Rose Gold vs. White Gold: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to jewelry, some people prefer a particular metal color and those people will certainly let you know it.

Then there are people who like different metal colors and prefer to mix and match their jewelry. If you’re one of those people, it may be difficult to make a decision between two metal colors for a particular jewelry piece. This may be especially true when you purchase an engagement ring or wedding band. You’ll likely be wearing this important piece of jewelry on a daily basis, so you want to make sure to choose the color you’ll be happiest with.

There are several factors to consider, as the color of gold reflects its composition—which in turn affects its durability. Two of the most popular options today are white gold and rose gold, so let’s take a closer look at each to help you decide which might better suit your needs.

What actually is gold?

Before discussing what the differences are between these two metals, let’s first make sure we understand gold in general. Pure gold (24 karat gold) is a bright yellow metal that is very soft and not appropriate for producing jewelry intended for everyday wear. This is why jewelers mix pure gold with other metals such as copper or nickel, i.e. to make a stronger metal. 

• 24K: 100% pure gold. In this state, the metal is a very bright yellow and very soft.

• 18K: 75% gold and 25% other metals. 18K gold is often used in fine jewelry, but is still a bit too soft to be worn on a daily basis. It is a rich yellow color.

• 14K: 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals. 14K is the most popular choice for fine jewelry, including engagement rings and wedding bands. It still has a beautiful color, but is also durable enough to withstand daily wear and strong enough to hold precious gemstones.

• 10K: 41.7% gold and 58.3% other metals. 10K is the minimum gold content to legally be called gold in the United States. It is a harder metal, but is not often used in fine jewelry. It has a much more muted color tone than higher karat metals.

What is rose gold?

Rose gold has a pink color that just screams "romantic" and "feminine". It's made by mixing 24 karat pure gold with copper, and sometimes silver. The more copper added, the more pronounced the pink and red color becomes. Rose gold was referred to as “Russian Gold” during the 19th century, since it first became popular in Russia. Because rose gold is colored throughout—rather than just on the surface—it doesn’t require plating to maintain its signature hue. However, like all jewelry, it will still need occasional polishing and cleaning to keep it looking its best. Thanks to the copper content in the alloy, rose gold is more durable than other gold types, making it a great option for everyday wear. It is also considered hypoallergenic because it contains copper, as opposed to nickel which is often the source of metal allergies. 

What is white gold?

White gold has a crisp silver color that is timeless. It is made by mixing 24 karat pure gold with a variety of white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. Afterwards, the finished jewelry is plated with rhodium, (part of the platinum family of metals) which gives it that sparkly silver look. Over time–and depending upon your skin chemistry–the rhodium plating will wear off and the jewelry will need to be replated to avoid it having a yellowish cast. The good news is, this isn't a difficult nor expensive task.

White gold looks great when paired with colorless diamonds and gemstones because it emphasizes the lack of color in the stone. It is also very durable due to the nickel used in the alloy, making it great for daily wear jewelry.

White gold can be an issue for people who have metal allergies, though it can be made hypoallergenic by using palladium (part of the platinum family of metals) in the alloy instead of nickel. 

Is there a price difference between white gold and rose gold?

When it comes to cost, you won’t typically see much of a difference in pricing between metal colors (rose, white, yellow, etc.). Where you will see the price difference is in the karat differences (10kt, 14kt, 18kt, etc.). Ultimately all 14 karat gold is made of approximately the same percentage of pure gold, therefore cost remains similar regardless of color.

However, if you choose white gold, keep in mind it may cost you more over time because of the upkeep required (polishing and rhodium plating every so often). 

Which gold color is more popular?

Metal colors seem to take turns with their popularity. White gold held the top spot in terms of popularity for quite a long time. It is classic and versatile, making it a popular option for all gemstones and jewelry types.

Meanwhile rose gold had peak popularity in the 2010s. It started showing up not only in jewelry, but also in electronics. It was especially popular for brides who wanted a vintage or whimsical themed wedding and combined with pink or peach colored gemstones such as padparadscha sapphire, morganite, or pink tourmaline.

If you're having a hard time deciding which color gold to choose for your special piece of jewelry, remember that it really is a personal decision.

If you truly can’t make up your mind, maybe it’s a sign you should get a mixed metal ring. Most skilled jewelers can create a beautiful two-tone design that has both white and rose gold. Or you can have your engagement ring made in white gold and your wedding band made in rose gold. The options truly are endless for how you can mix and match metal colors. 

Final Considerations

There is no right or wrong answer to the question of which metal color is better. Whether you choose rose gold or white gold really comes down to your own personal style. Of course you should consider the pros and cons of each choice and how it may fit with your lifestyle.

If you are whimsical and have a unique style (or have a nickel allergy), then rose gold would be a wonderful choice for you. If you prefer a classic style, then white gold is a nice option. But if you’re a fun mix of timeless and vintage, then talk to your jeweler about a two-tone piece of jewelry! They are both durable, gorgeous, and an excellent choice for everyday wear jewelry.

Most importantly, your jewelry should reflect your personality and bring you joy every time you wear it.