The short answer
Gold’s value as metal depends on two things only: the weight of the piece and its karat. Colour is a result of what the rest of the alloy is made of. So 14K white gold, 14K rose gold and 14K yellow gold are all 58.33% gold, and for the same weight they have the same melt value.
What makes each colour
| Colour | Alloying metals | Effect on melt value |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Silver and copper, in roughly balanced amounts | None |
| White | White metals such as palladium, silver or nickel, often with rhodium plating on the surface | None |
| Rose (red) | A higher share of copper, sometimes with some silver | None |
| Green | More silver, giving a pale greenish tint | None |
The remaining weight in a 14K piece, 41.67%, is the alloy. How it is split between metals sets the colour, hardness and price of the finished piece, but not the amount of gold in it.
Same weight, same karat, same melt value
At today’s spot price of $4,098.00 per troy ounce, 10 grams of gold has these melt values whatever its colour:
| Karat | White | Rose | Yellow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10K, 10 g | $548.97 | $548.97 | $548.97 |
| 14K, 10 g | $768.56 | $768.56 | $768.56 |
| 18K, 10 g | $988.15 | $988.15 | $988.15 |
The gold karat chart shows every karat, and the gold calculator works out the value of your own piece.
Things worth knowing about white gold
- It is often plated. A thin rhodium layer gives white gold its bright finish. The layer adds almost no value and wears away, which is why older white gold can look slightly yellow.
- It uses the same marks as yellow gold. A 14K or 585 stamp says nothing about colour. See the hallmarks guide for what each mark means.
- It can be mistaken for other metals. Silver (925), platinum (950 or PLAT) and white gold all look similar. Platinum is much heavier, and is not priced like gold.
Things worth knowing about rose gold
- The copper is the colour. More copper gives a stronger pink or red tone, and does not affect the gold content.
- Rose and red are one family. Different names are used for different copper levels, but the karat still sets the value.
- Check for plating. Pink-toned jewelry can also be gold-plated base metal, so look for GP, GF or HGE marks before you assume it is solid gold.
Working out what yours is worth
- Read the karat stamp and weigh the piece in grams.
- Subtract the weight of any stones.
- Use the gold calculator, or the calculator for your karat: 10K, 14K, 18K.
- Remember that buyers pay a percentage of melt value. See where to sell gold.
Frequently asked questions
Is white gold worth less than yellow gold?
Not for the same karat and weight. 14K white gold and 14K yellow gold both contain 58.33% gold, so the metal is worth the same. Colour comes from the other metals in the alloy, not from the amount of gold.
Is rose gold worth more than yellow gold?
No. Rose gold gets its colour from a higher share of copper, but the gold content depends only on the karat. 18K rose gold has the same melt value as 18K yellow gold of the same weight.
Is white gold real gold?
Yes. White gold is gold alloyed with white metals such as palladium, silver or nickel, and it is often finished with a thin rhodium plating for a bright white look. It carries the same karat marks as yellow gold.
Does rhodium plating add value?
No. The plating layer is extremely thin and contributes almost nothing to the value of the piece. It wears off over time, which is why white gold can look yellowish and is replated.
How can I tell white gold from silver or platinum?
You cannot reliably tell by eye. Check the stamp: 925 is sterling silver, 950 or PLAT is platinum and 10K, 14K, 18K, 417, 585 or 750 are white gold. Platinum is noticeably heavier. For anything valuable, have it tested.
Will a buyer pay for the palladium or nickel in white gold?
Retail buyers generally price only the gold content. A refiner may recover other metals from a large lot, but you should not count on being paid for them.