White Gold: Everything You Need to Know About This Stunning Metal
Apr 30, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About White Gold
Where does white gold come from?
White gold is created by alloying pure yellow gold with white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver. This combination gives it a silvery-white appearance. To enhance its shine and durability, white gold is often plated with rhodium, a rare and reflective metal. Unlike naturally occurring yellow gold, white gold is entirely man-made and crafted to offer a modern, elegant alternative to traditional gold.
Does white gold tarnish?
White gold doesn’t tarnish in the traditional sense, but it can lose its bright white finish over time. This happens because white gold is typically plated with rhodium, a metal that enhances its shine and whiteness. As the rhodium layer wears off due to daily wear, the natural yellowish tone of the gold alloy underneath may begin to show. This isn’t tarnishing but rather a gradual fading of the plating. To maintain its appearance, white gold jewelry can be professionally replated with rhodium, restoring its original luster and brilliance.
What is white gold?
White gold is a precious metal alloy made by combining pure yellow gold with white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. This mixture gives white gold its distinctive silvery-white appearance, which is often enhanced by a rhodium plating. The rhodium not only adds a reflective, bright finish but also increases durability and resistance to scratches. While white gold is not naturally occurring, it is crafted to provide an elegant alternative to traditional yellow gold, making it a popular choice for modern jewelry like engagement rings and wedding bands. Its versatility and timeless appeal make it a favorite in the world of fine jewelry.
How to tell if something is white gold?
To determine if an item is white gold, look for hallmark stamps, typically located on the inner band of jewelry. Common markings include “10K,” “14K,” or “18K,” indicating the gold's purity, or “Au,” “P,” or “WG” for white gold. If the item is plated, it may also have an “R” for rhodium. Additionally, white gold has a silvery appearance with a slightly warmer tone compared to platinum or silver.
If you’re still unsure, have the item tested by a jeweler. They can perform acid tests, electronic gold testing, or x-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm whether the piece is white gold.
What is white gold plated?
White gold plated refers to a base metal—such as silver, brass, or a lower-karat gold—coated with a thin layer of rhodium or white gold alloy. This plating gives the jewelry the shiny, silvery-white appearance of white gold at a more affordable price. However, the plating can wear off over time with regular use, exposing the base metal underneath. To maintain its look, white gold-plated items may need to be replated periodically. While it resembles solid white gold, plated jewelry contains less pure gold and is less durable.
How is white gold made white?
White gold is made white by alloying pure yellow gold with white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. These metals dilute gold’s natural yellow hue, giving it a lighter, silvery appearance. To achieve the bright, reflective finish associated with white gold, it is typically plated with rhodium, a rare, silvery-white metal. The rhodium coating not only enhances the whiteness and shine of the piece but also adds durability and resistance to scratches. Over time, the rhodium layer may wear off, revealing the slightly warm undertones of the white gold alloy underneath, but it can easily be replated to restore its original brilliance.
What is white gold made of?
White gold is made by mixing pure yellow gold with white metals like nickel, palladium, or silver to create an alloy. These metals not only lighten the gold’s natural yellow color but also add strength and durability. To enhance its brightness and achieve a brilliant white finish, white gold is typically coated with rhodium, a shiny, reflective metal. The final composition varies depending on the desired karat, with 14k and 18k being the most common, containing 58.3% and 75% pure gold, respectively. This combination of metals makes white gold both beautiful and practical for jewelry.
Does white gold plating actually use white gold?
No, white gold plating does not actually use white gold. Instead, it typically uses rhodium, a rare and highly reflective white metal, to coat the surface of a jewelry piece. Rhodium plating enhances the appearance of the item, giving it the bright, silvery-white finish associated with white gold. While the underlying metal may be yellow gold, silver, or another material, the plating itself is not made of white gold alloy. This is why white gold-plated jewelry is more affordable and may require periodic replating to maintain its shine.
Is White Gold Hypoallergenic?
White gold can cause allergic reactions in some people, especially if it contains nickel. Hypoallergenic options alloyed with palladium or other metals are available.
How Often Should White Gold Be Re-Plated?
White gold jewelry should be re-plated with rhodium every 1-2 years, depending on wear. Frequent wear and exposure to harsh chemicals can accelerate the need for re-plating.
Can White Gold Be Resized?
Yes, white gold can be resized by a professional jeweler. However, resizing may require re-plating with rhodium to restore the finish.
Is White Gold a Good Investment?
Yes, white gold can be resized by a professional jeweler. However, resizing may require re-plating with rhodium to restore the finish.
