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White Gold vs Yellow Gold: Which 18k Metal Is Right for You?

White Gold vs Yellow Gold: Which 18k Metal Is Right for You?

Key Takeaways: Comparing White and Yellow Gold

  1. Color & Tone: White gold offers modern, silvery brilliance. Yellow gold exudes warmth and timeless appeal.

  2. Durability & Maintenance: White gold is alloy-strong with rhodium plating; yellow gold is naturally warm but softer.

  3. Styling Flexibility: White gold skews minimalist and cool-toned. Yellow gold complements bold and vintage expressions.

  4. 18k Standard: Naude Bourn uses only 18k gold for purity and strength.

  5. Collector’s Choice: Both gold types are used in limited edition, made-to-order Naude Bourn designs.

The Basics: What Is White Gold?

White gold is crafted from pure gold alloyed with palladium or silver, and often plated in rhodium. This results in a silvery tone with high shine and scratch protection.

18k white gold Hear You Stud earrings by Naude Bourn with rhodium-plated finish.
 18k white gold Hear You Stud earrings with high polish finish

The Basics: What Is Yellow Gold?

Yellow gold is pure gold mixed with copper and silver for strength. Its color is naturally warm, iconic, and expressive.

18k yellow gold Be You Bangle by Naude Bourn resting on textured black velvet.
18k Bravura yellow gold Be You Bangle—The hinged oval opens with intention and
closes with certainty—the kind that doesn't seek approval

Quick Reference Comparison Table

Feature White Gold Yellow Gold
Base Color Silvery White Warm Yellow
Alloy Mix Gold + Palladium/Silver Gold + Copper/Silver
Plating Rhodium None
Skin Tone Suitability Cool, Olive Warm, Neutral
Maintenance Needs re-plating Low upkeep
Naude Finish Surge White Bravura Yellow

Understanding Tone & Style

White gold speaks to modernity and edge—perfect for sleek, minimal looks. Yellow gold honors legacy, ideal for expressive, classical styling.

  • White Gold: Hear You Studs, Illuminate You Dangles, Empower You Threaders.

  • Yellow Gold: Know You Earrings, Be You Bangle, Embrace You Necklace.


Model wears Naude Bourn white and yellow gold earrings to show tone contrast.
Know You Studs + Mini's paired with Illuminate You Dangles to complete the look

 

Durability & Maintenance Breakdown

White gold needs rhodium re-plating every few years. It’s durable but requires upkeep. Yellow gold holds color but is softer and more prone to scratches—especially in 22k or 24k forms.

At Naude Bourn, 18k gold is chosen for every piece—combining strength with vibrant color integrity.


FAQ: Choosing Between White and Yellow Gold Today

1. Which is more durable for daily wear?

White gold tends to be more scratch-resistant but needs re-plating.

2. What skin tones look best in yellow gold?

Yellow gold enhances warm, olive, and darker skin tones beautifully.

3. Does white gold fade over time?

Rhodium plating can fade, revealing a warmer tone underneath. Re-plating restores the shine.

4. Why does Naude Bourn use 18k instead of 14k?

18k strikes the perfect balance between richness and resilience, elevating both white and yellow tones.

5. Can I mix white and yellow gold in a single look?

Absolutely. Naude Bourn encourages layered mixing with modular pieces that honor individuality.

Luxury in Contrast.  If You Can't Decide...Be Naude. 

Choosing between white gold and yellow gold is a declaration—not a compromise. Let tone become your truth. At Naude Bourn, both are sculpted in 18k gold, designed for your evolution.

Browse the Naude Bourn Jewelry Collection
and Commission your next White and Yellow Gold Piece


Margaux Blake


Editor-in-Chief of The Naude Edition, brings her senior luxury jewelry expertise to Naude Bourn’s world. With a passion for bold design and unapologetic self-expression, Margaux explores how each piece isn’t just worn—it’s claimed, empowering those who wear it to own their journey and style unapologetically.