Gold has whispered the stories of love, power, and beauty. For centuries, gold has adorned the royal, sealed promises, and graced the hands of those who understand its quiet strength.
At Uwe Koetter, we celebrate this enduring metal in three exquisite shades: yellow, white, and rose gold, each with its own uniquely elegant characteristics. What sets them apart and how does their composition shape how they withstand the test of time?
Let us journey into the heart of gold and uncover its timeless allure.
Yellow Gold:
Yellow gold is the closest to natural gold in colour and is created by mixing pure gold with copper and zinc. It has a timeless appeal, often associated with wealth and prestige.
Due to its high gold content, yellow gold is more resistant to tarnishing and does not require additional plating to maintain its colour. It is also the most hypoallergenic of the three gold types, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. Yellow gold is often favoured for its traditional and timeless appeal and is commonly used in vintage and classic jewellery designs. Its warmer undertone can often help enhance the brilliance and cooler tones of diamonds, making it a classic choice for engagement rings.
White Gold
White gold is popular for its contemporary elegance, making it an excellent choice for those who want a more modern look and feel to their jewellery. It is achieved by alloying gold with palladium, silver, nickel, or platinum. To enhance its bright, silvery appearance, it is coated with rhodium plating, giving it a lustrous and reflective finish that closely resembles platinum.
Over time, the rhodium layer wears off and needs reapplication. It offers a modern look and is popular for engagement rings.
White gold, once rhodium-plated, appears the same in 9KT, 14KT, and 18KT, though lower karats may lose their plating faster. Before rhodium plating, white gold has a darker natural yellowish tint.
Before:
After:
Rose Gold
Rose gold is distinguished by its soft pinkish hue. Achieved by blending gold with copper, it is highly durable and resistant to tarnish. Its warm hue makes it a favourite for contemporary and romantic designs.
This unique gold variation has gained popularity in recent years for its vintage yet contemporary appeal. Its subtle blush tone complements a range of skin tones, making it a versatile and stylish choice for modern jewellery lovers.
Karat Weight
Gold, in its purest form, is soft and malleable. To give it strength, it is alloyed with other metals, and its purity is measured in karats (KT). Understanding karat weight is to understand balance, where beauty meets practicality:
This indicates the percentage of pure gold in yellow, white, or rose gold, ranging from 9KT (37.5%) to 24KT (99.99%).
Lower karats contain less gold, making them more durable and budget-friendly, while higher karats (18KT and above) are softer but more hypoallergenic.
Learn more about gold and gold-making processes in our blog Going For Gold: Exploring the Winning Metal of the Medal
- 9KT (37.5%) – Strong and budget-friendly, yet with a muted glow.
- 10KT (41.7%) – Slightly richer than 9KT, still durable and practical.
- 14KT (58.3%) – The perfect harmony of richness and resilience.
- 18KT (75.0%) – Luxurious, vibrant, and elegantly pure.
- 22KT (91.67%) & 24KT (99.99%) – The closest to pure gold, yet soft and delicate. Often not used for jewellery because it’s too soft.
The Pros and Cons of Gold
Like any great love story, gold comes with both devotion and demands. Its eternal beauty never fades or ages, making it a symbol of lasting elegance.
When alloyed with precision, gold possesses remarkable strength, ensuring it endures for a lifetime, carrying with it a legacy of craftsmanship and meaning. High-karat gold is not only exquisite but also gentle on the skin, making it a luxurious and hypoallergenic choice. Beyond its aesthetic allure, gold remains a timeless investment, a treasure passed through generations, embodying both sentiment and value.
Yet, with its beauty comes the need for care. The higher the karat, the softer the metal, requiring mindful wear. With purity comes prestige, and with prestige, price. A gold piece is an investment reflective of its rarity and refinement. Certain variations, such as white gold, demand occasional upkeep, including rhodium reapplication, to maintain their luminous brilliance.
Whichever shade speaks to you, the one thing for certain is that gold is more than a mere metal; it is memory, devotion, and artistry.
Uwe Koetter ensures that every piece is crafted with meticulous care so that when you wear gold, you wear a story. Whether it be a tale of love, time, or beauty, it is a story written in gold and passed down through generations.
