Fig 1. Which gold is better to choose: red or yellow gold
There is something magical in the shine of gold. Since ancient times its shine attracts attention, mesmerizes, awakens the desire to possess. Except that in ancient times the shine of this metal was exclusively golden, and today there are ornaments of yellow, red and other colors on sale.
If you are faced with the task of buying a ring or earrings, the question arises – what gold is better to choose for jewelry red or yellow? And, in fact, what is the difference between them in general, except for the color? Which one to prefer? We hope this article will help you decide and do not regret the choice.
What is the difference between red gold and yellow gold
To begin with, pure aurum (the chemical element Au) is practically not used in the jewelry industry. The noble metal is too plastic, easily deformed, scratched, bent, broken, and therefore not suitable for jewelry. To wear a 998 or 999 ring is like going to a ball wearing shoes made of children’s plasticine. No, we all remember the fairy tale about the crystal slipper, but that’s the fairy tale.
The only niche where 999 grade gold is used (the grade means the mass of pure metal in the product) is banking: pure aurum is used to produce investment coins and bars, which feel great lying in safes and deposit boxes.
For “jewelry” gold is always “diluted” with ligature – a complex of metals that correct the characteristics of the jewelry alloy. They make it stronger, harder, give it more shine, ductility and, among other things, change its color. Ligature is a collective name: there is no standard on the percentage of various ingredients in it, and their exact composition will differ for different shades of gold alloy. But we will consider this point in more detail below.
By the way, to achieve pure scarlet or, for example, white color of a gold ring will not be possible with the help of any ligature – yet in the most popular samples (585 and 750) most of the jewelry alloy is a sunny-yellow component – pure aurum. However, ligature can be used to give it various bright shades – yellow, red, white, even green, blue and violet. This effect is achieved by manipulating the composition of ligatures.
By the way, colored gold first appeared only in the XIX century, when osmium and platinum group metals were discovered. Then enthusiastic jewelers began to experiment with them, keeping their findings a closely guarded secret from their colleagues in the profession.
To summarize: the difference between red and yellow gold is only in the composition of the ligature. It does not affect the gold grade, but only its characteristics and tone. And now for the details – as promised.
Red gold
Fig 2. The addition of copper to gold gives it a red hue
To give gold a soft pinkish hue, copper is added to it. And in rather large quantities – up to 40%. Copper not only colors the alloy, but also makes it malleable. And this, as you understand, opens up an opportunity for jewelers to create the most intricate and filigree jewelry from red alloy. They successfully use this opportunity, creating amazing in beauty and elegance openwork earrings, rings, bracelets, pendants and chains.
In this case, rest assured that all this lace beauty will remain in pristine condition and after many years. Yes, even if you wear it on your finger, neck or in your ears every day.
By the way, 585 red gold was the only alloy from which jewelry was produced in the USSR. In the world there is another name for red gold – it is called Russian gold.
Yellow gold
Fig 3. The natural color of pure gold is yellow
To make a gold alloy yellow, aurum is also “diluted” with alloying elements – copper and silver. Curiously, silver is a rather soft metal, but its alloy with gold acquires outstanding strength, as well as excellent malleability. Earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces made of yellow gold over the years practically do not change, are not subject to oxidation, and their shine remains as bright as the day they left the workshop of the jeweler.
Which gold is more expensive: red or yellow gold
So, the color has been sorted out. Now let’s look at the price. Which gold is more expensive: red or yellow? And why? In general, the cost of gold depends on many factors:
However, if you have ever looked in jewelry catalogs or stores, you could not fail to notice that yellow “jewelry” is priced higher than red. Why is yellow gold more expensive than red gold?
First, the difference is the cost of gold itself (the higher the grade, the more expensive it is) and the composition of alloying elements. In red gold, the alloying element is copper. In yellow gold – silver. Copper is not a noble metal and is inexpensive, unlike silver.
Secondly, the popularity of red gold in the world is generally lower than yellow gold. And this also puts its imprint on the price of products – earrings made of yellow gold will cost more expensive than similar ones made of red gold.
What kind of gold jewelry is better to choose: red or yellow gold?
With the characteristics of each type of gold sorted out, with the differences and the difference in cost – too. However, if you still have doubts about the choice, consider another aspect – aesthetic. So, yellow or red gold – what is better for you?
To paraphrase a famous phrase, “it is not the man who colors gold, but gold – the man”. What kind of jewelry should you choose to emphasize your charm, uniqueness, enhance and highlight your most winning features?
Yellow gold to “golden” appearance
If your eyes and hair are warm honey, caramel or coffee-colored, go for yellow gold bracelets, earrings and rings. Yellow gold will perfectly emphasize the warmth, soft glow and softness of skin with a warm undertone.
Red gold for “winter” girls
Red gold is more suitable for girls of “winter”, northern type – light-skinned, with hair of cold tones, light eyes. Pinkish range of jewelry will give your look even more elegance, grace and sophistication.
How to know your skin tone
It is easy to check your skin tone. Just hold a piece of white paper to your face in natural light and look in the mirror. What shades are most noticeable? Pink or bluish? That means your skin tone is cool. Golden or olive – warm.
Inserts
Be sure to pay attention to inlays, if any. Yellow gold goes well with densely colored garnets and rubies, amethysts and tourmalines. In yellow metal their shine becomes brighter, and the tone of colored stones – deeper.
The red tone of gold will perfectly emphasize the soft glow of pearls and amber, enhance the sunny shade of golden topaz, the noble shine of emerald and depth of sapphire. Red gold setting is good for transparent and white stones: ruby, zircon, opal, moonstone.
Fig 4. Diamond rings in red and yellow gold
We will talk about diamond inlays separately. A diamond is an ideal and truly royal stone. It looks great in yellow, pink, and white settings, which means it will go well with any look.
If you are looking for suitable diamond earrings, rings with inserts of these noble stones – welcome to our store. Maybe you are looking at diamond pendants – for yourself or as a gift? That’s also for us.
Can red and yellow gold be worn together?
What a woman wants is what the higher powers want. And modern fashion agrees with this statement. If you want to make and wear an ensemble of yellow and red gold jewelry – do not refuse yourself. The main thing is to observe a simple rule. Here it is: jewelry should be in the same style. That is, a graceful bracelet-chain of red gold should not be worn with a massive ring of yellow. And God forbid, if it is also on the same hand.
Fig 6. Ring of combined gold: red, white and yellow.
But to decorate yourself with a thin yellow chain with an openwork pink pendant is quite comical, as well as a mix of rings from alloys of different colors on one hand. This tandem will look especially good in the company of the third – combined jewelry from different types of gold. Today, there are many of them on sale, and it will not be difficult to pick up something to your heart.
And the most important advice. Be guided by your own sense of beauty and style, your taste. After all, the only person you are a priori obliged to like is yourself.