
Understanding the colours of gold at FerriFirenze
Gold is a noble metal – enduring, timeless, and deeply symbolic. But when choosing a piece of fine jewellery, one question often arises: what is the difference between yellow, rose and white gold?
At FerriFirenze, we craft exclusively in 18k gold. All of our creations – whether yellow, white or rose – are made with the same high standard of purity. What sets each colour apart is not the gold itself but what is blended with it.
Let us take a moment to explore these differences and why your choice of gold colour is an integral part of the design.
What is 18k gold?
Pure gold is soft and malleable. It cannot hold a stone securely or withstand daily wear in jewellery form. That’s why it is alloyed – mixed with other metals to create strength and structure.
18k gold comprises 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. In technical terms, that means 750 parts per thousand of gold and 250 parts of alloy. The ratio remains the same whether the gold is yellow, white, or rose. What changes is the composition of those remaining 250 parts.
These slight differences in alloy give gold its colour, finish, and character. They do not change the value of the gold itself, but they do affect how the final piece looks and feels.
Yellow gold
Yellow gold is the most conventional form of gold jewellery. It reflects the natural tone of gold in its purest form. To create 18k yellow gold, a careful balance of silver and copper is added to the pure gold. The result is a rich, warm colour with a subtle glow.
What makes yellow gold special is that it preserves the natural identity of gold while adding enough strength to ensure durability. It is often chosen for its timeless appeal and its connection to the heritage of fine jewellery.
At FerriFirenze, yellow gold is not bright or brassy. It has a softer depth – subtle yet unmistakably gold. Its balance of metals is designed to complement the fine details of each creation.
White gold
White gold is not that colour naturally. It is made by blending yellow gold with white metals, most notably palladium. Palladium gives the gold a cooler, silvery tone, without compromising the strength or purity of the alloy.
The result is a refined, modern finish that pairs beautifully with diamonds and coloured stones.
Many clients appreciate white gold for its versatility and timeless appeal. It has a more understated appearance, while still retaining the richness of gold.
Some jewellers coat white gold in rhodium to enhance its bright white surface. At FerriFirenze, we choose to work with the base metal itself. This allows the gold to retain its character over time, with a natural finish that ages gracefully.
Rose gold
Rose gold has a gentle, warm hue that makes it instantly recognisable. The pink tone comes from a higher copper content in the alloy. Copper deepens the colour and gives rose gold its softness.
Though it may look delicate, rose gold is slightly more robust than yellow or white gold, thanks to copper’s natural strength. The colour can range from pale blush to a deeper rose, depending on the exact blend of metals used.
At FerriFirenze, our rose gold is chosen for its balance – never too red, never too pale. It offers a dreamy yet modern alternative to the more traditional tones and brings out the best in many skin tones.
Can you change the colour of gold?
This is a question we often receive: “Can I change a FerriFirenze piece from yellow gold to white, or from rose to yellow?” In short, the answer is no. Each colour of gold is created by a specific alloy, blended at the time the piece is cast. It is not a surface treatment. Once the metal is formed, its colour is set.
To change the colour would require remaking the piece entirely – from melting the gold to casting, polishing and setting the stones again. It would no longer be the original creation.
At FerriFirenze, each jewel is made to honour its intended design. The colour of the gold is an essential part of that intention. It is chosen not only for the client but for the stone, the shape, and the light. It is part of the story the jewel tells.
Choosing the right colour
There is no one rule for choosing the right gold colour. It is a matter of personal taste, skin tone, and style.
Some prefer yellow gold for its classic feel. Others are drawn to the soft elegance of rose, or the clean lines of white. Many of our clients choose to wear different colours on different days – or even combine them in one collection.
What matters most is that the gold feels like you, that it suits your style, your sense of self. At FerriFirenze, we guide each client with care to help them make that choice.
How it makes you feel
Gold is more than a material. It holds memory, meaning, and emotion. Whether you are choosing a piece to mark a milestone, to express a feeling, or simply to bring beauty into your life, the colour of gold you choose is part of that expression.
At FerriFirenze, we honour the tradition of goldsmithing while designing for today’s collectors.
Each jewel, whether in yellow, white, or rose gold, is made to last – not only in structure but in significance.
We invite you to discover the colours of gold through our collections, not just by how they look but by how they make you feel.