White Gold

Traditionally, white gold consists of gold, nickel and zinc, giving it a color closer to silver or titanium than that of the yellow gold which most people think of simply as "gold." White gold as become increasingly popular in recent years as women who do not favor the color of yellow gold against their skin but still seek the value of gold have found it to be a perfect alternative. Also, many jewelers no longer use nickel or zinc in white gold (as a few people have a reaction to it), and instead have formulated alloys using silver or palladium.

All pieces of jewelry that can be made in yellow gold can also be made in white gold. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings are often quite beautiful in white gold, particularly when white gold is used to offset precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, amethysts, and other cool-colored stones.

Essential Information Regarding the Care of White Gold Jewelry

When you purchase a white gold piece, ask if it is coated with a metal called Rhodium. Rhodium plating is used to make the white gold look whiter, or paler, as it is a very white and very hard metal and the natural color of white gold is actually a light gray. Rhodium plating will wear away eventually, however, so you will likely wish to re-plate the piece occasionally. Most local jewelers are able to perform rhodium plating.

If you have decided to find a white gold piece for yourself or someone else, you can begin searching the internet for possibilities. White gold is a unique and beautiful precious metal, and with the aid of online resources, you may find a white gold setting or piece which is exactly what you were hoping for. The prices will likely be in the same range as yellow gold, or a little bit higher, but much lower than platinum.