What Is White Gold?

Gold is one of the most precious metals on earth. It’s been a symbol of wealth and power since the dawn of human civilization. There are two types of gold: white and yellow. White, or “pure,” gold is more valuable than yellow gold because it contains no other metals mixed in with the pure 24-karat alloy of castor.

In this blog post, we’re going to focus on white gold. We will also look into the history of white gold and every detail of this precious metal.

What Is White Gold?

White gold is a type of jewelry that is typically made with nickel and palladium or platinum. It can also be mixed with other metals like silver and copper to create different shades. 

White gold has the same properties as yellow gold and often gets mistaken for it (and vice versa). The difference between these two types of metal is the way they’re colored: white gold’s color comes from an alloying agent called rhodium, which makes it whiter than yellow gold. 

White gold rings are particularly popular because they provide the look of a traditional engagement ring without requiring you to spend thousands on an expensive white metal like platinum or palladium. 

History Of White Gold

White gold has been around for centuries and was first introduced in the 19th Century. The technique of creating white gold by mixing it with other metals, however, only emerged during World War II when jewelry manufacturers were unable to obtain yellow metal due to a shortage caused by the war effort. 

Is White Gold Popular?

In today’s market, you can find white gold in jewelry. It comes in a variety of styles and with different types of settings. White gold bracelets are extremely popular, but you can also find rings, earrings, necklaces, and pendants as well as watches that use this precious metal.

What Are The Characteristics Of White Gold?

Composition: White gold contains a combination of metals, typically nickel and palladium or platinum.

Appearance: Pure white color with silver luster due to rhodium plating. Despite being extremely hard, rhodium plating can wear off with daily use and begin turning yellow over time.

Tarnishing / Fading: While all jewelry can fade in the sunlight when exposed for prolonged periods, white gold is very resistant to fading.

Durability: White gold is a very durable metal. It can last for years without showing any signs of wear and tear depending on how often you wear the jewelry.

Corrosion: White gold is more resistant to corrosion than most other metals.

Malleability: White gold is a very malleable metal. This means it can be drawn into wire or flattened into sheets without losing its strength and durability.

Price: White gold can be made from alloys of other metals like silver and copper, which makes it possible to sell rings at extremely reasonable prices.

Is White Gold Real Gold?

Yes! White gold is a real type of gold, pure 24k gold! It has the same properties as yellow gold.

Why Buy A White Gold Ring? 

White Gold Rings are extremely popular for many reasons, but two stands out in particular: price and appearance. Many people opt for these types of engagement bands because they are much more affordable than rings made with other precious metals like platinum or palladium. 

Why Is White Gold Combined With Other Alloy Metals?

Shinny Appearance

The rhodium plating on white gold is what gives it its bright, shiny appearance. White gold’s luster comes from the way light reflects off of the thin layer of rhodium metal covering each jewel.

To Strengthen

The most common alloy metals found with white gold are nickel and palladium. Palladium is commonly mixed in for its ability to strengthen the platinum group of metals – including rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, and osmium. Palladium is also a more affordable alloy metal than platinum, making it the perfect choice for those looking to save money without sacrificing quality or beauty.

To Add Value

Platinum can be mixed with white gold as well but this combination of metals is extremely rare and will come at an extremely high price tag due to its rarity. 

White Gold vs Yellow Gold

In some cases, the difference between these two metals is quite clear. However, more often than not they can be quite difficult to tell apart.

One of the easiest ways both metals have a slight yellow tint in their appearance when looked at closely and under certain types of lightings. However white gold has a little bit brighter and shinier appearance thanks to its rhodium plating whereas yellow gold is slightly duller and less lustrous.

Another difference between white gold and yellow gold is that the former metal has a slightly different taste than the latter! The reason for this lies in its chemical composition; while both metals are made up of 24k (pure) gold, only one contains small amounts of other alloys like nickel or palladium which give white gold it’s signature bright white color.

Should You Purchase White Gold?

There are a few things to consider before purchasing white gold. First and foremost, you need to understand that it is not as pure as yellow gold!  It contains a higher percentage of alloy metals, which means that it will require more maintenance to stay looking its best. This type of jewelry should be rhodium plated every six months or so to keep the bright white color intact.

Secondly, you need to decide what you plan on doing with your ring. If constant contact with water or lotions is a part of your lifestyle, you may want to consider choosing yellow gold instead as white gold can be corroded by these types of substances. Also, you will want to consider your eyes when picking a metal to ensure it your jewelry looks great on you.

Where Can You Purchase A White Gold Ring?

You can get a white gold engagement band at any certified jeweler and jewelry store. You can also get it online as well as many internet-based jewelry stores offer rings in white gold. However, when it comes to purchasing it online, there are essential items to consider. For example, ensure that the ring you are interested in is certified by a reputable company. Many sites offer white gold rings for well below market value which could be an indicator of its authenticity.

Try to find reviews online or ask your friends if they have had any luck with their purchases before investing. This will help ensure that you get a ring that is not only beautiful but also safe for you and your loved one to wear.

Factors To Consider When Purchasing White Gold

Is the Ring Certified?

It is important to make sure that your ring is certified before purchasing it. This will ensure you are getting a high-quality product and not something that could be potentially dangerous for you or your loved one to wear.

Cost

Pricing is always an important factor when making any purchase, but especially so with white gold rings. This type of jewelry can be quite expensive due to the platinum content used in its production. So it’s crucial that you do some research before jumping into a sale or deal that seems too good to be true.

Maintenance & Care

Ensuring proper care of our white gold rings is essential to keeping them looking their best over time.  Some simple rules include removing your jewelry before engaging in any physical activity or household chore, avoid using lotions or soaps directly on your ring as they can corrode the metal over time.

It is also important to store them in a dry location away from humidity to help maintain their appearance.

Conclusion

White gold is a beautiful and affordable alternative to the traditional yellow gold. It has an equally high percentage of pure 24k (pure) gold but with added alloy metals that give it, its signature bright white color.  It is important to make sure that you purchase this type of jewelry from a reputable and certified jeweler or dealer. Ensuring proper care and maintenance will help ensure your ring stays looking its best for years.