White Gold
White gold is a popular choice in fine jewelry, known for its bright, silvery tone that pairs well with diamonds and gemstones. Its versatility makes it a go-to option for both classic and modern designs, making it a great choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other jewelry styles alike.
While it shares the timeless appeal of yellow gold, white gold has a unique character due to its composition. Whether you're considering it for a new piece or simply want to learn more, this guide will cover the essentials to help you make an informed decision.
White Gold: Origins and Composition
White gold was first introduced to the jewelry world in the early 1900s; at the time, platinum was a popular but expensive metal, so jewelers and chemists alike experimented with creating gold alloys to replicate it.
As an interesting fact: white gold really surged in popularity during the Second World War, since it was during this time platinum was considered a special metal reserved only for war efforts. Since then, it remains a staple in fine jewelry.
White gold is not a naturally occurring metal; it’s an alloy created by mixing pure gold with white metals. These metals are typically palladium, nickel, or silver.
These alloys reduce gold’s natural yellow hue, giving white gold its signature silvery appearance.
In Canada, white gold jewelry typically comes in two main karat options:
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14k White Gold – Composed of 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy metals, 14k white gold is more durable and has a brighter, whiter tone. Its strength makes it ideal for everyday wear, as it resists scratches better than higher-karat options.
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18k White Gold – Made of 75% gold and 25% alloy metals, 18k white gold has a slightly warmer tone due to its higher gold content.
Rhodium Plating and Its Role
White gold jewelry is coated with rhodium, a rare metal from the platinum family, to enhance its brilliant silver color and add extra protection. Over time, this rhodium coating does wear down and fades.
As it fades, the raw gold underneath starts to show, revealing a more “warm” hue of white, as opposed to the brilliant silver finish.
Because of this, white gold does need to be replated with rhodium to restore its original look.
How to Care for White Gold Jewelry
White gold is designed to last, but regular maintenance keeps it looking its best:
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Cleaning – Wash with warm water and mild soap, using a soft brush to remove buildup. Dry with a cloth. Professional cleaning can help restore its shine.
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Rhodium Replating – If your white gold starts to look slightly yellow, a jeweler can reapply rhodium to bring back its bright white finish. Depending on wear, this may be needed every few years.
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Storage – Keep white gold jewelry in a lined box or pouch to prevent scratches. Storing it separately from other pieces reduces wear.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Remove white gold jewelry before swimming or cleaning, as chlorine, bleach, and other chemicals can weaken the metal over time.
With proper care, white gold jewelry can maintain its brilliance and beauty for years to come.
White Gold vs. Platinum
White gold and platinum are two metals that offer a bright, silvery-white appearance that complements diamonds and gemstones beautifully. Even though they look similar, they are different.
Platinum is a naturally white metal; it doesn’t need rhodium plating to maintain its color, and it’s highly resistant to tarnishing. It’s also denser and heavier, which gives it a distinct heavier feel.
Price-wise, platinum is more expensive due to its rarity and weight, but this price gap has since decreased due to the increase in gold prices in the past few years.
White gold's alloy composition makes it lighter . This makes it a solid choice for rings with a larger gemstone. If you like a shinier look, white gold may be a better option as well.
Conclusion
With proper care and maintenance, a white gold piece can keep its bright white look for years to come.
If you’re in the market for a white gold piece of jewelry, we invite you to our showroom in Calgary’s Market Mall.
As Calgary’s largest retailer of lab-grown diamond jewelry, we have a wide selection of white gold pieces that are sure to please. From engagement rings to bracelets, earrings, and more, you’ll find beautifully created designs fit for any occasion.