Different Types of Gold: Colours, Karats & More

There’s something about gold. It’s the soft clink of bangles at a wedding, the gleam of earrings worn to your first job interview, the necklace passed down from a grandmother who never believed in small jewellery. But beyond that unmistakable glow lie many moods of gold — from the romantic blush of rose gold earrings to the clean minimalism of white gold, to the sunny comfort of yellow gold that feels like home.

The world of gold is not one-note. It’s full of nuance — different types of gold, each with its own character, its own secret strength. And knowing your gold isn’t just about purity or price — it’s about finding the one that fits like a second skin.

Different Types
of Gold Based on Colour

Gold doesn’t just sit pretty in one shade. Depending on what it’s alloyed with, it shifts shape — and mood.

Yellow Gold

This is gold in its most recognisable form. Warm, radiant, unafraid to take up space. It’s the kind of gold that doesn’t play it cool — it shines bright. Perfect for heirloom pieces or everyday classics, yellow gold has long ruled Indian households and continues to feel like a gold standard for a reason. Many different kinds of gold necklaces are still crafted in this shade — and rightly so.

As and added tip, keep in mind the colour tones of the fabric of your saree as well as any zari work that it might feature when picking out your mangalsutra to achieve a balanced look.

White Gold

If yellow gold is the grand matriarch, white gold is the sleek cousin who wears structured saris and never forgets to RSVP. With its silvery sheen and cool elegance, it brings a modern edge to even traditional designs. You’ll find it in different kinds of gold chains, especially when diamonds want some subtle company.

Rose Gold

Soft, but make it statement-worthy. Rose gold earrings are the kind of accessory that can make a white linen kurta or a silk jumpsuit feel instantly styled. There’s a reason this warm pink gold feels so contemporary — it adds emotion without being over-the-top.

Green Gold

The underdog. Green gold has a gentle, almost mossy hue — an earthy shift from the usual. It’s less common in India but slowly finding its place among design-forward pieces. For those who like their luxury with a hint of the unexpected, it’s a quiet gamechanger.

Gold Karats & Purity Levels

Here’s where science meets style. The higher the karat, the purer the gold — but that doesn’t
always mean better. Sometimes, strength is just as important as sparkle.

24K Gold

This is gold in its raw, undiluted glory — all 99.9% of it. Rich, soft, luminous. But because of its delicacy, it’s best suited to traditional or occasion wear. If you’ve inherited a thick gold bangle from your grandmother, it’s probably this.

22K Gold

Just the right amount of sturdiness, just enough shine. At 91.6% purity, it balances beauty with wearability. In India, this is the gold of choice for bridal jewellery and classic gold tops design — ornate, but not too precious to wear.

18K Gold

Less drama, more durability. With 75% pure gold, 18K gives you the feel of real gold without the worry of wear and tear. Ideal for modern designs — like different kinds of gold jewellery that you can wear to brunch, meetings, and maybe even a protest if you’re that kind of fabulous.

14K Gold

Gold for the realist. Less gold (58.3%) but more strength. You’ll often find it in sleeker, everyday designs — minimalist, unfussy and slightly more affordable.

10K Gold

At 41.7% gold, this is the most durable and budget-friendly of the lot. It still looks gold, still feels luxe, but won’t make you tiptoe around it. Perfect for those who love jewellery they can live in — and live fully in.

How Gold Karat Affects
the Look and Durability
of Jewellery

More karats = more glow, but also more softness. Less karats = more durability, but slightly less shine. So whether you’re shopping for investment-worthy gold different types or everyday staples, think about where your jewellery will go. A temple? A boardroom? A weekend flea market?
It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about lifestyle.

Which Type of Gold is Best for You?

If you’re the kind to wear oversized shirts and live in monochrome, white gold might be your match. Prefer flowing silks, loose hair and vintage bindis? Yellow gold will never let you down. A minimalist with a soft core? Rose gold is made for you. A maximalist who loves the offbeat? Give green gold a chance.

The karat you choose, though, is all about how you wear it. For everyday strength: 18K. For keepsakes: 22K. For drama: 24K. For practicality: 14K or 10K. Whether you’re curating a capsule collection or expanding your heirloom box, there’s something for every personality — and every purpose.

Gold, after all, is never just gold. It’s tradition without the weight. Style without the scream. A quiet assertion of taste, sometimes bold, sometimes whispered.

At Tanishq, we understand that jewellery is about resonance. That’s why our different types of gold jewellery, whether different kinds of gold necklaces or different kinds of gold chains, are crafted not just for how they look, but how they feel. With timeless design, thoughtful detailing and exceptional craftsmanship, every piece invites you to make it yours.