What is the difference between white, yellow and rose gold?
All gold is yellow when it comes out of the ground. To make white gold it is usually mixed with nickel, which makes it off white. White gold is then rhodium plated, which makes it a very nice bright white/silver color. You often hear of someone having their jewelry “dipped”, they are referring to the rhodium process. Rhodium is a coating that wears off depending on how the jewelry is being worn (ie. everyday verses once a month). If you notice your white gold jewelry looking a little off white or yellow it may be time for re-rhodium plating. Most people notice this going on after 3-5 years of wear. It is a pretty simple process, however the rhodium product itself is expensive. An approximate customary charge is $35-45.
Rose gold is making a huge wave in our industry right now. We are seeing it in engagements rings to gemstone jewelry to watches. Like white gold, rose gold starts out as yellow and is mixed with copper, which gives it a nice warm pink color.