Types of Gold Colors Used in Chains and Jewelry

Most people think of gold as yellow—but gold jewelry actually comes in a wide range of colors, all of which are still legitimately called “gold.” These different shades aren’t created with dyes or coatings alone; they result from carefully mixing pure gold with other metals.

These mixtures are known as gold alloys, and they allow jewelers to adjust color, durability, and wearability while maintaining real gold content.

Why Does Gold Come in Different Colors?

Pure gold—also known as 24K gold—is extremely soft. While beautiful, it bends easily and scratches quickly, making it impractical for most jewelry.

To make gold suitable for chains, rings, bracelets, and pendants, it is alloyed with other metals such as silver, copper, zinc, nickel, palladium, iron, or aluminum. The type and percentage of these metals determine:

• The color of the gold

• Its hardness and durability

• How it wears over time

That’s why most jewelry is made in 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K gold rather than pure 24K.

Common Gold Colors Used in Jewelry

Below are the most well-known gold colors used in chains and fine jewelry, along with how each is made.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is the classic and most popular gold color.

Composition:

• Pure gold

• Silver

• Copper

• Small amounts of zinc (sometimes)

Higher-karat yellow gold (18K–22K) has a richer, deeper yellow tone, while lower-karat yellow gold (10K–14K) appears slightly lighter but is more durable.

Why it’s popular:

• Timeless appearance

• Easy to maintain

• Naturally hypoallergenic at higher karats

White Gold

White gold is the second most popular gold color, especially for engagement rings and modern jewelry.

Composition:

• Gold alloyed with palladium or nickel

• Often finished with rhodium plating for brightness

Rhodium plating gives white gold its bright, silvery finish, but it may need periodic re-plating over time as it wears.

Key note:
Nickel-based white gold may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Palladium-based white gold is a hypoallergenic alternative.

Rose Gold (Pink & Red Gold)

Rose gold gets its warm blush tone from copper.

• Pink gold → lower copper content

• Rose gold → balanced copper content

• Red gold → higher copper content

Rose gold is especially popular for wedding bands, bracelets, and fashion chains due to its romantic, vintage look.

Benefits:

• Very durable

• Warm, flattering color

• Less maintenance than white gold

Black Gold

Black gold is not naturally black—it is created through surface treatments.

Common methods include:

• Black rhodium plating

• Ruthenium plating

• Laser or chemical surface treatments

Black gold is typically used for accent pieces rather than full chains, as coatings can wear over time.

Green Gold

Green gold has a subtle greenish-yellow tint.

Composition:

• Gold alloyed mainly with silver

• Sometimes small amounts of copper

Historically used in ancient jewelry, green gold is rare today but occasionally seen in specialty or artisan pieces.

Gray (Grey) Gold

Gray gold has a muted, industrial look.

Composition:

• Gold

• Silver

• Manganese (or sometimes palladium)

It’s less reflective than white gold and appeals to those who prefer understated tones.

Purple Gold

Purple gold is extremely rare and mostly decorative.

Composition:

• Gold alloyed with aluminum

This alloy is very brittle, which makes it unsuitable for chains or rings. It is primarily used for inlays or accent elements, not structural jewelry.

Blue Gold

Blue gold is also uncommon due to its brittleness.

One common method:

• Gold alloyed with approximately 25% iron

• Heat-treated to create a blue surface oxidation

Because of its fragility, blue gold is typically used in small decorative sections, not wearable chains.

Which Gold Color Is Best for Jewelry?

For chains and everyday jewelry, the most practical and widely used options are:

• Yellow gold

• White gold

• Rose gold

The other colors—green, gray, purple, blue, and black—are generally used for specialty or design accents rather than full pieces due to durability concerns.

Final Thoughts

Gold is far more versatile than most people realize. By alloying pure gold with different metals, jewelers can create a wide range of colors, strengths, and styles, all while maintaining real gold content.

Now that you understand how gold colors are made, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right gold chain or jewelry piece based on durability, appearance, and lifestyle.