How is white gold made?

White gold is made by alloying pure gold with white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. The mixture is carefully calculated to achieve the desired karat weight while maintaining strength and workability. After the jewelry is crafted, it is then plated with rhodium — a platinum group metal — to enhance its brightness, reflectivity, and scratch resistance.

Is white gold real gold?

Yes, white gold is absolutely real gold. White gold is created by mixing pure gold with other white metals to achieve strength and a white appearance. The gold content is measured in karats, just like yellow gold, with 18K white gold containing ~75% pure gold and 14K containing ~58.3% pure gold. The difference is purely in the alloy metals used to create the white color.

Is white gold more expensive than yellow gold?

No, white gold is not typically more expensive than yellow gold of the same karat weight at the point of purchase. Both contain the same amount of pure gold, which is the primary cost driver. However, long-term costs can be higher for white gold because it requires rhodium re-plating every 1-3 years to maintain its bright finish.

Does white gold turn yellow?

Yes, white gold can gradually turn yellowish over time. This happens as the rhodium plating wears away, revealing the warmer natural tone of the gold alloy beneath. This is not a defect but a normal characteristic of white gold. The rate at which this occurs depends on factors like body chemistry, exposure to chemicals, and how frequently the piece is worn. Regular re-plating can maintain the bright white appearance.

Is white gold hypoallergenic?

White gold is not always hypoallergenic. If nickel is used in the alloy, it may cause skin irritation for those with nickel allergies, though the rhodium plating provides a protective layer that helps reduce reactions while intact. For truly hypoallergenic white gold, look for pieces made with nickel-free alloys that use palladium or platinum group metals instead. These alternative alloys are becoming increasingly common but may cost slightly more.

Can you turn white gold into yellow gold?

No, you cannot turn white gold into yellow gold through any simple process. The metals are alloyed at a molecular level, so a jeweler would need to completely melt down the white gold piece, remove the white alloys, add yellow-toned alloys, and create an entirely new piece rather than changing the existing one. If you want to change from white to yellow gold, it's more practical to trade in your white gold piece and purchase a new yellow gold item.

Is rose gold more expensive than yellow gold?

No, rose gold is not more expensive than yellow gold of the same karat weight. The cost is determined primarily by gold content, as copper — the alloy that creates rose gold's pink tone — is relatively inexpensive compared to gold. In some cases, rose gold might even be slightly less expensive to produce than other gold types, though market pricing typically keeps all gold colors at comparable price points for the same karat and design.

Do diamonds look better in white or yellow gold?

Diamonds often look brighter in white gold because there is less color contrast between the metal and the stone, allowing the diamond's brilliance to shine without competing color reflections. The reflective white surface enhances the diamond's sparkle and fire. However, colorless or near-colorless diamonds can look stunning in yellow gold, which provides a warm contrast. Diamonds with slight yellow tints may actually appear more yellow when set in white gold and can look better in yellow gold settings where the contrast masks the stone's warmth.

What is the best type of gold to buy for jewelry?

The best type of gold to buy for jewelry depends on your personal style, skin tone, maintenance preferences, and budget considerations: For classic, traditional appeal with minimal maintenance: Yellow gold For a contemporary look that showcases diamonds brilliantly: White gold For durability combined with unique, romantic aesthetic: Rose gold For everyday wear and active lifestyles: 14K in any color (more durable than 18K) For special occasion pieces with richer gold color: 18K in any color For those with metal allergies: High-karat yellow gold or nickel-free white gold

Is white gold stronger than yellow gold?

Yes, white gold is generally stronger than yellow gold of the same karat weight. The alloys used to create white gold — such as nickel, palladium, or silver — typically create a harder metal than the copper-silver combination used in yellow gold. Additionally, the rhodium plating on white gold provides an extra layer of protection against scratches and wear. This makes white gold a good choice for securing gemstones and for pieces that endure daily wear, though rose gold is typically even stronger than both.

Does rose gold fade to yellow gold?

No, rose gold does not fade to yellow gold over time. It retains its pink tone permanently because the color comes from the copper in the alloy, which is integrated throughout the metal — not from any surface treatment or plating that could wear off. The copper content may develop a slightly deeper patina over many years, potentially enhancing its vintage appeal, but the fundamental rosy hue remains stable throughout the life of the piece.

Is rose gold more expensive than white gold?

No, rose gold is not more expensive than white gold of the same karat rating. Both contain the same amount of pure gold, which is the primary cost driver in jewelry pricing. In fact, rose gold could theoretically be slightly less expensive to produce since it doesn't require the rhodium plating process that white gold does, and copper is less expensive than some white metal alloys. However, retail pricing typically standardizes costs across gold colors, with differences in price reflecting karat weight and design complexity rather than gold type.

Is rose gold stronger than yellow gold?

Yes, rose gold is stronger and more durable than yellow gold of the same karat weight. The copper alloy used to create rose gold's distinctive color also adds significant hardness and strength to the metal. This makes rose gold less prone to scratching and denting compared to yellow gold, and it generally holds up better to everyday wear. 14K rose gold is particularly durable, making it an excellent choice for engagement rings and other pieces worn daily.

Can you be allergic to white gold but not yellow gold?

Yes, you can be allergic to white gold but not yellow gold. This happens most commonly when white gold contains nickel, a common allergy. Higher karat yellow gold (18K+) generally lacks nickel and instead uses hypoallergenic alloys like silver and copper, which cause far fewer allergic reactions. If you experience irritation with white gold, consider switching to yellow gold of 18K, or seek white gold specifically made with nickel-free alloys using palladium or platinum group metals.

Is white gold heavier than yellow gold?

No, white gold is not significantly heavier than yellow gold of the same karat weight and design. Both have similar densities because they contain the same amount of pure gold, with only the alloy metals differing. Any weight difference in jewelry is negligible and not detectable when worn. The overall design, size, and thickness of a piece has far more impact on its weight than whether it's made of white or yellow gold. By comparison, platinum is noticeably heavier than any type of gold which some wearers prefer for its substantial feel.

Brilliant Earth

ENDS SOON! Receive 1/4 Carat Lab Diamond Studs With Purchase Over $1,000. Use Code STUDS in Cart.

1/4 Carat Lab Diamond Studs With Purchase Over $1,000.
Use Code STUDS in Cart.

Have a question?

We're happy to help