When choosing a piece of gold jewelry, one question comes up again and again: which gold color should you choose? Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or even gray gold: each shade has its own characteristics, composition, symbolism and style. These different gold colors are no accident; they result from specific alloy compositions that blend pure gold with other metals such as silver, copper or palladium.
At Laveran Paris, we create ethical lab-grown diamond jewelry, available in the main shades of 18k gold. Choosing the right gold color is essential, whether for a ring, a bracelet, a wedding band or a necklace. In this article, we guide you through the differences between the types of gold and help you choose the shade that best suits your style.
Yellow gold: the timeless classic
Yellow gold is the traditional shade of gold, known since antiquity. Its warm, sunny color evokes luxury, nobility and timelessness. The 18k yellow gold alloy is generally made of 75% pure gold, plus copper and silver, a combination that enhances its durability and natural hue.
Much loved for its authentic look, yellow gold is often chosen for jewelry with a classic or vintage spirit. It flatters every complexion, especially olive or dark skin. It is also an excellent setting for gemstones with deep hues such as the black diamond or the blue sapphire.
White gold: modernity and understatement
Long seen as the modern alternative to yellow gold, white gold is today one of the most popular choices for engagement, anniversary and wedding jewelry. It is made from an alloy of pure gold, often with palladium or nickel, then plated with rhodium, a precious metal that gives it its silvery sheen and its resistance to oxidation.
The composition of 18k white gold gives it great strength, making it a preferred choice for everyday jewelry. Its neutral, luminous look particularly enhances white lab-grown diamonds, accentuating their brilliance. Note: the rhodium plating can wear off over time and may need maintenance every two to three years.
If you are torn between white gold and yellow gold, the choice will depend on your complexion and your style: white gold often suits fair skin and contemporary styles best.
Rose gold: softness and romance
Rose gold, also called red gold or pink gold, has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its delicate look and distinctive color. Its alloy combines pure gold with a high proportion of copper, sometimes with a little silver, which gives it its characteristic powdery pink hue.
This gold color brings a subtle, romantic touch to fine jewelry. It is often chosen for engagement rings, delicate bracelets and personalized jewelry. Rose gold is especially flattering on fair to pink-toned skin, and pairs beautifully with pink or white lab-grown diamonds.
The composition of rose gold makes it a relatively stable material, though slightly more sensitive to acidic products because of its copper content.
Gray gold: understated elegance
Often confused with white gold, gray gold is in fact a distinct alloy that appeals with its satiny, more raw look. Unlike white gold, it is not rhodium-plated: its color comes from a blend of pure gold and palladium, sometimes with added silver. This gives it a soft steel-gray hue, less bright than white gold.
Palladium gray gold is prized for its natural elegance and its ability to stand the test of time without needing rhodium plating. It is perfect for those looking for a discreet yet refined piece. This color pairs well with white or blue diamonds, and is increasingly popular in contemporary engagement rings.
In jewelry, the price of gray gold is often slightly higher because of the cost of palladium, but it is appreciated for its easy care and its timeless look.
How to choose the right gold color
Choosing the gold color for a piece of jewelry is not just about aesthetics. It also depends on several criteria such as skin tone, personal style, the gemstone it is paired with, and of course, the symbolic values you want to convey.
1. Based on your complexion:
- Yellow gold: ideal for olive or dark skin. It brings out contrasts and adds warmth.
- White gold: perfect for fair to pink-toned skin. Its neutral sheen creates a subtle luminous effect.
- Rose gold: suits most complexions, but is especially flattering on fair or porcelain skin.
- Gray gold: discreet and universal, it suits every skin type, with a more understated look than white gold.
2. Based on your style:
- Yellow gold: traditional, vintage or Eastern-inspired.
- White gold: modern, clean, minimalist.
- Rose gold: romantic, bohemian, soft.
- Gray gold: contemporary, discreet, elegant.
3. Based on the stone:
- White diamond: stunning with white or gray gold.
- Blue diamond : enhanced by white or yellow gold.
- Pink diamond : a natural match for rose gold.
- Black diamond : striking contrast with yellow or white gold.
4. Based on your values:
At Laveran Paris, all our jewelry is made in 18k recycled gold and set with lab-grown diamonds. Choosing a gold color is also a sustainable, responsible choice, with no compromise on beauty.
How to care for your jewelry according to its gold color
Jewelry care varies according to the type of gold used. Although gold is a precious metal that resists oxidation, it can become damaged over time, especially when alloyed with other metals.
Yellow gold
- Easy to care for.
- Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Barely susceptible to oxidation, but can scratch over time.
White gold (rhodium-plated)
- Requires regular maintenance of the rhodium plating.
- To keep its bright shine, re-plating every 2 to 3 years is recommended.
- Avoid excessive friction and chemicals.
Rose gold
- Its copper content makes rose gold slightly more sensitive to acidic products.
- Clean gently with a mild solution and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.
Gray gold
- Has no plating, so it does not tarnish.
- Watch out for micro-scratches, which show on its matte finish.
- Gentle cleaning is enough, with no special treatment needed.
General advice:
- Store your jewelry separately in soft pouches or cases.
- Take it off to sleep, swim or do housework.
- Have the settings checked regularly by a jeweler.
Laveran Paris jewelry by gold color
At Laveran Paris, every creation is designed to combine refinement, durability and ethical commitment. All our jewelry is made in 18k recycled gold and set with certified lab-grown diamonds. The price is the same in yellow, white or rose gold, and in platinum too: you choose the color you love, not the one that fits your budget.
A few benchmarks: Montaigne solitaire from €880, diamond half-eternity band from €536, men's wedding band from €320, diamond stud earrings from €632, rivière bracelet from €1,400.
Compare all three golds on your hand
In one of our 10 showrooms in France or by video call, an advisor will show you the same model in yellow, white and rose gold so you can choose the shade that suits you.
All our jewelry can be personalized, whether with a name, a date or a meaningful word, and comes in eco-responsible cases.
FAQ – Everything you need to know about gold colors
What is the difference between white gold and gray gold?
White gold is usually plated with rhodium for a very bright finish, while gray gold has no plating: it keeps a matte, more understated look. Their composition also differs: white gold is often alloyed with nickel or palladium, whereas gray gold is mainly alloyed with palladium. The latter is rarer and slightly more expensive.
Is white gold more expensive than yellow gold?
The price of white gold can be slightly higher because of the rhodium plating needed to achieve its shine. However, both colors are generally offered at the same price per gram, since they contain 75% pure gold (18k). At Laveran, the price is identical for all three golds and for platinum. Elsewhere, the final cost often depends on the finishing work and the design of the piece.
Which gold color should you choose for an engagement ring?
For an engagement ring, white gold remains the most popular choice thanks to its neutrality and its ability to showcase a white lab-grown diamond. However, yellow gold adds a timeless touch, rose gold a romantic look, and gray gold a sober, contemporary elegance.
Does rose gold tarnish faster than other golds?
Rose gold contains copper, which can make it slightly more sensitive to chemicals and moisture. Well cared for, it keeps its color for many years. It is best to avoid contact with acidic products and to clean it regularly with a soft cloth.
What is 18k white gold made of?
18k white gold is made of 75% pure gold and 25% white metals (such as palladium or nickel). It is then coated with rhodium plating to give it a bright, silvery look. This surface treatment can wear off over time, requiring regular re-plating to preserve its shine.
Your jewelry, in the gold of your choice
Book an appointment: we will show you our creations in yellow, white or rose gold or platinum, all at the same price.
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White gold: complete guide, tips, composition and care
Gold and platinum: the characteristics of these precious metals
How to recognize the hallmarks on your gold and platinum jewelry
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