Spencer & Spencer | White Gold Education

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Pure gold is 24 karats, which is generally too soft to withstand daily wear. For this reason, it is mixed or alloyed with other metals to enhance its durability and create the desired color. White gold is one of the most common hues of gold used in fine jewelry today especially for engagement rings.

White gold is extremely strong, yet malleable, making it an excellent foundation for all types of jewelry. It is resistant to corrosion, tarnishing and rust, and it has a lasting beauty that will stand the test of time. While pure gold scratches easily, 14k and 18k white gold takes on a smoother polish and does not scratch very easily. In fact, white gold is more scratch resistant than platinum. When polished, white gold is more reflective and has more luster than 24k gold.

Making white gold is similar to mixing colors in paints. By adding white metals such as nickel, zinc and palladium to yellow gold, the deep yellow of pure gold begins to whiten. There are many other hues of gold that can be created, such as rose gold which is yellow gold alloyed with copper. The amount of alloy used determines the karat weight of the gold. 18 karat white gold is 75% pure gold and 25% metal alloy whereas 14 karat gold is 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% metal alloy.

What is the difference between white gold and platinum?

White gold and platinum are both precious metals but belong in different metal groups. Platinum is a naturally white metal whereas yellow gold is alloyed with other metals to achieve a white color. Overall, platinum and white gold are both beautiful and durable metals used in fine jewelry. One way to distinguish platinum from white gold is by comparing their weights: platinum has 60% more heft than white gold.

Are there different types of white gold?

There are different types of white gold, mainly nickel white gold and palladium white gold. At Spencer & Spencer, we prefer to use palladium white gold for prongs and settings that hold gemstones because palladium is more durable and cannot be affected by household chemicals such as chlorine or bromine. Palladium white gold is less resistant to breaking and is as secure as platinum, so you should never experience any problems such as prong breakage with our white gold rings. To learn more about how to care for your gold jewelry, read our Gold Care Guide.

When was white gold first used?

After platinum was prohibited from being used during WW2, white gold became the only precious white metal that could be used in fine jewelry.

What is rhodium plating?

Rhodium is one of the platinum group metals. It is a highly reflective and durable metal used to protect white gold and give it its sheen, luster and brightness. Rhodium is also extremely scratch resistant. At Spencer & Spencer, we only use the highest quality rhodium with proper thickness for long durability and wear.

Still have Questions? You can chat live with a gemologist Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm PST. You can also call us toll-free at 800-406-4494 or e-mail us at questions@spencer-spencer.com.