Gold isn’t just gold.
From warm yellow tones to soft blush pinks and cool silvery whites, the colour of gold plays a huge role in how a piece of jewellery looks, feels, and wears over time.
If you’ve ever wondered what actually causes these colour differences — or which one might suit you best — this guide breaks it down simply.
Why Does Gold Come in Different Colours?
Pure gold (24k) has a naturally rich, deep yellow tone.
But in jewellery, gold is almost always mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more durable. These added metals — called alloys — are what change the colour.
Different combinations create different tones:
- Silver and palladium lighten gold, creating softer or cooler tones
- Copper introduces warmth and can shift gold toward pink or red
- Zinc can help balance and refine the final colour
Even small variations in these mixtures can subtly change the final hue.
So the “colour” of gold is really a reflection of its composition.
A Brief History of Gold Colours
Yellow gold has been used in jewellery for thousands of years in its natural form.
Other colours are more recent developments. White gold was developed in the early 20th century as an alternative to platinum, while rose gold became especially popular in 19th-century Russia for its warm, distinctive tone.
Today, advances in alloying allow for a wide spectrum of gold colours — each with its own character and history.
The Main Colours of Gold
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the closest to gold in its natural state.
It’s typically alloyed with small amounts of silver and copper to improve strength while maintaining that rich, warm tone.
Why people love it:
- Timeless and traditional
- Enhances warmth in the skin
- Doesn’t require plating
In my own work, I often use yellow gold when I want to emphasise warmth, light, and a sense of fluidity — especially in pieces inspired by sunlight on water.
White Gold
White gold is created by mixing gold with white metals like palladium or nickel, giving it a cooler, silvery tone.
It’s usually coated with rhodium plating to achieve a bright white finish.
Things to know:
- Rhodium plating will wear over time and may need reapplication
- The underlying colour is slightly warmer than platinum
- It offers a more contemporary feel
Rose Gold
Rose gold gets its distinctive pink hue from a higher copper content. The more copper, the deeper and redder the tone.
Why it stands out:
- Soft, romantic colour
- Works beautifully across different skin tones
- Has a slightly vintage feel, but still very modern
In my Limited Editions I use rose gold to complement a gem's natural tones, or to bring a warm touch to a cool gem.
Read more about gold alloys in this guide.
Are There Other Colours of Gold?
Yes — though less common, gold can also appear in colours like green or even black.
These tones are created through more unusual alloy combinations or surface treatments, and are typically used in more experimental or contemporary jewellery rather than everyday pieces.
How to Choose the Right Gold Colour
There’s no single “correct” choice — it depends on what draws you in.
But here are a few ways to think about it:
1. Skin Tone (A Helpful Starting Point)
- Warm undertones → yellow and rose gold often feel harmonious
- Cool undertones → white gold can feel more balanced
- Neutral → you can wear all three beautifully
2. Personal Style
- Minimal / modern → white gold is a great option
- Classic / timeless → yellow gold is a good shout
- Soft / expressive → rose gold has a romantic vibe
3. How You Want the Piece to Feel
Jewellery isn’t just visual — it’s emotional.
- Yellow gold can feel radiant and alive.
- White gold can feel crisp and refined.
- Rose gold can feel gentle and intimate.
Read more about how to choose jewellery that suits your skin tone.
Does Gold Colour Affect Quality?
No — the colour doesn’t determine the quality. What matters more is:
- The karat (e.g. 9k, 14k, 18k)
- The craftsmanship
- The overall design and wearability
Each colour can be equally valuable and long-lasting when made well.
Learn how to care for your gold jewellery
Explore Gold in My Work
If you’re drawn to a particular gold tone, you can explore how I use it across my collections — from sculptural forms to fluid, water-inspired pieces.
A Note on My Materials
In my own jewellery, I work primarily with 14k and 18k gold, choosing alloys carefully depending on the piece.
Because my designs are inspired by water — its movement, reflection, and changing surface — I often think about how gold colour interacts with light:
- how it catches
- how it softens
- how it shifts as you move.
The colour isn’t just aesthetic — it becomes part of the experience of wearing the piece.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a gold colour is less about rules and more about connection.
What draws your eye?
What feels like you?
That’s usually the right place to start.
If you’re exploring different gold tones or trying to decide what suits you best, you can browse my pieces or get in touch — I’m always happy to help you find something that feels right.
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