White gold is a type of alloy that has been cherished as a symbol of beauty because of its whitish tint. Contrastingly to the traditional yellow one, this metal is highly appreciated for being all-around and fashionable and often becoming the base for lots of jewellery items like wedding rings or big necklaces.
It is not just another form of gold; it’s an amalgamation which consists of gold together with other metals such as nickel or palladium thus giving it its colour.
This article will throw light on the fascination white gold holds, providing a comprehensive narration about its composition, worthiness and the elusive differentiation between it and other precious metals.
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What is white gold?
What is called white gold is an alloy made from 75% pure gold and 25% metals like nickel or zinc, created to mimic the appearance of platinum. What is white gold called in the market is often sold as 18-karat gold, retaining the preciousness of pure gold while being more durable.
What is known as white gold is prized for its silvery sheen, achieved by a rhodium coating, making it a popular choice for jewellery. This alloy offers the elegance of platinum at a more affordable price, appealing to those who prefer the look of silver over yellow gold.
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The value of white gold
Now let’s look at what is the price of white gold in different countries as of June 15, 2024:
| 24 carat | 22 carat | 18 carat | 14 carat | |
| USA (USD) | 75.02 | 68.87 | 56.27 | 43.89 |
| Dubai (AED) | 275.56 | 252.97 | 206.67 | 161.20 |
| Singapore (SGD) | 101.54 | 93.21 | 76.15 | 59.40 |
| Canada (CAD) | 103.05 | 94.60 | 77.28 | 60.28 |
| Australia (AUD) | 113.41 | 104.11 | 85.06 | 66.35 |
| India (INR) | 6,268.26 | 5,754.27 | 4,701.20 | 3,666.93 |
Differences
Now let’s compare the three and see what is the difference between white gold and platinum and also what is the difference between white gold and yellow gold:
| White gold | Yellow gold | Platinum | |
| Alloy mix | 75% gold with 18K, alloyed with nickel/copper. | Up to 99.9% gold, alloyed with zinc/copper. | Predominantly platinum, alloyed with copper/palladium. |
| Appearance | Silvery-white, reflective finish. | Classic golden hue, radiant. | Silvery white, comparable to white gold. |
| Cost | On par with yellow gold. | Similar to white gold. | Typically 40-50% more expensive than gold. |
| Wearability | Daily wear is appropriate and robust. | Daily wear is suitable, with less maintenance. | Highly durable and withstands wear and tear. |
| Upkeep | Requires regular maintenance for shine. | Low maintenance, occasional polishing. | Needs frequent polishing due to softness. |
| Skin-friendly | Potential for allergic reactions. | Generally safe for sensitive skin. | Usually hypoallergenic, safe for most. |
Advantages and disadvantages of white gold
Advantages
- It is made from pure gold and looks like platinum or silver. This makes it a valuable metal.
- It lasts longer than gold and silver, so you can wear it every day.
- It looks better than yellow gold because it has a bright shine. It looks like platinum but costs a lot less.
- Compared to platinum, it is easier to shape.
- Because this metal is neutral in colour, it can be used to place gemstones of all shapes and colours.
Disadvantages
- You have to recoat and clean it regularly to keep its colour because it turns yellow over time.
- Metal-allergic people shouldn’t use it since it has nickel in it.
- It needs more care because it scratches easily when you wear it a lot.
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Bottomline
White gold is considered a sophisticated and versatile option in the realm of precious jewellery, filling the gap between traditional yellow gold charm and contemporary platinum splendour.
In addition to being visually appealing, it has an exceptional composition made up of a combination of pure gold and tough metals such as nickel or zinc that make it popular for various jewellery, including wedding rings.
FAQs
What are the properties of white gold?
White gold is a shiny admixture that is usually composed of gold alloyed with palladium, nickel or silver to obtain its faint hue as well as to enhance its durability. To achieve the brilliant white colour often rhodium plated. 18k white gold contains approximately 75% gold while 14k contains about 58%. It resists scrapes better than pure gold does and is tarnish-resistant but some people are allergic to nickel-containing white varieties.
Where is white gold found?
As an alloy, white gold does not exist naturally; instead, it is a combination of yellow gold with other white metals like palladium or nickel. In most cases, this mixture includes mined pieces from countries such as China, Australia and South Africa for example which have large deposits of this metal. The countries participate actively in extensive mining operations focused on extracting significant amounts of this precious commodity which forms the core constituent in making white gold.
How to check if white gold is real?
To tell if white gold is genuine, you can run several checks. Seek for the hallmark stamp that shows purity like 750 for 18K gold. White gold should not be magnetic; hence it won’t stick to a magnet. To reveal its realness, put a drop of nitric acid on a small scratch made with an object; no reaction means it is genuine gold while green or milky colour suggests other metals are present in it. Furthermore, white gold is heavy and solid.
What is the history of white gold?
The history of white gold dates back to the early 20th century when jewellers were looking for cheaper alternatives to platinum. To compensate for the military applications of platinum during World War II, white gold was invented as an alloy of nickel or palladium mixed with yellow metal in which case it exhibited a similar appearance to platinum which saw its popularity rise due to its variety available and cost-effectiveness especially during periods of unavailability of platinum.
Who is the founder of white gold?
These days, the origins of white gold are often associated with those jewellers who tried to find a substitute for platinum until around the early twentieth century. Specifically, one Karl Richter got himself into record books by registering this particular composition in Germany back in 1912 and included among others copper and nickel together with pure gold in small percentages.
