What Is White Gold: An In-Depth Guide

Finding high-quality jewelry at an affordable price isn't always easy. If you're not a jeweler jewelry expert, it can be challenging to tell the difference between different precious metals and cheap imitations. 

Let's say you want to buy a piece of silver-colored jewelry, but you're not sure whether to go with white gold or a different metal. By the end of this guide, you'll feel prepared to make the best choice regarding your jewelry.

Keep reading to learn about white gold and how you can revamp your jewelry collection.

What Is White Gold?

Despite its name, white gold isn't white on its own. It's an alloy of gold that combines yellow gold with palladium and silver. These alloy metals give white gold its silver-white color and help strengthen and fortify the gold piece. 

In addition to containing alloy metals, white gold also has a rhodium plating. This precious metal gives it a layer of protection and an aesthetic luster.

How Durable Is White Gold?

Pure gold is an exceptionally soft metal. If you were to purchase a ring made entirely of gold, it would be much more susceptible to bending and breaking than other metals. The added alloy metals increase white gold's durability, making white gold jewelry suitable for everyday wear. Depending on the karat weight, white gold can be quite durable.

What Are Alternatives to White Gold?

It can be confusing to identify white gold, but knowing the silver-colored alternatives out there can help you understand the unique qualities of each option. 

Here are a few types of silver metals that are often used to make fine jewelry:

• Sterling silver: This jewelry metal is 92.5% pure silver with 7.5% alloy metals. It's a fantastic option for jewelry and silverware, but it can sometimes tarnish more quickly than other metals, resulting in more upkeep.
• Platinum: This precious metal is another suitable material for jewelry. When you purchase a platinum piece, you can expect 90-95% of the piece to be platinum, with alloy metals making the remaining percentage. Platinum jewelry is stronger than yellow gold but less durable than white gold.
• Nickel: Nickel is one of the main culprits to blame whenever you experience skin discoloration or irritation after wearing jewelry. Though it can be very cost-effective and durable, it's also not the best for the skin, especially for people who require hypoallergenic jewelry. A nickel allergy is common; this is one of the most prevalent skin-based allergic reactions. 
• Stainless steel: You might not think of jewelry when you think of stainless steel, but you should. Premium 316L stainless steel makes an excellent everyday jewelry material. It won't tarnish or fade and will always remain strong without bending or breaking.

How Valuable Is White Gold?

Perhaps you've inherited a piece of white gold jewelry and want to know how valuable your new heirloom is. How valuable a piece of white gold jewelry is has a lot to do with the karat weight. 

Now, be sure not to confuse this with the word “carat,” which refers to diamonds. Karats refer to how much gold is present in a piece of jewelry compared to other metals.

Let's explore the most common karat weights to understand more:

• 24 karat gold: This kind of gold is what some might call real gold or pure gold. It contains no alloy metals, and it's soft as a result. Though it's not the most durable metal, it is worth the most. 
• 18 karat: This gold option is one of the most popular choices for wedding rings and meaningful jewelry. 18-karat gold jewelry contains 75% gold with 25% alloy metals. It's the most valuable, enduring option with alloys in it.
• 14 karat carat: This type of gold is naturally less valuable than the previous two types of gold. Still, 14-karat gold can be perfect for everyday wear since it's much harder than 18-karat and 24-karat gold. 

There are a few other karat weight options in some jewelry markets, but for the most part, these are the most common karat weight markers you'll see.

Other Common Types of Gold

Let's get more familiar with the other types of gold while we're at it. White gold isn't your only option if you prefer gold jewelry.

Let's explore the different kinds of gold to find out what suits your vibe and style most:

Yellow Gold

This type of gold might be the most classic. It has a well-known yellow color, which can cause it to complement certain skin tones and color palettes well. In a piece of 18-karat gold jewelry, the composition is 75% gold and 25% nickel, copper, and zinc.

Rose Gold

Rose gold is a relatively new metal to the jewelry scene, but it's been a favorite for weddings and engagements in the past several decades. It's famous for its romantic look that comes from its rosy hue. An 18-karat piece of rose gold jewelry will contain 75% gold and 25% copper.

Black Gold

Black gold might not be traditional, but that doesn't stop some people from seeking out this metal and wearing black gold jewelry with their daily clothing. Black gold is essentially 75% gold with 25% cobalt or another dark metal. 

What Material Should You Use for a Wedding Ring?

Let's say you've met someone incredible, and you're tying the knot soon. What type of material should you choose for your wedding bands? You might opt for a platinum ring since those are valuable and look great.

On the other hand, you might choose white gold since it's classic and can be durable. Premium stainless steel is also an option. At the end of the day, it's up to your personal preference. 

What Material Is Suitable for Everyday Wear?

Let's say you're the type of person who's always moving. If you're not working out or showing up to work, you're going on weekend hikes and adventures with your pals. You need jewelry that keeps up with you.

At CRAFTD, we're obsessed with using the best materials to help jewelry withstand your everyday life. Our jewelry is sweatproof, heatproof, and waterproof. We use 18-karat plated gold and premium 316L stainless steel for our jewelry because we want it to stick with you for a long time.

How To Ensure Gold or Silver Jewelry Lasts

Once you've purchased your jewelry, how can you ensure it lasts? At CRAFTD, we believe you should be able to wear your jewelry wherever without worrying that it will degrade. Still, you can help ensure your jewelry has a long, full life by washing it occasionally and storing it well.

Seven Gold and Silver Jewelry Pieces to Add to Your Collection

Let's say you're ready to buy new jewelry. When you're itching for new gold and silver pieces, we'll hook you up at CRAFTD.

Let's look at seven jewelry pieces that can upgrade your closet in no time:

 This chain style is one of the most reliable. When you need an accessory that will bring up your outfit's vibe, our Cuban chain is a safe choice that you can enjoy for years.

Rope Bracelet

Wearing a bracelet can help elevate the impression you make on someone while shaking their hand. Our Rope bracelet is an excellent piece to have in your collection when you need to add the perfect, minimal detail to bring your vibe up.

St. Michael Pendant

Your jewelry is for show, but it can also be meaningful to you. If you're someone who finds meaning in faith, our St. Michael pendant might serve as a religious symbol for you. If not, this pendant can still be a symbol of leadership. Wear it in silver or gold –– the choice is up to you.

Crown Ring

Hardly anyone gets a position and accolades in life without preparing their mindset to receive them. Our Crown ring can serve as a reminder that everything you deserve will come to you when you take authority over your life.

Dagger Earring

Want to try out more edgy jewelry? Perhaps you're used to playing it safe, and you want to switch things up for a change. Our Dagger earring could be just the thing you've been looking for.

St. Christopher Ring

It can be fun to make a visual statement with your jewelry. Our St. Christopher ring is an intricately designed piece that can add personality to your entire look. Wear it with your favorite chains and bracelet, or throw it on solo.

Cross Necklace

What's a jewelry collection without an iconic Cross necklace? You can wear this piece in silver or gold. Whatever you do, wear it with pride, remembering the role this design has played both in religion and hip-hop fashion.

How To Step Up Your Jewelry Game

Perhaps you've always liked the thought of white gold because of its value and color. One thing to keep in mind with this kind of metal is its tendency to be pricey. If you're looking for a killer silver-colored metal that looks amazing and won't break your bank, shop our silver collection at CRAFTD.

Whether you're looking for classic jewelry you can wear every day or unique jewelry that starts conversations, we've got it. Let us help you elevate your jewelry collection and your self-belief at CRAFTD.

Sources:

Chemistry of Palladium | Chemistry Libretexts

White Gold, Platinum, Palladium or Silver - Choose the Right White Metal for Your Engagement and Wedding Rings | 4Cs of Diamond Quality by GIA

Metal allergy--a review on exposures, penetration, genetics, prevalence, and clinical implications | NCBI