating a more balanced blush.
The Result
A romantic, vintage-inspired colour that has become especially popular in engagement rings and fashion jewellery. Rose gold doesn’t tarnish but can darken slightly over time, adding to its antique charm.
The Science Behind White Gold
Composition
White gold is made by mixing pure gold with white metals like nickel, palladium, or silver.
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18K White Gold: 75% gold, 25% nickel/palladium/silver alloys
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14K White Gold: 58.5% gold, 41.5% white alloys
How the Colour Appears
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Nickel/Palladium neutralize the yellow of gold and give it a pale silvery hue.
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To achieve the brilliant, mirror-like white finish seen in jewellery stores, most white gold is coated with a thin layer of rhodium, a platinum-group metal.
The Result
A sleek, silvery appearance that resembles platinum but is more affordable. However, rhodium plating wears off over time and may require re-plating every few years.
|
Feature |
Rose Gold |
White Gold |
|
Alloys Used |
Copper + Silver |
Nickel / Palladium / Silver |
|
Colour Tone |
Pinkish, romantic |
Silvery-white, modern |
|
Durability |
Very strong (thanks to copper) |
Durable but may need rhodium re-plating |
|
Skin Reactions |
Hypoallergenic (mostly) |
May cause allergies if nickel is used |
The beauty of rose gold and white gold lies not only in their colours but in the fascinating science of metallurgy. By blending pure gold with different metals, jewellers create colours that appeal to different styles and personalities—romantic rose for timeless elegance, or modern white for contemporary sophistication.
Next time you admire a piece of rose or white gold jewellery, remember: it’s not just design that makes it special—it’s chemistry at work.
