White Gold Chains

White gold is derived from mixing pure gold with the following metals: nickel, silver and zinc. Of course, a lot of people have demonstrated allergic reactions to nickel. Therefore, it is often replaced with palladium. In its natural state, gold is a very soft metal. As a result, it is often mixed with other metals that can lend it some strength. The same process is employed to vary the color of gold.

White Gold Resembles Platinum

Before World War II, platinum was actually the desired metal for fine jewelry. However, during the war, the government limited use of platinum to the military. Thus jewelers starting mixing gold, which they had plenty of, with nickel, silver and zinc to simulate the white hue indicative of platinum.

Platinum is once again available for sale, but for people who like its look they might want to consider sticking with white gold. Platinum is hard to mine and is therefore very rare. Furthermore, it is sold in a concentration that is very near to its pure form, thereby making jewelry crafted out of it very expensive.

When you are shopping, keep in mind that it will cost you nearly twice as much to purchase a platinum item than a similar one made out of white gold. Therefore, if you are looking for an elegant, yet simple piece of jewelry to give to a loved one, you might want to consider a white gold chain. Not only will it give the allure of platinum, but it will cost you considerably less.