Rose Gold vs Yellow Gold: Which Is the Better Choice for You?
If you’re into gold jewelry, then you probably don’t need to be told that it comes in several different colors. For people who like a more neutral tone to their metal jewelry, there’s white gold with its similar appearance to silver. But for those who can’t live without that gorgeous, warm golden color tone, there’s yellow gold, as well as rose gold.
But what’s the real difference between rose gold vs yellow gold? Is one actually a better choice than the other? What should a person know about either type before finalizing a purchase decision, and how can you know which is the best choice for you? Here’s a look at everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Why Are There Different Types of Gold?
As a metal, gold is very soft – much too soft to be an appropriate material for jewelry all by itself. It’s necessary to blend gold with other metals to give it the strength and stability it needs to be suitable for everyday use and wear. This creates a metal alloy, a blended metal that contains two or more different elements.
The type and amount of additional metal mixed with the gold is what gives different gold varieties their distinctive color tones. For example, rose gold gets its soft, dreamy tone from the copper it’s mixed with. Meanwhile, yellow gold is mixed with paler metals – typically silver and zinc with a bit of bright copper for warmth.
Rose, yellow, and white gold are probably the most popular gold types today. However, there are many other colors out there to choose from, as well – like champagne, green, and even grey.
Are There Special Meanings Attached to Rose Gold vs Yellow Gold?
Thanks to its delicate, pinkish hue, many people associate rose gold with concepts like innocence, sweetness, and girlish purity. And historically speaking, copper has strong ties to the goddess of love, so it’s definitely a choice many associate with passion and romance, as well.
Occasionally, you may also hear rose gold referred to as Russian gold, as some believe it first appeared in Fabergé’s famous egg designs.
Meanwhile, yellow gold is a classic choice that represents tradition, fidelity, and timelessness. It’s the choice most people associate with wedding bands, the ultimate symbol of eternal love, steadfast commitment, and classic good taste. And the sheer value of yellow gold links it to concepts like wealth and opulence, as well.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Rose Gold?
Naturally, even something as sought after as gold comes attached to its pros and cons. Here are a few to consider about rose gold as you evaluate your jewelry choices.
PRO: Rose gold looks incredible on everyone
If there’s one color that looks equally great on everyone, it’s the delicate, blushing pink of rose gold. The subtle red tone it has thanks to the copper is a vision on people with golden complexions and warm skin tones. Meanwhile, the pale nature of the tone ensures it looks incredible on people with porcelain skin or skin with bluish undertones, as well.
CON: Rose gold may not be appropriate for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to metal allergies, it’s important to note that rose gold isn’t hypoallergenic. Some people are allergic to copper, so if you’re one of them, approach rose gold with caution.
In some cases, it’s possible to avoid a reaction if the piece you choose features a higher level of gold purity. But those with severe reactions would do better to steer clear altogether.
PRO: Rose gold is good and strong
From a durability standpoint, rose gold is much stronger than yellow gold or white gold. This is due to the heaviness and hardiness of the copper. So, if you’re looking for a piece appropriate for everyday wear or active lifestyles, rose gold is a terrific choice.
PRO: Rose gold is economical
Although some metals used to create gold alloy are on the expensive side, copper isn’t one of them. So, if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a nice piece of gold jewelry that won’t break the bank, rose gold is a great way to go.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Yellow Gold?
Naturally, there are pros and cons to consider if you’re leaning toward yellow gold, as well. Here’s a closer look at some to know.
PRO: Yellow gold won’t cause allergies
While rose gold does potentially contain alloy components that can aggravate sensitive skin, this isn’t true of good-quality yellow gold options. However, be on the lookout for pieces that could contain nickel, as it doesn’t agree with many people who have metal allergies.
CON: Yellow gold may not flatter everyone
Even though yellow gold has a timeless appeal that’s truly stunning to behold, not everyone can agree as far as who it looks best on. Most people agree that it does look amazing against olive or otherwise warm-toned skin. But some feel its sunny brilliance can wash out paler, more delicate complexions.
PRO: Yellow gold conveys status
If you’re looking for a metal that’s pretty much universally prized for its value and attractiveness, you really can’t go wrong with yellow gold. It quite literally never goes out of style, so it’s an ideal fit for any design, purpose, or look.
CON: Yellow gold requires care and maintenance
As yellow gold is quite soft, it’s prone to scratches, nicks, and other minor damage. It also requires frequent polishing if you want to keep it ultra-shiny and looking its best.
Some people help their gold pieces maintain their shine longer by having a rhodium barrier added. However, while this is a good solution, it’s not a permanent one. So, prepare to have it replaced every few months to a year, depending on the amount of wear and tear your gold experiences.
Rose Gold vs Yellow Gold: Which Is More Popular?
Many people consider the choice of rose gold vs yellow gold to be the ultimate decision for one simple reason – both metals are precious and sought after. Both make for stunningly beautiful pieces that turn heads and cause double takes. But as for which is more popular, that depends on how you define popularity.
Saying that yellow gold is the standard to beat is a real understatement, as human civilization has prized it above any other metal for centuries. Its beauty made it a must for jewelry, while its value links it to the very richest members of society, including kings and queens. People still feel this way about yellow gold, and they likely always will, so it’s a must if you associate popularity with timeless appeal.
Rose gold, on the other hand, became as popular as it is within the past couple of decades. Thanks to the Great Recession, gold prices skyrocketed between the years 2008 and 2012. Naturally, that put yellow gold out of reach for many people looking to buy gold jewelry.
But rose gold provided a wonderful alternative. It was just as attractive, possibly even more so to some. It was valuable, as well. It also didn’t exactly hurt that multiple celebrities started choosing rose gold for its beauty and uniqueness, so it wasn’t long before rose gold pieces were very on-trend.
Rose Gold vs Yellow Gold: How to Choose Between Them
Both rose gold and yellow gold are versatile, valuable, and tasteful choices for a wide variety of rings and other pieces. So, ultimately the best choice is all about what’s right for you (or your recipient, if you’re buying the piece for someone else). Here’s a rundown of the most important factors to consider.
Frequency of wear and lifestyle
Although many people wear yellow gold daily – especially those who choose it as a wedding or engagement ring material – the fact that it’s so scratch-prone is something to think about. Yellow gold is a better fit for those willing to do the work to maintain it. Think regular polishing sessions, protective treatments like rhodium plating, and so forth.
Meanwhile, rose gold is virtually indestructible. It’s heavy, durable, and very damage-resistant. And it requires little to no maintenance in order to stay beautiful. That said, it’s a solid fit for pieces intended for daily wear, people with busy lifestyles, very active people, etc.
Budget
If you’re shopping for a nice piece of gold jewelry on a budget, you’re in excellent company. Lots of people are watching their wallets these days and don’t have a small fortune to spend on jewelry. However, that hardly means they don’t want something nice they can feel great about wearing or gifting to a loved one.
Whether you’re talking about a yellow gold or rose gold piece, several factors combine to determine value and price. These include basics like karat, as well as whether or not the design includes gemstones or any customizations. However, as far as the gold itself goes, rose gold is generally the more economical choice.
Personality and aesthetic
Jewelry is incredibly personal, so it’s important that a valuable option like a gold ring, necklace, or other piece really fits the wearer’s personality, looks, and personal sense of aesthetics.
Although who looks best in rose gold vs yellow gold is up for debate, most people can agree yellow gold is the most flattering choice for someone with warm, dark, or golden skin. However, rose gold is versatile enough to flatter anyone, so it’s a great choice if you’re not sure what skin tone you’re buying for. (Veins that appear greenish are generally a sure sign that someone has a warmer skin tone.)
You may also want to consider personality if you’re buying for someone else. Is the wearer of this piece someone who cares about status, or are they more of a trendy, fun-loving type? Are they classic or modern? Do they like unique pieces, or do they prefer timeless designs?
Yellow gold is an ideal fit for people who are traditional and into classic good looks. However, rose gold may be a better fit for a bubbly, youthful person who likes items that are a bit more outside the box.
Potential allergies
If you’re buying for someone you know who has sensitive skin or is prone to allergies, you really want to go with something hypoallergenic. In that case, stay away from rose gold and stick to yellow gold, as that’s much less likely to cause issues.
Just be sure to confirm the fact that the yellow gold piece you’re considering does not contain any components known to trigger skin allergies.
Can You Combine Rose Gold and Yellow Gold?
So, what if you’re one of the many people who genuinely love yellow gold and rose gold equally? You might be wondering whether you really have to choose between the two. If so, then you’ll be thrilled to know that it’s totally possible to combine rose gold and yellow gold.
Mixed metal designs are incredibly popular these days, so combining yellow gold and rose gold in one unique piece is definitely one route to consider when it comes to your choice. So are accessory looks that mix and match many separate pieces made of either rose gold or yellow gold, so don’t be afraid to play around a bit and experiment.
Engagement Rings: Is Rose Gold an Appropriate Choice?
The value and classic appeal of yellow gold make it a shoo-in for any engagement ring. However, rose gold is still considered a precious metal and therefore just as appropriate for such an important piece of jewelry. This is also the case for wedding bands, anniversary bands, and other similar options.
Ultimately, a wise choice between rose gold vs yellow gold boils down to personal preference. Both make beautiful investments as far as jewelry goes. Both are beautiful, popular, and appropriate for a wide variety of different pieces. So, follow your heart and go with the option it tells you is the smartest fit. You won’t be sorry.