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What is White Gold? Discover Its Stunning Composition, Price, and Care Tips

what is white gold

28Apr

White gold has become a staple in modern jewellery design, loved for its bright silvery hue and timeless elegance. But what is white gold jewellery, really? Is it pure gold, or a clever alloy? How does it compare to silver or platinum?

In this post, we’ll break down the composition, price, care tips, and how it fits beautifully with AYAANI’s lab-grown diamond jewellery.

Introduction to White Gold

Brief History and Evolution

White gold was first developed in the 19th century as a platinum substitute. It gained popularity in the 1920s during the Art Deco era and has since become a favourite for bridal and luxury pieces.

Its neutral colour complements diamonds and gemstones beautifully, making it perfect for rings, earrings, and necklaces. Unlike yellow gold, it offers a cool-toned elegance similar to platinum, but often at a more affordable price.

What is White Gold jewellery?

Definition and Overview

White gold is an alloy, meaning it’s made of pure gold mixed with white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver to achieve a pale, white colour.

What Makes White Gold White

The “white” appearance comes not just from its composition but also from a rhodium plating that adds a reflective finish. This plating needs occasional reapplication to maintain its brightness.

Is It Pure Gold?

No. The karat rating tells you how much pure gold is in the alloy:

  • 10k = 41.7% gold
  • 14k = 58.3% gold
  • 18k = 75% gold

The rest is metal that influences colour and strength.

Types of White Gold Alloys

Nickel-Based

  • Composition: Gold (Au) mixed with nickel (Ni) and sometimes small amounts of copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn).
  • Characteristics: Nickel white gold is often the most affordable because nickel is relatively inexpensive. It has a silvery-white colour and is durable, but it can sometimes cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.
  • Common Use: jewellery (rings, necklaces, earrings) and other fine pieces.

Palladium-Based

  • Composition: Gold mixed with palladium (Pd), which is a platinum group metal.
  • Characteristics: Palladium white gold is a more expensive alternative to nickel-based white gold. It has a naturally white, silvery colour that doesn’t need rhodium plating (unlike some other white gold alloys). It is hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant.
  • Common Use: High-end jewellery, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Platinum-Based

  • Composition: Gold mixed with platinum (Pt).
  • Characteristics: Platinum-based white gold is durable, heavy, and more expensive due to platinum's cost. This type of alloy tends to retain its white appearance without needing rhodium plating. It is rare and often used in luxury pieces.
  • Common Use: Luxury rings, high-end engagement rings, and designer jewellery.

Silver-Based

  • Composition: Gold combined with silver (Ag).
  • Characteristics: This type of alloy is less common than others, as silver-based white gold can tarnish over time and is less durable. However, it offers a more affordable option for creating a white gold appearance.
  • Common Use: Budget-friendly jewellery pieces.

Rhodium-Plated

  • Composition: Any of the above alloys (nickel, palladium, platinum, etc.) but plated with rhodium (a shiny, white metal from the platinum group) for an extra layer of brightness and durability.
  • Characteristics: The rhodium plating enhances the appearance and prevents tarnishing, giving the jewellery a bright, white, reflective finish. Rhodium plating can gradually fade with time and might require reapplication.
  • Common Use: Rings, bracelets, and other high-end jewellery.

Key Considerations

  • Allergies: Nickel-based alloys can cause allergic reactions in some people, so palladium or platinum-based alloys are better options for those with sensitive skin.
  • Durability: Nickel and palladium alloys tend to be more durable than silver-based white gold.
  • Price: The more valuable the alloying metal (like platinum or palladium), the more expensive the white gold piece will be.

Other Elements Used in White Gold Alloys:

  • Copper: Often used to add strength and hardness to the alloy.
  • Zinc: Sometimes added to reduce brittleness and improve workability.

Characteristics

Durability and Strength

White gold is harder than yellow gold due to the added metals, making it suitable for engagement rings and everyday wear.

Shine and Appearance

Rhodium plating adds a stunning lustre, often resembling platinum.

Common Uses in Jewellery

  • Engagement & wedding rings
  • Earrings
  • Bracelets and pendants
  • Luxury watches

White Gold Vs Other Metals

White Gold Vs Silver

  • White gold is more durable and retains its shine longer.
  • Silver is softer, tarnishes easily, but is more affordable.

White Gold Vs Platinum

  • Platinum is heavier and more expensive.
  • White gold needs rhodium plating, but costs less.

Allergies and Skin Reactions

Nickel Content

Nickel, commonly used in white gold, may cause allergies and skin reactions in some people.

Hypoallergenic Options

Opt for 18k white gold or alloys made with palladium, especially from brands like AYAANI, which prioritise skin-safe materials.

Price of White Gold

White gold prices fluctuate based on gold value and alloy cost.

How Karat Affects Price

Higher karat = more gold = higher cost.

White Gold vs Yellow Gold Cost

White gold can be slightly more expensive due to rhodium plating, but both follow similar gold pricing trends.

How to Check the Purity of White Gold Diamond Jewellery

Hallmarking & Certification

Always look for the karat stamp (10k, 14k, 18k) and a reputable hallmark from a certified jeweller.

Testing Methods

  • Acid test
  • XRF machines
  • Professional lab testing

These ensure your white gold diamond jewellery is authentic.

Buying Guide for White Gold jewellery

What to Look For

  • Karat preference (10k, 14k, or 18k)
  • Rhodium finish quality
  • Reputable sellers

Trusted Sellers

Choose reliable jewellers like AYAANI who offer certified products with clear purity indicators.

Lab-Grown Diamond Pairings

Lab-grown diamonds, like those from AYAANI, shine brilliantly in white gold settings, offering ethical luxury at a great value.

AYAANI’s Lab-Grown Diamond jewellery

Brand Overview

AYAANI is a modern jeweller known for stunning, sustainable lab-grown diamond jewellery.

Why It Pairs Perfectly with White Gold

The clean, bright look of white gold enhances the sparkle of AYAANI’s diamonds, making each piece timeless and radiant.

Sustainability and Style

Lab-grown diamonds reduce environmental impact while offering the same brilliance and elegance as mined ones.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Tips

Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Storage Advice

Keep in a soft pouch, separate from other metals to avoid scratches.

Professional Servicing

Re-plate rhodium every 1–2 years for a fresh, bright finish.

Learn the best methods to clean diamond rings.

White gold is dominating bridal trends, especially paired with oval or pear-shaped diamonds.

Celebrity Influence

Stars like Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé have showcased white gold rings, boosting their desirability.

Demand Growth in Bridal Jewellery

White gold’s neutral elegance makes it a favourite for modern engagement rings and wedding sets.

Conclusion

White gold is more than just a shiny alternative, it’s a durable, elegant, and versatile choice for every style and budget. Whether you're eyeing a 14k everyday piece or an 18k heirloom, pairing it with AYAANI’s lab-grown diamonds guarantees brilliance with a conscience.

FAQs

1. What is white gold composed of?

White gold is made by mixing pure gold with white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver.

2. Is 14k white gold better than 10k or 18k?

14k offers a great balance between durability and gold content, making it ideal for most wearers.

3. Does white gold cause skin allergies?

Some people may react to the nickel in white gold. Choosing 18k or nickel-free alloys helps avoid this.

4. How do you check if my white gold is real?

Look for hallmarks (like 14k or 18k) and ask for certification from your jeweller.

5. Why choose white gold over silver?

White gold is more durable, scratch-resistant, and holds its shine better than silver.

6. Where can you buy ethical white gold jewellery?

AYAANI offers ethically sourced, lab-grown diamond jewellery set in high-quality white gold.

7. Which costs more gold or white gold?

White gold usually costs more because it is alloyed with other metals like palladium or nickel to give it its white colour and durability.

8. Which costs more, white or yellow gold?

Yellow gold is generally less expensive than white gold due to the additional alloy metals in white gold.

9. What is more expensive, rose or yellow gold?

Rose gold is typically more expensive than yellow gold because it contains copper, which adds to its cost.

10. What is the highest karat of white gold?

The highest karat for white gold is usually 24K, but it is rarely used for jewellery because it’s too soft. Most white gold jewellery is 14K or 18K.

11. What is 375 white gold?

375 white gold refers to 9K white gold, meaning it is 37.5% gold and 62.5% other metals. It’s lower in purity and thus less expensive.