Is Yellow Gold Better Than Normal Gold?

Gold has been a prized precious metal throughout history for both beauty and wealth. Its versatile nature and distinct variations have made it likable among diverse cultures. “Normal gold” is quite common in modern jewelry, but yellow gold, or “pure gold,” has been, and continues to be, the most popular among consumers. Is there truly any difference between yellow gold and “normal” gold? This article provides a comprehensive guide to the differences in composition, aesthetics, durability, and practicality to help you decide which type of gold suits you.

Do you want to sell your gold? Our thorough reference to Gold Buyers in New Zealand will assist you in making an informed decision.

The Big Picture: Yellow Gold Vs.Normal Gold

Gold is revered as one of the most substantial assets due to its elegance and formidability. A common problem arises when discussing gold jewelry; buyers must understand the differences between yellow gold and purple gold. To understand these differences, we will first look at their characteristics.

1. Definition of Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is a type of gold and is considered a classic choice in jewelry. Pure gold is mixed with alloy metals such as copper and zinc to manufacture yellow gold. Alloys add strength without compromising the deeply saturated yellow colour.

2. What Gold Means Normally

Regular gold means defining gold types without restriction, including white and rose gold. Their colour and hardness differ based on the metals they are alloyed with, so they have different compositions. 

3. Differences Between Yellow Gold vs Gold Norms

Colour: Normal gold may be classically refined in white and rose colours, but yellow gold exclusively possesses a warm colour. 

Final Appearance: Gold and any other metal can alter its properties and appearance.

Popularity & Uses: Recently, gold has been popular in modern jewelry, whereas yellow gold is still associated with classical old-style jewelry.

Checkout:  How to Know What Your Jewelry Really Is?

What is the explanation for the differences in Yellow Gold? 

The more complex and precious gold is, the higher its value and appearance. Specific alloys of yellow gold alone make it automatically significant due to its purity and composition.

1. The Purity of Yellow Gold

Purity levels indicate the different available karats of yellow gold. Below are a few examples: 

24K Gold: This form is pure, with 99.9% gold, but it's too soft for daily wear.

18K Gold: This variety has 75% gold and 25% alloy metals. It strikes a good mix between durability and purity.

14K Gold: A middle-strength alternative with 58.3% gold. It is often used in jewelry because of its strength. 

2. Alloying Metals in Yellow Gold

The colour and durability of yellow gold, along with its alloys, are usually copper and zinc. These metals help yellow gold keep its natural golden hue without the need for other coatings, like white gold, which requires palladium or nickel.

3. How Normal Gold Differs in Composition

Other forms of gold, like white or rose gold, differ greatly in composition. White gold is mixed with palladium or nickel and coated with rhodium for a silvery finish. Rose gold is mixed with copper for a stopped pinkish tone.

Durability and Maintenance: Is Yellow Gold More Resilient?

A piece of jewelry's toughness, especially gold, is an important aspect that should be paid attention to. The strength and maintenance of yellow gold differ from gold in a subtle but distinct manner.

1. How Durable Is Yellow Gold?

Yellow gold is durable, but it is softer than white gold. Higher-karat yellow gold is softer than whiter gold because it is more prone to scratches. L-carat yellow gold has better durability compared to higher carats.

2. Maintenance Requirements for yellow gold

Regular Polishing: Picking up yellow gold comes only with the drawback that it needs periodic polishing.

Cleaning Techniques: A gentle soap mixed with warm water can maintain the apparent shine.

Scratch Prevention: It would also be wise to store yellow gold jewelry separately to avoid scratches. 

3. Durability of Normal Gold Types

Like white gold, which has a rhodium plating, yellow gold is more scratch-resistant, but white gold requires re-coating regularly. Regarding durability, rose gold has a more solid structure because of its higher copper content.

Which Gold Type Should You Choose? Expert Tips

Choosing which gold type to get depends on many factors, such as how durable it is, how much maintenance is required, and what is visually appealing.

1. Choosing Gold Type Based on Durability 

For everyday wear: White gold is more durable due to its rhodium plating.

For occasional wear: Yellow gold is ideal for special occasions.

2. Budget Consideration

Higher price:  24K yellow gold is the most expensive gold type on the market.

Affordable options: 14K and 18K gold are of better value than the previous options. 

3. Which Gold Type is Better? 

While mainstream modern gold types, such as white and rose gold, cater to contemporary tastes, yellow gold remains a classic and traditional choice. The best option is what fits your style, budget, and usage.

Read: Is it legal to pan for gold in NZ?

Conclusion

When asked, " Is yellow gold better than normal gold?” the answer completely depends on an individual’s preferences. While yellow gold is always appealing with its classic vibrancy, normal gold types provide more modern versatility. Clearly understanding the differences in composition, durability, and maintenance should help make the decision.