Gold alloys by color: yellow, white, rose, green
Chemical composition and properties of each gold color used in jewelry.
At a glanceThe 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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