Unraveling 12 Gold Types and Colors – A Complete Guide

When talking about types of gold, it should be brought forward that gold does not only point to the glittering yellow metal and what conventionally relates to jewelry or riches. As a matter of fact, categorizations include different types of gold according to its purity, but even reach to color and where the gold may be mined. This variation in types of gold can affect pricing and appearance, further affecting the capability of the gold.

Colors of Gold

• Yellow Gold

  Yellow gold is the most applied and known through history, even until now, as a form of this precious metal. Its beauty, shining look, and malleability create a favorite material to be used by different civilizations in the manifestations of their ancient craftsmanship ability. To this date, it is still one of the favorite choices for traditional, timeless jewelry pieces. Based on the karat weight, yellow gold can be availed in different price ranges where 24k is always the most expensive due to its high percentage content of gold. This type of gold is widely popular in all types of jewelry, ranging from engagement rings to necklaces and bracelets due to its hypoallergenic nature. It is also the most accessible form of gold in its color owing to the meaningful availability of yellow gold across cultures and geographies.

• White Gold

  White Gold, introduced to the world in the 1920s as an affordable alternative for the highly-priced platinum, quickly gained popularity. Typically plated with rhodium, a robust and shiny metal, it gains hardness, increased brightness, and some protection to improve durability. It will commonly cost the same as yellow gold but sometimes has a slight increase in price due to the additional rhodium plating. Its brilliance and neutrality provide an excellent backdrop for diamonds and other gemstones, making it commonly used in engagement rings and wedding bands. While initially a latecomer, white gold is now common throughout the jewelry trade.

• Rose Gold

  Rose gold, originating in 19th-century Russia and initially called "Russian gold," is known for its pinkish hue. This distinctive color is achieved through the high copper content in its alloy, with redder tones resulting from higher copper volumes. Its price is comparable to yellow gold but can be slightly more affordable due to the higher amount of copper used. The vintage appeal and romantic connotations of rose gold have made it popular in various styles of jewelry, including engagement rings, fashionable bracelets, and watches. While not as popular as yellow or white gold, rose gold remains a significant choice in vintage and contemporary settings.

• Green Gold

  Green gold has historical significance, dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece, where it was known as Electrum. This alloy of silver and gold has a slight greenish tint, enhanced by metals like copper and cadmium in its commercial form. The price of green gold is usually comparable to yellow gold but can sometimes command a premium due to the uniqueness of its alloy. Although less widely used than yellow, white, or rose gold, green gold has found a niche in artisan and specialized jewelry markets, where its distinct color is celebrated.

• Black Gold

  Black Gold is a modern innovation, mainly used in avant-garde jewelry. It is typically created by adding a layer of black rhodium or ruthenium electroplating or by darkening the gold surface through a controlled oxidation process. These special processes and the stunning final result often make black gold more expensive compared to traditional gold colors. A livelier and modern version of gold, it is not as widely used but is steadily growing in popularity, especially among younger individuals seeking trendy and unique jewelry designs.

• Blue Gold

  Blue Gold is an unusual form of this noble metal, created by alloying gold with gallium or indium, which oxidize to produce a bluish hue. Historically, blue gold did not find widespread use due to the rarity of metals like gallium and indium and the complexity of processing their alloys. As a result, blue gold is both more expensive and less common than standard jewelry options. However, its bold color makes it highly desirable for exotic or custom jewelry pieces for individuals seeking to stand out with unique adornments.

• Purple Gold

  Purple Gold, also known as amethyst gold, is one of the rarest forms of gold, primarily due to its unique composition and the complexity of working with it. This alloy of gold and aluminum is rich in gold content but notably brittle, making it unsuitable for traditional jewelry. Instead, it is often used in specialized jewelry pieces or unique watch components. With its distinct color and challenging crafting process, purple gold typically commands a higher price compared to more common gold colors.

• Gray Gold

  Gray Gold is a subtle and modern variation of gold, created by alloying gold with small amounts of palladium or iron. Although it boasts a unique style, gray gold is much rarer in everyday jewelry due to the high cost of palladium and the popularity of white gold as an alternative. Its muted yet sophisticated hue is often featured in specialized or custom pieces, offering a distinctive option for modern designs. Price-wise, gray gold is typically comparable to white gold, occasionally commanding a premium for the presence of palladium.

Each shade of gold has a different combination of metals that give it a distinct hue and, therefore, a unique appeal and charm. This wide range of colors makes gold one of the most versatile materials in jewelry, capable of catering to the preferences and styles of almost anyone. Whether you are drawn to the traditional allure of yellow gold, the modern shimmer of white and gray gold, or the eccentric appeal of green, blue, or purple gold, there is a type of gold perfectly suited to your taste.

Gold Karats - What Types of Gold Exist?

Broadly, the unit of measurement that expresses gold's purity defines many kinds of gold. To understand the worth and excellence of this valued metal, one needs to know what a karat means. For a deeper understanding, especially where it differs from the "carat" system used for gemstones and pearls, see this clear post on What is a Carat.

24k Gold

• Purity: 24k gold is 100% pure gold without any added metals.
• History: The history of 24k gold is ancient, with civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks admiring its divine quality. From its inception, 24k gold has represented value, status, power, luxury, and wealth.
• Usage: Due to its softness, it is rarely used for everyday jewelry but is common in gold bars, coins, or ceremonial artifacts.
• Price: As the purest form of gold, 24k commands the highest price per gram.
• Popularity: It is less common in Western jewelry but remains popular in parts of Asia and the Middle East, where high-purity gold is traditionally favored.

18k Gold

• Purity: 18k gold is composed of 75% gold, with the remaining 25% made up of other metals like copper, silver, or nickel.
• History: Associated with luxury and class, 18k gold gained prominence in the 14th century in various parts of the world.
• Usage: Today, 18k gold is ideal for high-end jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches. It strikes a balance between durability and gold content, making it a favorite for permanent pieces.
• Price: While less expensive than 24k and 22k gold, 18k remains premium-priced due to its high gold content.
• Popularity: It is widely popular globally for its durability and affordability combined with a significant gold content.

14k Gold

• Purity: 14k gold is 58.3% gold, with the remainder made up of metals like copper, silver, and zinc.
• History: In the 20th century, 14k gold became popular, especially in Western countries, for its affordability and resistance to wear.
• Usage: Commonly used in a wide range of jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants. It balances durability and cost.
• Price: Cheaper than 18k or higher karat gold, 14k remains a popular choice for its cost-effectiveness.
• Popularity: One of the most popular karats for jewelry in the United States and other Western markets.

10k Gold

• Purity: 10k gold is 41.7% gold, with the remaining 58.3% composed of other metals like copper, silver, nickel, or zinc.
• History: Gained popularity in the 20th century as an affordable option for jewelry.
• Usage: Commonly used in inexpensive jewelry, including rings, bracelets, and pendants.
• Price: As the least pure form of gold recognized as "gold" in the U.S., it is significantly cheaper than higher-karat gold.
• Popularity: Popular for budget-friendly jewelry but less favored for fine jewelry due to its low gold content.

Understanding the karats of gold and their characteristics is essential when choosing gold for jewelry or investment. The different types cater to various preferences, balancing durability, affordability, and the value of gold.

Tarnish Resistance of Different Types of Gold

A common question while considering the different types of gold is, "Does gold tarnish?" The answer is no; pure gold does not tarnish. However, the other metals in gold alloys can oxidize, leading to discoloration or tarnish.

Gold's resistance to tarnishing largely depends on its purity. Higher-karat gold, such as 24k, 22k, and 18k, is more resistant to tarnishing due to its higher gold content. Lower-karat gold, like 14k and 10k, contains larger proportions of other metals, making it more prone to tarnishing when exposed to certain chemicals or environmental conditions. For more insights, refer to Does Gold Tarnish.

Which Type of Gold is the Most Affordable?

In the United States and many other countries, 14k gold is the most common type of gold for jewelry. It balances durability with affordability, containing a higher proportion of gold compared to 10k gold, yet being more cost-effective than higher karats like 18k or 24k. This makes it a popular choice for rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

What are the Rare Types of Gold?

Rare types of gold can refer to both unique alloys and gold sourced from specific regions. For example, gold mined during the California Gold Rush or from the Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa is considered rare due to its historical significance. In terms of alloy types, black gold and blue gold are exceedingly rare. Black gold is created through electroplating or combining gold with certain metals that produce a black finish. Blue gold is an alloy of gold with indium or gallium, appearing in small quantities and used in custom or exotic jewelry.

Which Color of Gold Is More Expensive?

Gold's color does not typically dictate its price; instead, its purity and weight are the main factors. However, slight price variations may occur depending on the alloying materials used. For instance, palladium and platinum, used in white gold, are more expensive than copper or silver, used in yellow or rose gold. These differences can sometimes make white gold pricier than other types.

Regardless of its color, the most expensive gold is 24k, with 100% purity. Its high price reflects both its purity and the premium value associated with refining it to such standards.