Photography: Grace and Ardor Photography

What’s The Difference Between Yellow Gold, White Gold And Rose Gold?

Is all that glitters gold? If you’ve been surfing the web in search of the perfect gold ring, you’ve probably found that the classic yellow hue isn’t the only option, and that white and rose gold are popular options, too. So, what gives? Are white gold and rose gold really gold? The short answer is yes. 

Gold Jewelry 101

Gold jewelry consists of an alloy of various metals. Because pure gold is a very soft metal, it requires the strength of other, less flexible metals such as zinc and copper to increase its durability. These harder metals work in two ways - they boost the strength of the jewelry, and depending on the material, can change the natural yellow gold color to a brilliant white or soft rose.  At Hitched, we have stylish and affordable gold wedding bands in 14K yellow gold, 14K white gold and 14K rose gold. You can even try them on at home to compare the different colors in person before placing your order online.

What Is 14K Gold? 

A karat is a measure of the amount of pure gold that exists in a piece of jewelry. Pure gold is measured as 24K and is too soft to act as a durable and sustainable daily wedding ring. While 18K gold (less pure gold, more alloy metal) can be okay for everyday wear, 14K gold (a little less gold and a little more alloy) is generally recommended for wedding bands, especially for those who are hard on their hands.

What’s In A White Gold Ring?

Smooth and sleek, white gold is an alloy of yellow gold and white, silvery metals like palladium, manganese, and nickel. White gold is often coated with rhodium. Part of the platinum family of metals, rhodium not only adds to the ring’s luster, but it also protects the ring by boosting its durability. The coating may wear off over time, so it’s important to be mindful of the chemicals that your ring is exposed to, including cleaners, lotions, and shampoos. Not to worry if you notice your ring is losing its sheen, it can always be re-coated. If you want a gold band that’s more low maintenance, you may want to stick with natural yellow gold. Love the white color though? You may want to consider one of our Platinum men’s wedding bands and take gold out of the equation completely.

What Should I Know About Rose Gold Wedding Bands?

From watches to smartphones to women’s makeup, the soft rose gold hue is everywhere. Rose gold wedding bands have a vintage feel with a modern twist, they look good on everyone, and match just about everything. Also known as red or pink gold, the understated color is made possible due to the addition of copper. A rose gold men’s wedding band is actually the strongest of the three colors of gold, due to copper’s durability. But take heed if you have sensitive skin, copper is not hypo-allergenic. And just like most wedding bands, it will still scratch with everyday wear and tear. If you notice the rose gold color beginning to dull, revive the shine with a clean cloth. Easy enough, right?

More Ways to Add Personality to Your Gold Wedding Band

As mentioned, Hitched carries 14K gold wedding bands in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. They’re also available in a variety of widths, profiles, and finishes to create over 120 unique style combinations! And starting at just $249, Hitched wedding bands are more affordable than they are at your average jeweler. You can even personalize your wedding band with custom engraving! 

The Hitched Home Try-On Experience

With so many wedding band options to choose from, it can be difficult to settle on one, especially when shopping online. With the Hitched home try-on, you get to try on your favorite wedding bands from the comfort of your home. Just pick your favorite five and place your order. We’ll package up your choices with a real ring sizer so you can lock in the best men’s wedding band for your style. See how it works.