LemonTrades
TL;DR
- White gold is real gold. It’s gold mixed with white metals like palladium, nickel or silver, then usually plated with rhodium for a bright finish.
- 14K white gold holds exactly as much gold as 14K yellow gold, so it has the same gold value per gram.
- The rhodium wears off over time, so it often needs re-plating every few years. Some alloys contain nickel, which can bother sensitive skin.
- LemonTrades follows the gold price for you and tells you what moved it, and why, within seconds.
There’s no such thing as naturally white gold. It’s a recipe. Here’s what goes in and what it means for your jewelry.
What is white gold made of?
Karat says how much of the metal is gold: 14K is 58.3% and 18K is 75%. In white gold, the rest is metals that whiten it, like palladium, nickel, silver or manganese. Even so, the alloy has a slight warm tint, which is why most white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium, a very white, hard metal.
White gold vs yellow gold vs platinum
| White gold | Yellow gold | Platinum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Bright white, thanks to plating | Warm yellow | Naturally white-gray |
| Upkeep | Re-plating every few years | Polish now and then | Polish; it develops a soft sheen |
| Allergy risk | Possible, if it contains nickel | Low at higher karats | Very low |
| Weight | Medium | Medium | Heavier |
How the metals compare in price: is platinum better than gold?.
How to look after it
- Re-plate when it starts to look yellowish; a jeweler can do it for a modest fee, often every few years.
- Take it off for swimming and cleaning; chlorine can damage it.
- Clean with mild soap, warm water and a soft brush.
Is white gold real gold, and how can I tell?
Yes, if it’s stamped 10K, 14K or 18K (or 417, 585, 750). Silver-colored jewelry stamped 925 is sterling silver instead. To check, see how to tell if gold is real and is silver magnetic?.
Sources
Education, not financial advice. See our disclaimer.
