JEWELRY EDUCATION
White Gold Jewelry Guide


White gold is a popular choice in fine jewelry known for its sleek, modern look and ability to pair well with just about any gemstone.
With its bright white color, white gold has a versatile appeal that makes it a go-to choice for everything from engagement rings to everyday pieces.
At Kosmima Fine Jewelry, we offer a range of white gold jewelry pieces. In this guide, we’ll go over what white gold is, how it’s made, how it compares to other metals, and what to keep in mind for keeping it looking great.
What Is White Gold?
White gold is an alloy, meaning it’s a mixture of metals. It’s made by blending pure gold with white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver. This combination lightens gold’s natural yellow tone, giving it a cooler, white color.
Because white gold still has a slight yellow tint, it’s almost always plated with rhodium—a metal that gives it that bright, crisp white finish.
You’ll typically find white gold in 14k and 18k varieties.
- 14k white gold is 58% pure gold and 42% other metals. It’s harder and more resistant to scratches, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
- 18k white gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. It has a slightly warmer tone and feels more substantial, but it’s also a bit softer and more prone to scratches. Since it has more pure gold within it, it’s slightly more yellowish than 14k white gold.
Rhodium Plating: What You Need to Know
A big part of what makes white gold so bright and reflective is rhodium plating. Rhodium is a rare, naturally white metal in the platinum family that’s used to give white gold its signature finish. It not only enhances the color—turning the slightly yellowish tone of white gold into a bright white—but also adds a layer of protection that helps reduce scratching.
Over time, the coating of rhodium can begin to wear away. When that happens, the underlying metal becomes uncovered, and your piece will start showing the white gold’s yellowish tint.
This doesn’t mean your jewelry is damaged—it’s simply a sign that it’s time for a fresh rhodium plating. This is a standard and straightforward process that’s done by most professional jewelers. It brings back that crisp white finish and gives your piece a like-new look again.
White Gold vs. Platinum
In addition to white gold, you may recall that there’s another precious metal used for high-value pieces: platinum.
Even though white gold and platinum look similar, there are things that you should consider. Platinum is a naturally white metal and doesn’t rely on rhodium plating to keep its color. It’s also denser – this gives it a more substantial feel. White gold, on the other hand, is lighter and comes at a more affordable price point, making it a popular option for those who like the white look without the premium price tag.
Furthermore, the look of the two pieces can differ as they age.
As it ages, platinum pieces start to develop a unique finish known as a patina. It remains white, but the patina is unique in that it has a softer, more dull look.. It’s often sought after and even considered as a badge of honor, since it signifies the life of the piece thus far. White gold, on the other hand, relies on rhodium plating to keep its white look; as it’s worn, the finish is worn away to reveal the natural yellow undertones of white gold.
Platinum can be polished to get back it’s natural, bright white sheen.
How to Care for White Gold jewelry
Here’s a few steps can help you keep your white gold jewelry in great shape:
- Cleaning: Clean your white gold piece with warm, soapy water. Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently to get at the dirt and residues. Rinse and warm with a soft cloth.
- Storage: Store white gold pieces in a soft pouch or a separate section of your jewelry box to avoid scratches with other metals.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remove your white gold jewelry when swimming or using cleaning products. Chemicals like chlorine can wear down the rhodium finish faster.
Explore White Gold Pieces at Kosmima Fine Jewelry
White gold is a classic choice that works well with any look. At Kosmima Fine Jewelry, our showroom carries a wide selection of white gold pieces, from engagement rings to earrings and bracelets, and more.
Visit us at our showroom in Chestnut Hill to see our pieces and find something that’s just right for you. If you’re thinking of making something truly unique, we can also help you craft something custom, too. As specialists in custom design, we have created a countless number of white gold pieces for our clients here in Boston and beyond.