Last Updated on December 29, 2023
Two main factors typically drive jewelry purchases: preference and price.
Whatever type of gold you choose depends on your tastes and the current trends.
But comparing the cost and value is just as important. So, why is white gold more expensive?
White gold is typically more expensive than yellow gold, not because of a value difference but because of the manufacturing process. The mixing and coating of white gold is a more expensive manufacturing process; you see this extra expense at the cash register.
Which Gold Color is the Most Expensive?
What drives the price of your gold jewelry has more to do with the number of karats.
White gold is a combination of gold and other metals such as silver or nickel. The value of white gold jewelry depends on the ratio of gold to other mixed metals.
The purity of yellow gold is measured by karats – with high karats equating to more purity.
However, the purer a yellow gold piece is, the less durable it is and the more care it needs.
While the cost of purchasing a piece of yellow gold is slightly less than white gold of the same number of karats, it needs more maintenance and is more susceptible to dents and scratches.
Rose gold is a growing jewelry trend that has found its way into engagement rings, earrings, and anything in between.
Rose golds are a varying mix of gold, silver, and copper and typically consist of 75% gold and 25% mixed metals.
The cost of rose gold depends on the combination of metals, but it tends to be expensive because of its processing.
Does White Gold Cost More Than Yellow?
White gold is slightly more expensive than yellow gold, and there are a couple of reasons for the difference.
The plating that covers the piece is an added cost that makes it more durable while also making it look flawless. You need to recoat the plating every few years, which is an added expense of white gold.
A second factor that drives up the price of white gold is the demand. Yellow gold’s popularity is waning and is being replaced with white gold.
White gold mimics the color of platinum at a lower cost.
Still, because white gold is in high demand, jewelry manufacturers and sellers can hike up the price and know that consumers will still pay the money for the white gold.
