Pure gold [24 karat] is too soft for practical use and as a result, over time ‘gold based metals’ have been perfected that are durable enough for daily use yet pliable enough for craftsmen to create fine jewelry.

‘Gold based metals’ are created by blending metals [alloy] with fine gold.

The two most familiar gold based metals are 18k = 75% fine gold and 14k = 58.34% fine gold.

By managing the alloy in 14k or 18k gold, the gold color can be manipulated to appear yellow, white or pink.

White gold has a higher percentage of silver or nickel, whereas pink gold has more copper.

Manufacturers frequently Rhodium plate white gold in order to optimize the white; Rhodium may come off over time however this is easily replaced at minimal cost.