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Rose gold, white gold, yellow gold and platinum: what are the differences?

Precious metals in jewellery

It isn’t always easy to choose between the different metals available. Although they are all elegant, durable and versatile, these high-quality materials each have their own distinctive characteristics.

What are the differences between rose gold, white gold, yellow gold and platinum? Chaumet is here to help you decide.

Yellow gold, rose gold and white gold

In its pure form, gold is naturally yellow in colour. In jewellery and watchmaking, it is combined with other metals to form alloys. Their composition and proportions make it possible to produce different colours of gold, each with their own characteristics.

3N yellow gold is made up of 75% gold, 12.5% silver and 12.5% copper. Its luminous hue reveals the natural colour of gold.

5N rose gold combines 75% gold with 6% silver and 19% copper. The higher proportion of copper creates its signature tone of pink.

White gold, or palladium grey gold, consists of 75% gold, 10% copper and 15% palladium. A thin layer of rhodium enhances its shine and lustre. A rare metal belonging to the platinum group, palladium also contributes to the strength of this alloy.

Alloying gold provides other beneficial properties in addition to colour. In its pure form, gold is particularly malleable and is more prone to getting deformed or scratched. When combined with other metals, it becomes more durable and therefore better suited to making jewellery for everyday wear.

Yellow gold, rose gold and white gold offer different expressions of this jewellery. Yellow gold captivates with its warm lustre. Rose gold has a soft and contemporary sheen, especially suited to engagement rings. White gold shines with a bright and timeless elegance.

Discover Chaumet’s yellow gold rings

Platinum

An especially popular precious metal for jewellery, platinum is malleable, dense and resistant to corrosion. These properties enable it to stand the test of time whilst preserving the jewellery’s qualities.

Platinum is naturally white and retains its colour over the years. Its durability and stability make it an ideal metal for everyday jewellery, such as platinum rings and wedding bands.

For a long time, however, this rare metal was not valued as highly as it is today. When it was discovered by the Spanish in Colombia, it was named “platina” in reference to silver, and was regarded as a metal of little value.

For its creations, Chaumet favours 950/1000 platinum. This alloy consists of 95% pure platinum, with the remaining 5% comprising other metals, such as iridium.

With its naturally white lustre and durability, platinum really brings out the best in jewellery designs. A platinum wedding band makes an excellent choice for a woman or man.

Discover Chaumet’s platinum rings

What are the differences between rose gold, white gold, yellow gold and platinum?

Whilst white gold is often compared to platinum, there are differences between the two in terms of wear and tear, maintenance and cost.

Cost

There is a correlation between scarcity and cost for all precious metals. This explains the price difference between gold and platinum, the latter being much rarer.

The value of gold jewellery is determined by its carat weight (the amount of pure gold it contains), not by its colour. This is the same whether it’s a pair of yellow gold earrings or a rose gold ring.

Wear and tear

Platinum is a precious metal that will not lose its colour over time, unlike white gold, which may yellow slightly as the years go by. Yellow gold and rose gold do not fade.

Maintenance

Its easy maintenance makes platinum a highly sought-after metal. The same applies to rose gold and yellow gold, which need to be cleaned and polished from time to time.

White gold requires regular maintenance to preserve its lustre, as this metal tends to lose its colour over time. A new layer of rhodium will then need to be applied to the surface. To have this done, visit a Chaumet boutique, where experts will take the utmost care of your jewellery.

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