Jewelry can be overwhelming with all of the gold to choose from on the market. You may have heard of yellow gold and rose gold but have you ever heard of white gold? Is it gold? Is it like other metals? And more than anything, is it worth investing in?
In this in-depth guide, everything from its composition to its price to how to take care of it to how it measures up to other metal for jewelry is going to get analyzed in-depth.
What Is White Gold?
Unlike yellow gold found naturally in earth, white gold is artificially synthesized. It’s synthesized by mixing pure gold with stronger, white-colored metals such as palladium, nickel, or silver. All these make gold stronger while giving it that lovely, silvery-white hue.
However, what gives that characteristic sheen to white gold is rhodium plating—a precious metal family member of platinum. White gold is brighter than it would normally be due to rhodium, which gives it that classy, high-end appearance.
Fun Fact: White gold became widely popular in the 1920s as an alternative to platinum, which was scarce and expensive at the time.
What Is White Gold Made Up of?
Composition of White Gold
White gold is typically produced from an alloy of pure gold and white metals. Pure gold to white metal proportion changes based on gold's karat:
- 18K White Gold → 75% pure gold, 25% metal alloys
- 14K White Gold → 58.3% pure gold, 41.7% metal alloys
- 10K White Gold → Gold purity of 41.7%, metal alloys of 58.3%
The higher the karat mark, the more gold in the jewelry but at the price of it being more susceptible to scratching.
Why White Gold Uses Metal Alloys
Pure gold or gold of 24K purity is naturally weak and pliant so that it cannot serve for daily decorations. Goldsmiths harden and make it more durable by mixing it with hard metals so that gold decorations survive for decades.
Why Is White Gold Rhodium Coated?
Even after alloying with white metals, white gold has a faint yellow colour. To obtain its shiny silvery-white appearance, white gold is plated with rhodium, which has several benefits:
- ✔️ Enhances shine and radiance
- ✔️ Adds strength and protects from scratching
- ✔️ Provides nickel allergy protection for people with nickel allergies
However, rhodium plating is not permanent. Over time, it erases to display the yellowish foundation that is present underneath. Because of that, white gold jewelry has to get re-plated every 1–2 years periodically.
Is White Gold Real Gold?
Yes! White gold is gold because it has pure gold in it. All that alters is that other metals get incorporated to make it have a varying colour and strength.
How to Tell White Gold Is Real? Look for a hallmark stamp that assures its authenticity. Hallmarks that typically found include:
- 750 (18K White Gold)
- 585 (14K White Gold)
- 417 (10K White Gold)
Hallmarking laws vary from country to country but in all countries more than 1 gram of jewelry must be hallmark-ed to ascertain its legitimacy.
What White Gold Looks Like
White gold has a dazzling, silvery-white colour due to rhodium plating. It might have slightly varying tones depending on metal alloys used:
- Palladium-based white gold → Pours darker with grayish cooler color
- Nickel-based white gold → Sharper, whiter appearance
Over time, as rhodium plating wears off, white gold may start to take on a warm yellowish color. This completely natural phenomenon can be restored by having your pieces re-plated at a jeweler.
White Gold vs. Other Metals: Is White Gold Better?
White Gold vs. Yellow Gold
- Color: White gold possesses a silvery sheen while yellow gold possesses a rich golden hue.
- Durability: White gold is more durable since it has an alloy combination.
- Maintenance: Yellow gold has lesser upkeep since it does not require rhodium re-plating.
- Price: They are around the same price for the same karat weight but may cost more for white gold due to rhodium plating.
White Gold vs. Platinum
- Color: They possess a silvery-white hue but whereas platinum naturally occurs in that hue, white gold requires rhodium plating.
- Durability: Platinum is more durable but does not discolor though it’s softer and more prone to scratching.
- Weight & Price: Platinum is more expensive and heavier—effectively double that of white gold.
White Gold vs. Silver
- Color: They have similar appearance but silver tends to develop darker patina over time.
- Durability: White gold is more durable and does not get tarnished like silver.
- Price: Silver is much more affordable but requires more frequent polishing.
How Expensive Is White Gold?
The price of white gold is based on its karat purity level and gold price at the moment. Average:
- 10K White Gold: $20-$30 per gram
- 14K White Gold: $35-$45 per gram
- 18K White Gold: $45-$55 per gram
Example: White gold ring containing 0.9-carat round-cut diamond would typically cost a third of that of a ring in platinum containing the same stone.
Caring for White Gold Jewelry
To maintain the shine of your white gold jewelry, follow these rules:
- ✅ Avoid chemical hardening agents like chlorine or general-purpose cleaners as these might damage rhodium plating.
- ✅ Store in seclusion to avoid scratching—place in a soft cloth purse or jewelry box.
- ✅ Clean gently in warm soapy water with a soft-bristled brush. Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
- ✅ Get re-plated every 1 to 2 years to preserve its shiny white sheen.
Tip: White gold is used extensively in rings, bracelets, and even personalized necklaces as its refined sheen pairs perfectly with engraving work and stone settings.
Is White Gold Worth It?
If you’re in need of a durable yet classy platinum replacement that won’t cost much, white gold fits the bill perfectly. White gold has all of the loveliness of precious metals but without the price.
- ✔️ Elegant yet ageless
- ✔️ Stronger than yellow gold
- ✔️ Pairs well with gems and diamonds
- ✔️ More cost-effective than platinum
However, be on the lookout for upkeep fees like rhodium re-plating. If you would like to own a metal that requires no upkeep, look to platinum.
Final Thoughts
White gold is a timeless and versatile option for anyone who loves jewelry. If spending on an engagement ring, bracelet, or personalized necklaces is on your to-do-list, its shine and durability make it a stunning option. Just take proper care of it so that it shines for decades to come.
Thinking of buying white gold jewelry? What is your favorite part of it? Tell us in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does white gold turn your skin green?
White gold rarely turns skin green the way some cheaper metals do, because the rhodium plating creates a barrier between your skin and the alloy underneath. Any discoloration is usually a reaction to the alloy metals once the plating wears thin, not the gold itself. Keeping the piece clean and re-plated every 1 to 2 years generally prevents it.
Is white gold safe for sensitive skin or nickel allergies?
The rhodium plating on white gold shields your skin from the alloy metals, which offers real protection if you have a nickel allergy. The catch is that plating wears off over time, and once it does, nickel-based white gold can start to irritate sensitive skin. If you know you react to nickel, ask for palladium-based white gold or stay on top of re-plating.
Can I wear white gold in the shower or swimming pool?
It's best to take white gold off first. Chlorine and harsh cleaning chemicals break down the rhodium plating, which dulls that bright silvery-white finish faster than normal wear. Everyday soap and water won't ruin it, but repeated pool and hot-tub exposure will send you back to the jeweler sooner.
White gold or platinum for an engagement ring?
Both give you that cool silvery-white look, but they differ in upkeep and cost. Platinum is naturally white, more durable, and never needs re-plating, though it's roughly double the price and heavier. White gold delivers a very similar appearance at a lower price, as long as you're comfortable re-plating it every year or two to keep it bright.
Does white gold cost more to maintain than yellow gold?
Yes, a little. Yellow gold keeps its color on its own, while white gold needs periodic rhodium re-plating, typically every 1 to 2 years, to stay bright and white. That plating is an ongoing maintenance cost yellow gold simply doesn't have, so factor it in if you prefer low-upkeep jewelry.
