Did you know there are different types of gold?

When you think of gold, your first thought is likely classic yellow gold, right? Well, did you know there are actually many variations of gold? The most popular colors are yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold. Most jewelers carry all three styles and can help you find the right piece for the occasion. For example, Pinetree Jewelers, a local jeweler in Parker, CO, has a wide variety of gold jewelry options to choose from. Let's take a deeper dive into these three main types of gold, their differences, and their meanings.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is naturally occurring and is gold in its purest form. When it comes to jewelry, it's typically combined (or alloyed) with metals such as zinc and copper, as it can be too soft to use alone. The more yellow in color the gold is, the less durable it will likely be. Under most conditions, however, yellow gold will not rust or corrode. Yellow gold was historically the most popular gold for engagement rings, which gives it a vintage feel, and it remains a classic in jewelry today. 

Yellow gold dates as far back as 4000 B.C. The earliest example of it being used is in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. It was worn by women and men alike, and symbolized wealth and power. Gold was rare and luxurious, which made it highly south after. 

Yellow gold complements all skin tones, especially olive or darker.

If you have a piece of jewelry that's 24 karat gold, there are no other metals added—this also makes it more expensive. In the United States, 24k gold is not very common. Because it is so soft, 24k gold is often used in plating rather than in a pure form.

Rose Gold

Rose gold occurs by alloying pure gold and copper. Copper has a red tint to it, which creates a pink color when combined with gold. Typically, more gold is used in this process, as the degree of copper will affect the intensity of the pink or red color.

Rose gold was popular at the turn of the 19th century in Russia, which is why it was once commonly called "Russian gold". Rose gold is not quite as popular as the other two but seems to be rising in popularity once again. This is a great choice for engagement rings for those who want something more unique. Rose gold works great for those with both warm and cooler skin tones.

Because rose gold is the result of a combination, it is not possible for rose gold to be considered "pure" or 24k gold. Thus, it's more affordable. In addition to its affordability, rose gold is also more durable, again, due to the copper. Don't forget that it's stylish! If you're a fan of pink, you'll probably love rose gold. 

White Gold

White gold began as an imitation of platinum. While platinum is naturally white, white gold uses the alloying technique to achieve its color. It is typically mixed with metals such as silver, palladium, and nickel. It also generally has a rhodium coating, which helps to enhance the strength and luster of the jewelry. (Rhodium is another metal that has a silvery-white color.) It's also stronger than yellow gold due to the mixture of stronger metals. White gold can be a great less expensive alternative to platinum.

White gold is popular for engagement rings these days and it has a more modern feel. It complements all skin tones, but particularly rosy and fair ones.

While all types of gold are beautiful, different styles may suit different people or different occasions. There are pros and cons to each, such as price and style preference, and it can be a personal decision to weigh them out. There are even other, less common types outside of what we touched on here, including green gold and blue gold.

What type of gold is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!