What is white gold? Everything about the composition, value, and maintenance

White gold is one of the most popular choices for jewelry, but what is white gold exactly? Contrary to popular belief, white gold is not a standalone element. It is a carefully crafted alloy of pure gold and white metals. In this article, we explain how white gold is made, its specific composition, and how its value compares to yellow gold.

How is white gold made?

The foundation of any white gold composition is always 24-karat pure gold. To create white gold, this gold is melted and combined with white metals. These metals serve two functions: they make the gold significantly harder and they neutralize the natural warm yellow color. The most common metals used in white gold alloys include palladium, which provides a high-quality white color, and silver, which is added for extra luster. In some cases, nickel is used for hardness, though its use is declining due to potential skin allergies.

What is rhodinated white gold?

Without a final finish, the raw alloy often has a light gray or yellowish undertone. To achieve the mirror-like white brilliance associated with luxury jewelry, the piece is usually plated with a layer of rhodium. Rhodium is an extremely rare and precious metal that also serves as a protective layer against light scratches.

The difference between white gold, yellow gold and rose gold

The primary difference between white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold is the type of metals added to the pure gold base. Yellow gold maintains its color through a mix of copper and silver, while rose gold gets its signature pink tint from a higher copper content.

Is white gold more expensive than yellow gold?

The intrinsic gold value per gram is identical for the same karat, as the gold content remains the same whether it is 14k or 18k gold. However, white gold jewelry is often more expensive at retail. This price difference is caused by the cost of premium alloying metals like palladium and the additional labor required for rhodium plating.

What is the white gold price per gram?

The price of white gold is largely determined by the current spot gold price on the global market. Because white gold is an alloy, its value per gram is directly linked to the percentage of pure gold processed within the piece, indicated by its karat:

• 14k white gold consists of 58.5% pure gold.
• 18k white gold consists of 75% pure gold.

While precious alloying metals like palladium have their own intrinsic value, they are often not fully reimbursed during the buy-back of old jewelry. For investors, white gold therefore holds a lower investment value than physical gold of 99.9% purity.

Maintenance and durability of white gold jewelry

White gold is generally harder than yellow gold, but its white appearance requires periodic maintenance. Because the rhodium layer wears off through contact with the skin and surfaces, the natural tint of the underlying alloy may become visible over time. To keep white gold in top condition:

1. Have your sieraad re-plated with rhodium every 1 to 3 years for a renewed shine. This depends on how intensively the jewelry is worn.
2. Use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. Avoid hard brushes that could unnecessarily damage the rhodium layer.
3. Have the settings of any gemstones regularly checked by a professional.