Question : Gold color in antique pieces vs modern pieces (high carat)

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Exactly copper which is why I don’t get why some of the pieces are advertised as YG instead of RG. Bc I thought copper was intentionally used to make the gold a pinkish color.

They advertise it as YG, you’re right. It is significantly more yellow than 18kt RG though. Like a pinkish yellow instead of a bright yellow, but distinct enough. My 22kt that leans pink doesn’t match with RG, it’s a better match with YG.

My cluster ring is 18kt, not 22kt, I just realised, and a combination of the alloy and the patina means it leans even more pinkish I think. That matches better with 18kt RG than 18kt YG.

 

[Mreader]

They advertise it as YG, you’re right. It is significantly more yellow than 18kt RG though. Like a pinkish yellow instead of a bright yellow, but distinct enough. My 22kt that leans pink doesn’t match with RG, it’s a better match with YG.

My cluster ring is 18kt, not 22kt, I just realised, and a combination of the alloy and the patina means it leans even more pinkish I think. That matches better with 18kt RG than 18kt YG.

My first pic shows the 22k next to 18k trinity and to me it matches the rose part of trinity more. Then I have the 22k next to a 14k rose gold ring and that perhaps makes the 22 look more yellow but it’s against 14k…I am conflicted about a return bc I bought internationally.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

My first pic shows the 22k next to 18k trinity and to me it matches the rose part of trinity more. Then I have the 22k next to a 14k rose gold ring and that perhaps makes the 22 look more yellow but it’s against 14k…I am conflicted about a return bc I bought internationally.

FWIW I think the shade of gold in the band looks really nice against your skin. However, if you really want a rich, deep, true yellow; I would go through the headache of the return, or keep this and buy another band as well if feasible.

 

[GemmaBella]

My first pic shows the 22k next to 18k trinity and to me it matches the rose part of trinity more. Then I have the 22k next to a 14k rose gold ring and that perhaps makes the 22 look more yellow but it’s against 14k…I am conflicted about a return bc I bought internationally.

It is so pretty and such a nice weight though, even if it is rosey toned. Do you not care for rose gold? I would keep it if it were me because it is a wonderful antique, but I happen to be quite fond of the color myself. It looks very pretty on you.

 

[Mreader]

or keep this and buy another band as well if feasible.

That is my MO

 

[Mreader]

It is so pretty and such a nice weight though, even if it is rosey toned. Do you not care for rose gold? I would keep it if it were me because it is a wonderful antique, but I happen to be quite fond of the color myself. It looks very pretty on you.

I do think it's beautiful and am really tempted by it and also getting a yellow hence the conflict.

 

[GemmaBella]

I do think it's beautiful and am really tempted by it and also getting a yellow hence the conflict.

I think you should keep it. You might regret it if you sell it. I would at least wear it around for awhile and see if it grows on you before you make any moves.

My mother's 22ct ring arrived from 1850. It is more yellow in tone than my band which is from 1924. Here's a quick snap:

 

[Mreader]

It is so pretty and such a nice weight though, even if it is rosey toned. Do you not care for rose gold? I would keep it if it were me because it is a wonderful antique, but I happen to be quite fond of the color myself. It looks very pretty on you.

Thought I would update I did in fact buy another 22k band lol and this one is much more yellow. The contrast is even more stark irl.

 

[stracci2000]

Thought I would update I did in fact buy another 22k band lol and this one is much more yellow. The contrast is even more stark irl.

It's really interesting that they're both 22k.
The new one is really yellow!! I love it!
Did you ever get the older one tested for 22k?

 

[Mreader]

It's really interesting that they're both 22k.
The new one is really yellow!! I love it!
Did you ever get the older one tested for 22k?

I need to because now I’m worried!!! I’m just hoping it’s a copper alloy thus the rose color. I love the shape of the one I first bought- more rounded/comfort fit. But the buttery yellow of the most recent one is amazing.

 

[GemmaBella]

I love them both! Great finds! And yes your new one is much more yellow. I think the alloys are just going to be different from piece to piece. For instance, I have 14k rose gold from different vendors and they don't match exactly. One is more coppery (like a penny color and the other more blush). Your rings are both beautiful! Is the newest acquisition hallmarked??

 

[Mreader]

I love them both! Great finds! And yes your new one is much more yellow. I think the alloys are just going to be different from piece to piece. For instance, I have 14k rose gold from different vendors and they don't match exactly. One is more coppery (like a penny color and the other more blush). Your rings are both beautiful! Is the newest acquisition hallmarked??

Yes the newer one is Hallmarked and it’s also an English band :

 

[blingmeupscotty]

#jumpsintothepoolscreaming "KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPP"
#jumpsbackoutofthepool

Carry on <3

 

[Mreader]

It is so pretty and such a nice weight though, even if it is rosey toned. Do you not care for rose gold? I would keep it if it were me because it is a wonderful antique, but I happen to be quite fond of the color myself. It looks very pretty on you.

Update again! I wore both of these bands all summer long. The one that looked Rosy now has softened and looks almost as yellow as the yellow one. Gold is so interesting.

 

[stracci2000]

Update again! I wore both of these bands all summer long. The one that looked Rosy now has softened and looks almost as yellow as the yellow one. Gold is so interesting.

They are both so pretty! I stack a few plain bands often. They are so easy, and look good, too.

 

[diamondyes]

Update again! I wore both of these bands all summer long. The one that looked Rosy now has softened and looks almost as yellow as the yellow one. Gold is so interesting.

Oh that’s a wild before and after!

 

[GemmaBella]

Update again! I wore both of these bands all summer long. The one that looked Rosy now has softened and looks almost as yellow as the yellow one. Gold is so interesting.

Maybe by wearing it the patina wore off from every time you washed your hands? All patina really is is old dirt and some tarnish. Looks lovely!

 

[Mreader]

Maybe by wearing it the patina wore off from every time you washed your hands? All patina really is is old dirt and some tarnish. Looks lovely!

Actually it had been professionally buffed to a high polish shine when I bought it. I almost didn’t buy it for that reason; I think the softening of the polish made it change. I love it tho!

 

[gablovesahinies]

Update again! I wore both of these bands all summer long. The one that looked Rosy now has softened and looks almost as yellow as the yellow one. Gold is so interesting.

I want bands like these. A dream!!!

 

[MiniMinerva]

Actually it had been professionally buffed to a high polish shine when I bought it. I almost didn’t buy it for that reason; I think the softening of the polish made it change. I love it tho!

It looks just lovely softened! I too have noticed this phenomenon with higher-copper alloys of 18k YG; when freshly-polished they appear more rosy, but mellow and approach yellow with time and use. In addition to oxidation, it seems as if the regular reflection from a mirror-like surface allows the eye to perceive undertones of gold more clearly than the irregular/diffused reflection from a surface roughened a bit from wear.