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Types of gold jewellery and their composition

Gold has been one of the most popular precious metals for making jewellery for centuries. Several trends have been observed over the years. In addition to the classic yellow gold, two other types of gold were also created. Read more about the different types of gold and find out which one suits you best.

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What are the different types of gold jewelry and how do they differ in composition?

Gold jewelry comes in three distinct varieties: yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Each type begins with pure gold as a base but achieves its unique color through different metal alloys. Yellow gold, the traditional choice, combines pure gold with copper and zinc to create a warm, classic appearance while improving durability. White gold blends gold with palladium, silver, or zinc and typically features a rhodium coating for extra shine and protection. Rose gold gets its romantic pink hue from a mixture of gold, copper, and silver.

The quality of all gold jewelry is measured in karats, indicating the percentage of pure gold present. When choosing between these options, consider your skin tone, lifestyle needs, and budget, as each type offers different aesthetic and practical benefits.

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Exploring the three gold types

There are three different types of gold: yellow gold, white gold and red gold. They each have a different colour and composition.

All types of gold contain gold at the base. To obtain their colours, they are supplemented with other metals such as palladium, zinc, silver or copper.
The quality of gold is expressed in karats. This term indicates the amount of fine gold that is incorporated into the gold jewellery. Pure gold is 24 karat or 100% fine gold, but you can't make jewellery from it because the material is too weak. We mix gold with other materials to make it stronger and turn it into jewellery. The more karats, the yellower the jewellery.
0.70 carat eternity ring in yellow gold with small round diamonds on the side

The composition of yellow gold, the timeless classic

Yellow gold — often considered the quintessential form of gold—embodies tradition and timelessness. Predominantly used in 14 or 18 karats, yellow gold is crafted by blending pure 24-karat gold with metals like copper and zinc to enhance its durability.

Yellow gold composition and features:


  • 18 karat yellow gold: Contains 75% pure gold, offering a rich and vivid yellow hue.

  • 14 karat yellow gold: Comprises 58.5% gold, with a slightly subtler yellow tinge compared to its 18-carat counterpart.


Yellow gold's warm glow and enduring elegance make it an ideal choice for those drawn to classic and traditional aesthetics.
1.55 carat diamond halo earrings in white gold from BAUNAT’s l’espace collection

The composition of white gold, the contemporary elegance

White gold marries the lustrous appeal of platinum and silver with the intrinsic value of gold. Crafted by alloying gold with palladium, silver, or zinc, white gold is often finished with a rhodium coating, providing a brilliant shine and additional protection.

White gold composition and features:


  • Versatile aesthetic: Complements both modern and vintage designs, making it a popular choice for wedding bands.

  • Durability: The rhodium plating enhances its resistance to scratches and tarnishing.

Renowned for its chic and sophisticated look, white gold exudes luxury and is well-suited for those seeking a contemporary yet timeless style.
five rose gold rings displayed on a soft pink background, highlighting their romantic hue and elegant design

The composition of rose gold, the romantic glow

The soft, warm hues of rose gold bring a romantic touch to jewellery design. This alluring pink shade results from a blend of gold with copper and silver, with the proportion of copper influencing the depth of the colour.

Rose gold composition and features:


  • 18 karat rose gold: Consists of 75% gold and 25% alloy metals, creating a harmonious balance of strength and elegance.

  • Red vs Rose Gold: While both have copper alloy, red gold is pure gold with copper, whereas rose gold includes silver for a softer colour.

Rose gold's unique charm and vintage appeal make it a favourite for fashion-forward jewellery enthusiasts.

Choosing the right type of gold in jewellery

Selecting the perfect gold type involves considering your personal style, skin tone, and the jewellery's intended use, whether it's for necklaces, bracelets, rings, or earrings. Here are some nuanced tips to guide your decision:

Skin tone compatibility


  • Yellow gold suits warmer skin tones, enhancing the natural warmth of your complexion.

  • White gold complements cooler skin tones, offering a chic contrast.

  • Rose gold is versatile, flattering almost all skin tones with its romantic glow.


Lifestyle and durability:


  • Yellow gold is ideal for those who favour traditional elegance and don't mind occasional polishing.

  • White gold is suited for active lifestyles, though it's worth noting the rhodium layer may require periodic re-plating.

  • Rose gold offers durability with a touch of vintage style, perfect for those who enjoy a subtly distinct look.

Budget considerations


Price varies based on the carat weight and the complexity of alloys used. Generally, yellow gold tends to be more affordable compared to white gold due to additional plating processes. Rose gold often sits between the two price points.
0.22 carat diamond eternity ring (full set) in platinum displaying streamlined elegance

What about platinum jewellery?

Platinum is very similar to white gold, but differs in a number of aspects. Where white gold is an alloy with another precious metal, platinum is a pure raw material. Platinum jewellery is made from pure platinum ore. It is stronger, more resistant to scratches and colour changes, but also weighs more. Platinum jewellery is hypoallergenic and more durable. Platinum also has a slightly greyer tint than white gold.

Platinum is more difficult to melt and work with than gold. In addition, it is heavier, so a ring made of 18 karat gold will be less heavy than the same ring made of platinum. In addition, platinum is rarer than gold. That also makes jewellery made from platinum more expensive.

BAUNAT’s high-quality 18 kt gold jewellery collection

Each type of gold brings its unique flair and composition, allowing you to express your personal style and preferences. Whether you're drawn to the opulence of yellow gold, the sleekness of white gold, or the romantic allure of rose gold, understanding their characteristics and benefits will guide you towards the perfect choice.

Elevate your gold jewellery collection with pieces that resonate with your individuality. Explore our exquisite range of gold jewellery and consult with our expert designers to find the ideal match for your style and needs. Discover the unparalleled luxury of BAUNAT's diamond jewellery today.

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Discover more about precious metals and their value


Precious metals are metals that are not or only slightly subject to oxidation. In addition to gold, platinum and silver, there are several other precious metals. They can be used to add other colours to yellow gold or to make the gold more solid. For example, it is also possible to create green, blue or purple gold by adding specific other metals.

Discover our collections at BAUNAT

  • Fabienne Rauw

  • BAUNAT Antwerp

  • Fabienne, manager of the German market is able to guide every client with finding the right jewel. She takes care of most of the German orders, but also takes other task on her plate. Thanks to her six  years of experience at BAUNAT she acquainted well with the product and the marketing around it. Her degree in PR ensures that BAUNAT is well presented across all media channels. For anyone looking into a new investment opportunity, Fabienne is the perfect guide in this process. No question will be left unanswered, and she will help you every step of the way.

Fabienne, manager of the German market is able to guide every client with finding the right jewel. She takes care of most of the German orders, but also takes other task on her plate. Thanks to her six  years of experience at BAUNAT she acquainted well with the product and the marketing around it. Her degree in PR ensures that BAUNAT is well presented across all media channels. For anyone looking into a new investment opportunity, Fabienne is the perfect guide in this process. No question will be left unanswered, and she will help you every step of the way.