Yellow gold is one of the most popular components of modern jewelry, particularly bridal jewelry like engagement rings and wedding bands. For centuries, yellow gold (in one variation or another) has been used in rings and other jewelry pieces all over the world. Today, you’ll often see that yellow gold is the default metal type when you peruse the offerings at a local jewelry shop or online engagement ring store.

But if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you have questions about yellow gold and want to learn more about its qualities. For example, is yellow gold made of 100% gold? How is the purity of gold measured? Are yellow gold rings currently in style? Finally, where can you buy and sell yellow gold jewelry online?

In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more. So let’s get started!

What Is Yellow Gold?

Yellow is the natural color of gold metal. However, when it comes to jewelry, you’ll often find that yellow gold is combined with other metals such as copper or zinc. These combinations help bring out the shine of the metal, making it even brighter than its natural state. Using these metal alloys also helps reduce the cost of gold jewelry, as pure gold is more valuable on its own.

It’s also important to note that yellow gold alloys are often best for everyday jewelry. Why? Because 100% pure gold is very soft. If you wanted to wear a pure yellow gold engagement ring every single day, there’s a good chance that the metal band would warp or bend over time. By combining naturally yellow gold with other metals, jewelry makers can enhance the vibrancy of the color while also making the underlying metal stronger, more durable, and more affordable.

Karats In Gold

We’ve been talking a lot about 100% “pure” gold and why it may or may not be the right choice for a ring. But how do jewelers (and consumers) determine if yellow gold is completely pure? This is where karats come into play. Not to be confused with “carats,” the unit of measurement used to weigh diamonds, karats measure the purity of gold. So, the higher the number of karats, the more natural gold is present in a given sample.

Generally, 10 karats (10K) is the lowest purity gold used for jewelry. That said, you may see even lower purities, like 5K gold, but this purity (or lack of purity) is often very inexpensive and not highly sought after. In any case, a 10k gold ring would be composed of approximately 41% yellow gold and 59% metal alloy. Depending on the type of metals combined with gold, this ratio could greatly impact the color of the ring. For example, a high amount of copper could turn 10K yellow gold into rose gold, while high amounts of zinc could give it a white gold appearance. 

For this reason, yellow gold is generally associated with higher karat measurements. 14K and 18K are commonly used in jewelry, as they contain more than 50% gold and combine the yellow color of the gold with the strength of the accompanying alloy. 24K gold is the highest purity of gold, with virtually no traces of other metals.

While 24K gold jewelry is highly valuable and contains the natural yellow color of gold metal, it is also more susceptible to warping (as previously mentioned). Therefore, when you’re shopping for a yellow gold ring, it is often best to consider a few different factors, including your budget and how often you intend to wear it.

Are Yellow Gold Engagement Rings Tacky Or In Style?

Yellow gold can be traced back to the earliest days of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. And this is just what we know based on existing archaeological discoveries. It’s possible that yellow gold jewelry pre-dated these civilizations, and could have been a part of tribal rituals throughout Mesopotamia and other regions of the ancient world.

So what does this tell us about yellow gold today? It tells us that yellow gold is timeless! Even though yellow gold has been used in jewelry for millennia, it still remains one of the most popular choices for rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces, and bracelets. While some people may see excessive amounts of yellow gold (like multiple pieces of yellow gold jewelry worn simultaneously) as “tacky,” the material itself remains stylish, elegant, and sophisticated. If history is any indication of what lies ahead, gold will always be in style.

How To Clean Yellow Gold Rings

Cleaning yellow gold rings is pretty easy and doesn’t require a lot of expert knowledge. But before you break out your favorite cleaning supplies, you should still know the best practices to avoid making mistakes and prevent any accidental damage to your favorite ring.

So, here are the steps you should follow to clean a yellow gold ring at home:

1. Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water and add 2 to 4 drops of dish soap
2. Put your yellow gold ring in the water and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes (this gives the solution time to break apart any built-up oil or dirt in the crevices of your ring)
3. While holding the ring underwater, use a soft-tooth brush to gently brush away any debris; give extra attention to small crevices near the gemstone setting
4. Hold your ring under running tap water for about 20 seconds to rinse off any remaining soap or debris
5. Dry off your yellow gold ring with a soft towel

Keep in mind that this cleaning method works well for most kinds of yellow gold rings. More specifically, it works for rings without gemstones or rings with diamonds, rubies, and/or sapphires. However, if your yellow gold ring has a less common stone, like an emerald, you may need to consult a jeweler to learn more about the best cleaning method.

How To Buy Or Sell Used Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Rings

Are you currently in the market for a yellow gold diamond engagement ring? Or do you have a yellow gold ring that you’d like to sell to the highest bidder? Either way, HYSTR makes it easy to connect with buyers and sellers of fine yellow gold jewelry from across the country.

At HYSTR, we make it simple to find the best yellow gold jewelry to meet your requirements. Our open marketplace features thousands of individuals selling their pre-owned yellow gold rings. All you have to do is find a ring you like, make an offer, and agree on a final selling price. Once the ring has been authenticated by one of our certified gemologists, it’s all yours!

And if you’re selling a yellow gold diamond engagement ring, the process is just as easy. Once you’ve posted pictures and information about your ring, all you have to do is wait for the bids to come in. Once you’ve agreed on the price, we’ll request the ring for authentication, and then you’ll get your check in the mail. It’s really that simple!

We hope you enjoyed our yellow gold ring guide! Are you currently trying to buy or sell a used engagement ring? If so, be sure to contact HYSTR today!