What Gives Colored Gold Its Color?

Lisa Robin offers gold in three colors: rose, yellow, and white. Colored gold is actually a combination of pure gold and alloys. Karat is the measure of gold and is abbreviated as simply k. Gold in its pure form, which is referred to as 24 karat gold, is very orange-yellow in color and is too soft to work with in jewelry. Adding alloys to 24k gold diffuses the harsh orange color and makes it more suitable for jewelry making. Colored gold is created by adding different  alloys. For diamond pieces like engagement rings, the color of gold you choose will affect your diamond’s hue, since light bounces off the the metal to reflect on your diamond.

Rose Colored Gold

A mix of pure gold and copper gives rose gold it’s pink color. Rose gold is romantic, soft and feminine and has an ethereal nature. Rose Gold is having a moment and is being used in jewelry as well as engagement rings. Rose gold pairs beautifully with diamonds or pink gemstones like morganite.

Yellow Colored Gold

Yellow gold combines pure gold, fine silver, and copper, resulting in a rich and warm golden hue. A classic color choice for fine jewelry, yellow gold will stand the test of time. If you choose to use diamonds with your yellow gold, you will have more flexibility in selecting a the color of diamond. A lower color grade can be offset by the yellow gold setting giving you more flexibility within your budget. Consider diamonds between G-I in color to achieve a beautiful combination. 

White Colored Gold

To achieve its white color, pure gold is often mixed with zinc, palladium, or nickel alloys. White gold’s bright white color enhances diamonds beautifully. Be aware of your diamond's color though. White gold can emphasize yellow coloring within the diamond so consider selecting a diamond that is H+ on the color scale.

White gold rings are also dipped in rhodium, giving them a brilliant, chrome-like color, while also protecting them from scratching. However, to maintain this white luster, white gold should be “re-dipped” every few years– a simple and affordable upkeep. 

Colored gold is all about the additives. Alloys give rose gold its warm, blush toned hue, enhance yellow gold to achieve a variation of its “true” gold color, and can cool down white gold to shine through in its silvery essence. 

How To Select The Best Colored Gold For Your Skin Tone

Your skin tone will generally fall into one of two categories, cool or warm.  The best way to determine your own personal skin tone is to look at the color of the veins located on the inside of your arm.

Cool skin tones are identifiable by bluish colored veins. People with cooler skin tones may notice pinkish or rosy-red undertones when looking in the mirror. Most people have cool skin, including people with dark skin and tan skin.

If you have determined that you have a cool skin tone, you’ll look best wearing pieces crafted of platinum and white gold. In terms of gems consider pearls, Blue Sapphire, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Ruby, Emerald, Opal, Pariaba Tourmaline, Tanzanite and Zircon.

Colored Gold for Warm Skin Tones

Warm skin tones are identifiable by greenish colored veins. People with warmer skin tones may notice yellow or golden-apricot undertones when looking in the mirror. People with darker skin are not usually warm-skinned.

Designs crafted in classic yellow gold or rich rose gold look fantastic on those with warm skin tones. Warm hued gemstones such as Alexandrite, Citrine, Garnet, Morganite, Peridot, Ruby, Mandarin Garnet, and fancy yellow diamonds are also a flattering choice.

Colored Gold for Neutral Skin Tones

Neutral skin tones are those where it is not clear if your veins are bluish or greenish colored veins. People with neutral skin tones look great in either cool or warm colored gold jewelry or combination jewelry.