Gold alloys by color: yellow, white, rose, green
Chemical composition and properties of each gold color used in jewelry.
The color of gold depends on the alloy metals added to pure gold. In jewelry, four main colors are used, each with distinct properties.
Yellow gold 18k: 75% gold, 12.5% silver, 12.5% copper. The universal classic. Melting point: 879°C. Hardness: 130 HV. The silver/copper ratio determines the shade.
White gold 18k: 75% gold, 15% palladium, 10% silver (premium version) or 75% gold, 10% nickel, 15% copper/zinc (economy version). Nickel is banned in the EU for skin-contact jewelry. In Switzerland, palladium is the standard.
Rose gold 18k: 75% gold, 22.5% copper, 2.5% silver. The high copper content gives the characteristic rosy hue. Harder than yellow gold (150 HV). Very trendy in high jewelry since 2015.
Green gold 18k: 75% gold, 25% silver (no copper). Subtle greenish color, used in artistic jewelry. Rare in commercial production.
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