December 06, 2023

What's the Difference Between White Gold, Yellow Gold, and Rose Gold for Diamond Engagement Rings?

Isabella Riley

What's the Difference Between White Gold, Yellow Gold, and Rose Gold for Diamond Engagement Rings?

Confused about which color to choose? Read our all-inclusive guide to investing in precious gold metal to wear occasionally or from AM to PM.

Gold has been a favorite for making jewelry for eons. But being soft in nature, making jewelry from pure gold is a challenge because it can easily bend or get dented. Imagine having a ring or earrings that don't keep their shape—not great!

To solve this, jewelry maestros started mixing gold with other metals to create diamond engagement rings. This mix of metals is called an alloy. By adding harder metals like copper and platinum to gold, they made new kinds of gold that are strong and sturdy enough for jewelry. This mixing led to three main colors of gold: yellow, white, and rose gold. Now, we can enjoy beautiful and durable jewelry without worrying about it getting all squished!

What is white gold?

Shiny, modern, and sleek—that's white gold for you! It's become super popular in the last few decades and is now the most loved color of gold.

First off, what's white gold? Well, it's not pure white. Pure gold is mixed with other metals like silver, nickel, or palladium to create white gold. Even with these mixes, white gold can still have a bit of a yellow tint. In that case, we give it a special coating with rhodium. Rhodium is a tough and beautiful metal that makes white gold jewelry look super white and shiny. It's what gives white gold its unique and beautiful gleam.

White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring

What is yellow gold?

Yellow gold is full of splendor and warmth. When we picture gold, that beautiful, glowing yellow hue comes to mind. This metal has a luxurious and royal feel, making it truly captivating.

Gold, in its purest form, is naturally yellow. However, when we talk about yellow gold in the context of jewelry, it's typically an alloy. An alloy is a mix of metals; in yellow gold, pure gold is mixed with other metals like copper, silver, and zinc. This mix strengthens the gold metal, which can be further modified into diamond engagement rings.

Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring

What is rose gold?

Rose gold is like taking a trip back in time; it's got that vintage charm that's truly special. This unique gold color was actually created by a famous Russian jeweler named Carl Fabergé back in the 1800s. At that time, when he made his famous Fabergé Eggs, they simply called it Russian Gold.

Now, fast forward to the 1920s, during the Art Deco era in Europe and the USA—rose gold was all the rage. It had its moment again recently in the 2000s and has become trendy once more.

So, what gives rose gold that beautiful pinkish hue? Well, it's all thanks to copper. When we mix copper with gold, we get that gorgeous rose gold color everyone loves in their diamond engagement rings. It's pretty and has a timeless appeal.

Rose Gold Diamond Engagement Ring

Choosing between white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold for your jewelry can be fun and personal. Here are some simple tips to help you decide:

Practical Considerations: Durability and Maintenance

  • Consider the durability of the metal, especially if the jewelry piece is frequently worn.
  • White gold is coated with rhodium to elevate its sleek and lustrous appearance, but this coating may wear off over time and might need reapplication.
  • Yellow gold and rose gold may require less maintenance as they don't have coatings that wear off.
  • All types of gold can scratch, so it's essential to handle your jewelry with care and consider the wearer's lifestyle.


Taking into account the durability and maintenance requirements of each gold type ensures that your chosen jewelry piece remains as beautiful as the day you got it. Regular cleaning and proper care will help maintain the shine and longevity of your precious gold diamond engagement rings.

Choosing the Right Gold for Your Unique Style

Style Preference

  • If you love a vintage feel, go for rose gold.
  • For a classic look, choose yellow gold.
  • White gold is your perfect pick if you like a sleek and sophisticated style.

Recipient's Style

  • If you're buying a gift, consider what type of gold the person usually wears.
  • Stick to white gold if they prefer a modern look.
  • Choose yellow gold if they usually go for classic styles.
  • Opt for rose gold if they have a vintage taste.

Skin Tone Match

  • People with a warm skin tone often look great in yellow gold.
  • Rose gold complements various skin tones.
  • White gold suits those with cooler skin tones.

White gold diamond engagement rings are sophisticated and smooth. The rose gold is quirky and cheerful, and the yellow gold is classic and timeless. Whether you're drawn to the timeless appeal of yellow gold, the modern sophistication of white gold, or the romantic radiance of rose gold, explore our designs to find your perfect symbol of love.