rose gold vs yellow gold...

[Laila619]

Hi all!

Anyone know which metal is harder and more durable, 14k yellow or 14k rose? I can't find anything about how hard 14k rose/yellow are on the Vickers scale. Can anyone please help? Your sleuthing skills are much appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[Rockdiamond]

HI Laila!
Good question!
Actually harder, in this case, is not necessarily better ( let's hope DF does not see this tread or it will go into the gutter )

Seriously- when gold is harder, it is more brittle- therefore more likely to break.
14kt yellow is actually softer, therefore more durable.
I hope this helps!

 

[Laila619]

Hi David, thanks! I was under the assumption that rose gold was more durable because of the additional copper content, which made it harder (though I can't find anything about the Vickers scale). I thought harder = more scratch resistant? Is that not correct?

 

[Rockdiamond]

I should have been more clear- the difference is there- and yes, yellow is less scratch resistant - but the difference is marginal.
So- the real answer is- go with the color you most prefer because there's not enough difference in the hardness to make a noticeable difference.

 

[Dancing Fire]

HI Laila!
Good question!
Actually harder, in this case, is not necessarily better ( let's hope DF does not see this tread or it will go into the gutter )

Seriously- when gold is harder, it is more brittle- therefore more likely to break.
14kt yellow is actually softer, therefore more durable.
I hope this helps!

..seriously, wear what you love. I love high KT YG necklaces, but I'd prefer RG watches, but with rings I'd prefer white metals...

 

[Dreamer_D]

I love both! can't say which wears better.

 

[momhappy]

I love rose gold and have many different pieces from many different designers. My only concern is that over time, some of it fades (the piece turns more yellow-looking and less "pink"). This has happened with pricey pieces from Tiffany and less expensive, handmade pieces from Etsy. Things like sweat, chemicals, lotions, oils, chlorine, etc. can cause the pink color to fade over time (and again, this does not happen with every piece). A professional cleaning/polishing usually brings the pink tone back around. It's not an uncommon thing, and it has nothing to do with the "quality" of the gold. Just something to think about when deciding between yellow vs. rose gold.

 

[Laila619]

I love rose gold and have many different pieces from many different designers. My only concern is that over time, some of it fades (the piece turns more yellow-looking and less "pink"). This has happened with pricey pieces from Tiffany and less expensive, handmade pieces from Etsy. Things like sweat, chemicals, lotions, oils, chlorine, etc. can cause the pink color to fade over time (and again, this does not happen with every piece). A professional cleaning/polishing usually brings the pink tone back around. It's not an uncommon thing, and it has nothing to do with the "quality" of the gold. Just something to think about when deciding between yellow vs. rose gold.

Yep, I've heard this unfortunately. It's because the copper oxidizes I think.

 

[Laila619]

My DH always thinks rose gold looks brown/bronze to him. Anyone else think the same?

 

[Dancing Fire]

My DH always thinks rose gold looks brown/bronze to him. Anyone else think the same?

I think it depends on the alloy use to mix the gold. Both of these watch are in 18K RG,but the one on left is definitely more of a copper red color.

 

[Niel]

my personal preference is the coppery color of 18k, the 14 k seems to get that pinker hue. I think in white (unplated) and rose, both 14k and 18k have a luxurious look to them, and have there own unique appeal based on the color youre going for.

14k yellow gold though doesnt do the same to my eyes, the 14k seems tinny and a bit less luxurious. Id only want 18k yellow gold

i love all gold, which is why my wedding band is the all three

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree that I only want 18k yellow gold, but rose gold varies a lot. I think in this case, it would also depend on what kind of ring it was.

 

[Laila619]

Nice watches, DF!

Agree, 18k yellow looks more luxurious and rich than 14k yellow.