Gold jewelry has been treasured for thousands of years, but not all gold is created equal, and that’s precisely what makes it so enchanting. From the rosy warmth of antique gold to the icy elegance of white gold and all the intricacies of 14 karat versus 18 karat, the world of gold jewelry is anything but one-note. For collectors, especially lovers of antique jewelry, understanding the shades and qualities of gold can open a new chapter of appreciation for each radiant piece.

Whether you’re curating your next heirloom or simply deepening your knowledge, here’s what you need to know about the colors and karats of gold.

On Alloys and Appearances: Yellow, White, and Rose Gold

What is a karat, anyway? When we talk about gold purity, we're talking karats. Gold in its purest form (24 karats) is a soft, rich yellow metal that’s too delicate for most jewelry applications. To give it strength and durability, gold is blended with other metals (like copper, silver, or zinc), forming what’s known as an alloy. These additional metals also influence the color of the gold, giving rise to the three iconic hues we see in jewelry today: yellow, white, and rose.

Yellow Gold

Classic yellow gold is the closest in color to gold’s natural form, making it especially beloved among collectors. It is created by combining pure gold with alloys like copper and silver. Yellow gold jewelry evokes timeless elegance and works beautifully with richly colored gemstones; sapphires, emeralds, and rubies all seem to glow a little brighter when paired with it. Often associated with antique Victorian jewelry, yellow gold’s enduring appeal lies in its warmth and authenticity.

White Gold

White gold is the modernist’s answer to platinum: sleek, cool-toned, and sophisticated. Made by blending pure gold with white metals such as palladium, nickel, or silver, and often coated in rhodium, white gold offers a silvery-white finish that pairs effortlessly with diamonds and other clear or pale gemstones. Art Deco jewelry, with its geometric precision and affinity for symmetry, often favored white gold in its design.

Rose Gold

Romantic and quietly unconventional, rose gold is formed by mixing pure gold with a higher percentage of copper. The result? A warm, blush-pink metal that has a softness to it, both visually and symbolically. Though rose gold feels contemporary, it has deep roots in history. Russian jewelers popularized the alloy in the 19th century, and it made a sultry return during the Art Deco period — only to have a revival again in modern times. It flatters nearly every skin tone and brings a whisper of old-world charm to any collection.

Finding the Right Karat Gold for You: 14k vs 18k Jewelry

When it comes to gold, karats matter, but not in the way most assume. Rather than referring to size or weight, the karat measures how much pure gold is in a piece, out of a total of 24 parts. The most commonly used karats for gold jewelry, especially engagement rings, are 14k and 18k as they strike a careful balance of durability and purity in their composition that makes for wearable fine jewelry.

14k Gold Jewelry

14k gold contains 58.3% pure gold, with the rest made up of alloyed metals, making it durable, resistant to scratching, and more affordable than higher-karat gold. For collectors who plan to enjoy their pieces often, 14k offers both beauty and practicality. It’s also the most common karat in vintage American jewelry, giving it a richly grounded aesthetic that makes for an easy addition to any jewelry wardrobe.

18k Gold Jewelry

With 75% pure gold, 18k jewelry is softer and more malleable than 14k, which can be a consideration for rings and bracelets that get frequent wear. But what it may lack in toughness, it more than makes up for in opulence. 18k gold has long been associated with luxury, and many high-end and antique European designs favor this karat for its richness and purity.

The Unique Appeal and Appearance of Antique Gold Jewelry

There’s a subtle magic in antique gold jewelry — a gentle patina, a certain weight in the hand, a sense of history whispering from every curve and filigree. Whether through natural wear or bygone finishing techniques such as ‘blooming’, antique gold has a certain character and depth, distinguishing it from its modern counterparts.

Collectors should also note that antique gold was often alloyed differently than modern gold, sometimes resulting in subtly different hues. You might encounter antique pieces marked as 15k or 9k, karats not commonly used in the U.S. today but indicative of English and European standards.

Gold speaks volumes about love, legacy, craftsmanship, and culture. Whether you gravitate toward the classic glow of yellow gold, the cool edge of white, or the soft romance of rose; whether you're a fan of the toughness of 14k or the richness of 18k, each choice tells a story. And for collectors, especially those drawn to the bold glamour of antique gold, it’s a conversation worth continuing.

At Walton’s Jewelry, we have more than 50 years of experience serving Historic Downtown Franklin and the greater Nashville community. Each member of our team has trained at The Gemological Institute of America and has a deep passion for preserving the history and beauty of antique jewelry. Whether you are a Tennessee local looking to stop by our showroom, or prefer to view our selection virtually, we invite you to explore our newest arrivals and reach out with any questions you may have.