Many are well versed with the number of precious metals used for making jewellery, such as gold, platinum, and silver. White gold is coming up as another popular choice for jewellery, especially diamond rings for ladies.

So, how is white gold made? Is it different from yellow gold?

Let’s learn more about this precious metal.

White Gold – An Alloy of Gold & Metals

White gold is a gold alloy. It is pure gold mixed with other alloy metals having a silvery to whitish colour, such as silver and palladium.

To make gold jewellery, pure gold is combined with some harder metals for added strength and durability. As pure gold is a soft metal on its own, without a harder alloy, it would not be strong and rigid. It would be out-of-shape.

This is why we have so many variations of pure gold – white gold and rose gold. White gold ring designs are beautiful, having a silvery-colour, which makes it a perfect combination for engagement and wedding rings studded with diamonds.

Besides the alloys mixed with pure gold, white gold also gets an additional rhodium coating. Rhodium is a metal that belongs to the family of platinum.

Adding rhodium makes the metal stronger and more durable. Moreover, it adds a lustrous white sheen to the metal, which makes it ideal for coating and protecting jewellery.

Does White Gold Lose its Colour?

Over time, the top rhodium coating of white gold jewellery may start wearing out and fading, thus revealing the yellow gold colour beneath.

It is quite normal for white gold to lose the coating if you wear the jewellery daily. Over time, the colour of yellow gold may start showing up. However, it all depends on a few factors such as the toiletries used, household chemicals getting in contact with the jewellery, skin pH level etc. Even certain environmental factors like pollution could influence colour fading.

What To Do?

The simple solution is rhodium re-coating. This is easily done at jewellery stores. It should cost you no more than 25 pounds.

The Reality of White Gold

White gold is real gold, though it contains some alloy metals. However, white gold is made from pure gold only. Looking at the hallmark sign of the jewellery, you can make out that white gold jewellery is also pure gold jewellery.

In most of the countries, jewellery weighing more than 1 gram is hallmarked to make sure it contains the accurate amount of certified precious metals mentioned.

The hallmark is a symbol stamped on the inner part of any piece of jewellery, which identifies that it is authentic and certified by strict government standards.

How to Determine the Percentage of Pure Gold in White Gold?

Gold contained in all gold jewellery, including white, rose, or yellow gold, is measured in karats, or K.

Jewellery containing 9K gold contains 37.5% pure gold, whereas 18K gold marked jewellery contains 75% pure gold, irrespective of the colour of gold. The greater the amount of karat weight, the larger the amount of gold it contains.

Why Choose White Gold?

The elegance, shine, and sheen of white gold have made it the first choice of metal for rings, ear studs, and other jewellery items. It looks like platinum or silver but is more affordable than platinum and much hardwearing compared to silver.

It is the best choice for people who prefer a silvery, white appearance to gold in yellow.

It looks neutral and it is durable, which makes it perfect for settings diamonds and other gemstones. It looks classic and beautiful, apt for all events and outfits.

However, the ultimate choice of gold lies with the wearer.

Overall, white gold is a stunning choice for people who love the classic and neutral look.