The Difference Between White and Yellow Gold Earrings
Quick Takeaways:
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white gold is generally stronger than yellow gold because it is alloyed with harder metals like nickel, palladium, or manganese, while yellow gold is alloyed with softer metals like copper and silver
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If you’re allergic to certain metals like nickel, yellow gold earrings are a better option since white gold sometimes contains nickel.
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Deciding which type of earrings is best often comes down to your personal style, your lifestyle, and your budget.
What Makes White and Yellow Gold Earrings Different?
If you’re looking for beautiful earrings in Orange County, CA, two of the most common choices include white and yellow gold. However, when it comes to purchasing and wearing white vs yellow gold earrings, what are the differences between the two? The type of gold you choose affects factors such as overall look and style, durability, and cost. The experts at Jeweler’s Touch have some insight and information about these two types of gold earrings to help you decide which of these two precious metals is right for you.
White Gold Earrings — Elegant, Modern, and Durable
In terms of aesthetics, white gold earrings are extra shiny, making styles like diamond studs appear more elegant and glamorous. This precious metal has a slight yellowish tint before it gets a rhodium coating, which gives white gold its distinct bright white color. One possible downside is that the rhodium plating can wear off, revealing the more yellowish metal underneath. Fortunately, the experienced jewelers at Jeweler’s Touch can restore the rhodium plating to bring back your white gold earrings’ beautiful, bright shine.
If you’re looking to buy white gold earrings online but you’re unsure of which style looks best, this metal is best suited for designs with smaller diamond accents, like halo stud earrings. White gold enhances the reflectivity of white diamonds beautifully. However, if the diamond has a yellow tint, the rhodium’s white color can make the yellow hue more noticeable.
Here are some key white gold earrings benefits:
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White gold is classy, timeless, and can easily be worn with any outfit, anywhere, and at any time.
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In terms of longevity and wear, white gold does not rust, corrode, or tarnish.
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When it comes to white gold earrings’ durability, it’s slightly stronger and more durable than classic yellow gold.
Whether you choose 14K or 18K white gold, white gold earrings will look the same due to the rhodium coating. The higher pure gold content of 18K white gold won’t be noticeable, but 14K gold is more durable and often preferred for its affordability.
Yellow Gold Earrings — Classic and Warm.
Yellow gold earrings contain pure gold and a mix of alloy metals, which can include copper or silver. The karat count determines how much gold your yellow gold earrings contain. For example, a 24K gold earring is 99.9% pure gold, while an 18K gold earring is 75% pure gold.
One of the most significant benefits of yellow gold earrings is that they don’t need to have anything added to them to achieve the desired color. However, the number of karats can affect the saturation of the gold color. For example, 18K yellow gold earrings will appear more yellow than 14K yellow gold earrings, which is something to keep in mind when matching your earrings with other jewelry.
Here are some of the pros of yellow gold earrings:
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Yellow gold suits most styles and colors of gemstones.
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These earrings are classic and give off a warm, inviting look and feel.
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Yellow gold can be polished and re-buffed to restore its brightness and beauty.
Yellow gold can be a safer option for people with sensitive skin. Yellow gold is less likely to contain nickel than white gold. It’s also preferred by some buyers due to its easy maintenance. But white gold suits all skin tones, where yellow gold tends to complement olive and other darker skin tones the best.
White Gold vs Yellow Gold: Which Should You Choose?
Which type of earrings you choose is a very personal decision. Factors like your individual style and whether the earrings are hypoallergenic may play a role in whether you decide to buy white or yellow gold earrings. Remember these tips to help you decide which type of earrings to choose.
Personal style
Perhaps you want your earrings to match your other jewelry, or maybe you like to mix different metals. If you’re into diamonds and sapphires, try white gold earrings. Stones like morganite, which has a peachy hue, look better with yellow gold. Ultimately, deciding between the two comes down to your own unique personal style and how you like to wear your jewelry.
Lifestyle
It’s also important to consider lifestyle factors like whether you have metal allergies. If you’re allergic to nickel, avoid white gold earrings. High-carat yellow gold might be a safer option. Those who live an active lifestyle need to choose stronger metals like 10K or 14K, as 18K or 22K yellow gold earrings might not be durable enough to resist bending or scratching when you exercise. Also consider maintenance, because yellow gold is generally easier to maintain than white gold, which might need to be re-plated occasionally.
Budget
In terms of price and, white and yellow gold earrings aren’t much different when it comes to cost. However, the brand, style, and gemstones your earrings contain can play a role in the total price. But also lower karats like 10K and 14K may be more inexpensive than 18K and 22K. Consider your budget when you’re shopping for gold earrings and remember to research the different options available, like the stones, styles, and settings, to help you decide.
Caring for Gold Earrings: Cleaning, Storage & Maintenance Tips
Whether you purchase white or yellow gold earrings, cleaning, storing, and maintaining them the right way is of the utmost importance if you want to protect your investment. Here are some helpful cleaning, storage, and maintenance tips to keep your beautiful gold earrings in top condition.
Cleaning tips
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Use a homemade solution of a few drops of mild dish soap and warm water to clean your gold earrings.
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Let your earrings soak for just a few minutes, then use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub them clean before rinsing them with clean, warm water and drying them with a soft, lint-free cloth.
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After you clean and dry your gold earrings, use a jewelry polishing cloth to gently buff them for extra shine.
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Never use harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive cleaners, which can damage your jewelry.
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Always consult with a professional jeweler before cleaning any earrings that contain delicate pearls or gemstones, as they may require different care.
Storage tips
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Always store your white or yellow gold earrings in a clean, dry place like a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box with separate compartments to protect them from scratches and damage.
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Store your gold earrings separately from other jewelry to prevent them from rubbing against other pieces and getting scratched.
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Make sure your earrings are stored out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Maintenance tips
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Put your earrings on after you apply lotions, makeup, and perfumes to protect them from exposure to chemicals.
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Take your earrings off before you shower, swim, or exercise.
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Inspect your gold earrings regularly to look for loose stones or any damage, and take damaged jewelry to the pros at Jeweler’s Touch for professional repairs.
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Consider getting your white or yellow gold earrings professionally cleaned and inspected every six months to a year.
Financing and Long-Term Value
In terms of value, white and yellow gold earrings should hold up over the years, especially if you care for them properly. Jeweler’s Touch offers competitive financing with options that are tailored to fit your budget. Qualified customers may receive our exclusive financing with 12 months at 0% interest, or 36 months with equal payments at 9.99% interest. We also offer a convenient 90-day layaway plan free of charge.
Choose Gold Earrings You’ll Love at Jewelers Touch
At Jeweler’s Touch, we have a large selection that includes hundreds of white and yellow gold earrings in many beautiful styles. We also offer several jewelry services, including repairs, appraisals, custom jewelry design, financing, and more. If you’re looking for the perfect earrings as a gift, for a special occasion, or for everyday wear, shop our selection online, visit our showroom, or contact us today!