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What is white gold?
Is white gold more valuable than yellow gold? Is white gold real gold or is it some kind of cheap knockoff?
Is white gold magnetic? Does it tarnish, rust and oxidize?
Learn it all and more in my guide below.
- What is White Gold (Definition and Meaning)? Is it Real Gold?
- Is White Gold Magnetic?
- Does White Gold Tarnish? Does it Fade, Rust, Corrode and Oxidize?
- Is White Gold Hypoallergenic?
- Is White Gold Natural? Is Raw White Gold Real? And Do White Gold Ores Exist?
- Is it Possible to Turn White Gold into Yellow Gold?
- Is White Gold Silver?
- Is There White Gold Vermeil?
- Are There Specific Hallmarks for White Gold?
- How Long Does Rhodium Plating on White Gold Last?
- Is it Possible to Include White Gold as Part of a Gold IRA Account?
- Do White Gold Coins and Bars Exist? Are They Real?
- What is the Worth of White Gold?
- White Gold vs Yellow Gold- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Rose Gold- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Purple Gold- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Blue Gold- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Green Gold- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Gray Gold- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Black Gold- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Sterling Silver- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Platinum- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Palladium- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Rhodium- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Ruthenium- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Iridium- What are the Differences?
- White Gold vs Osmium- What are the Differences?
Table of Contents
What is White Gold (Definition and Meaning)? Is it Real Gold?
White gold is an alloy of yellow gold and white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. White gold’s exact metal composition varies, but it’s usually 75% yellow gold and 25% some other white metal.
White gold is real gold. It looks white instead of yellow because yellow gold is alloyed with silvery metals like nickel, palladium, silver or zinc.
Jewelers add these white metals to yellow gold to give it exclusive look and to increase white gold jewelry’s durability.
Jewelers also use rhodium to coat white gold jewelry items and make them even whiter and more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
White gold is mostly made from 9k, 14k and 18k gold and there’re white gold rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, broches and chains sold online.
- 14k white gold contains 58.3% gold, making it more durable than 18k and generally more affordable. It’s also more scratch-resistant.
- 18k white gold contains 75% gold, which gives it a slightly more yellow tone compared to 14k. It’s often rhodium-plated to enhance its white color and prevent yellowing. 18k white gold is stronger than platinum, but also more prone to scratches and nicks.
- 9k white gold contains 37.5% gold, making it the most alloyed and thus the whitest in terms of color. 9k white gold is more resistant to scratches than higher karats, but tarnishes and corrodes more easily.
| White gold jewelry variants (composition) |
|---|
| Palladium White Gold Alloys: 18ct White: 75% Au + 10% Pd + 10.5% Ag + 2.5% Cu + 2% Ni |
| 14ct White: 58.5% Au + 10% Pd + 28.5% Ag + 1.5% Cu + 1% Ni |
| Nickel White Gold Alloys: |
| 18ct White: 75% Au + 14% Ni + 5.5% Cu + 5.5% Zn (Zinc) |
| 14ct White: 58.5% Au + 14.5% Ni + 20% Cu + 7% Zn |
| 58.5% Au + 15.3% Ni + 25.8% Cu + 0.4% Zn (Harder alloy) |
| 37.5% Au + 17.5% Ni + 27.6% Cu + 17.4% Zn |
| Palladium-Nickel White Gold Alloy: 18ct White: 75% Au + 15% Pd + 5% Cu + 5% Ni |
Note: 18k white gold is the highest karat of white gold that’s commercially available. It’s because 20k and 22k white gold alloys have too much yellow gold in them and there’s not enough room for white metals to color the entire alloy white.
Here’re examples of genuine white gold jewelry being sold online on legitimate online stores.
I mentioned you should buy white gold from legitimate online jewelry stores.
It’s because there’s a lot of fake white gold floating around and you must be aware of it so you don’t get scammed.
Fake white gold jewelry is jewelry that’s made of white gold. But the percentage of yellow gold in the alloy is far less than required by law to be labeled “white gold” (10k is the minimum gold purity required to legally be labeled “gold” in the United States).
So you’ll be paying more than what you’d be getting if you were to buy a fake white gold jewelry item.
Fake white gold looks significantly whiter than genuine white gold. It’s because the percentage of real yellow gold in the alloy is significantly lower, while the percentage of cheaper white metals is significantly higher.
Here’s an example of a possibly fake 14k white gold ring. The people in the Reddit comment section can’t agree whether it’s fake or not.
Is White Gold Magnetic?
No, white gold isn’t magnetic because yellow gold isn’t magnetic and most other white metals within the white gold alloy also don’t magnetize.
Yellow gold is commonly alloyed with zinc (not magnetic), silver (not magnetic), platinum (not magnetic), palladium (not magnetic), rhodium (not magnetic, used for coating) and nickel to make white gold.
One notable exception here is nickel, which is magnetic. But, the amount of nickel in white gold alloy isn’t enough to show a visible magnetic effect (white gold alloys contain between 15-25% nickel, depending on the karatage of yellow gold used).
White gold is never magnetic, but it can become diamagnetic under certain conditions.
This means diamagnetic white gold would slightly repel magnets instead of being attracted to them.
White gold becomes diamagnetic when most of the alloy is made of diamagnetic metals. Yellow gold is diamagnetic, but so is silver. So a white gold alloy made mostly from yellow gold and silver would be diamagnetic too.
Pro tip: you can use a magnet to test whether white gold is real or fake. Try to attract your white gold jewelry item to a strong neodymium magnet.
You have authentic white gold on your hands if the experiment fails and your white gold jewelry item doesn’t magnetize.
Does White Gold Tarnish? Does it Fade, Rust, Corrode and Oxidize?
No, white gold doesn’t tarnish. Just like yellow gold doesn’t tarnish. However, white gold over time and with regular wear and tear loses its sheen and luster and fades to a natural pale yellow color.
This fading and discoloration happen because the rhodium plating that gives white gold its bright white appearance wears away, revealing the natural gold alloy underneath.
The color change usually happens in patches, as rhodium coating falls and flakes off in pieces.
This means white gold made without rhodium coating tarnishes much faster than its rhodium-protected counterpart.
Below are all the potential tarnishing-causing substances and their effect on white gold jewelry items.
- Fire. Fire and strong flames don’t tarnish and corrode white gold. However, thin rhodium plates on white gold can get damaged by strong fires and cause the plating to fall off and expose the underlying base metal.
- Water. White gold doesn’t tarnish in water. Water has zero effect on white gold and can’t tarnish or corrode it. Saltwater negatively affects white gold jewelry items, especially if the rhodium plating is damaged. Saltwater will then speed up the plate’s degradation process.
- Chlorine. Chlorine tarnishes and corrodes white gold. Chlorine can leach out some of the metals from the alloy leaving the whole item structurally weakened. However, you’d need to be spending hours every day in a pool of chlorinated water for this to happen. Or you’d need to shower daily while wearing your white gold jewelry.
- Bleach. Bleach both tarnishes and corrodes white gold. This effect is minimal when the plating is intact. And it’s pronounced and quick when the rhodium plating is damaged or loosened up.
- Toothpaste. Toothpaste doesn’t tarnish and corrode white gold. However, the abrasive particles in toothpaste make tiny, microscopic scratches on the surface of the alloy. Over time this degrades the metal’s surface and causes it to develop a pale yellow color, instead of original white. Don’t use toothpaste to clean your white gold jewelry.
- Vinegar. Vinegar neither tarnishes not corrodes white gold with it’s rhodium plate intact. However, Vinegar’s acetic acid accelerates the degradation of already damaged rhodium plating.
- Hydrogen peroxide. White gold doesn’t tarnish and corrode when exposed to hydrogen peroxide. You can even use hydrogen peroxide to clean your white gold jewelry. However, damaged rhodium-plated white gold jewelry shouldn’t be exposed to hydrogen peroxide so no further damage is done.
- Lemon juice. Lemon juice doesn’t tarnish and rust white gold. It also doesn’t oxidize and corrode it. Lemon juice’s acids are unable to penetrate through rhodium plating on white gold jewelry items.
- Makeup. Makeup has no effect on white gold. It doesn’t tarnish, corrode, oxide or rust white gold jewelry items.
- Nitric acid. Nitric acid doesn’t tarnish white gold. It also doesn’t oxidize and corrode it. Aqua Regia, a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, will dissolve yellow gold within the white gold alloy.
- Alcohol. Alcohol doesn’t tarnish or corrode white gold. You can use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to clean your white gold jewelry. However, don’t use alcohol to clean your white gold jewelry too often. The rhodium plating of your white gold jewelry will wear off much quicker if you do.
Note: white gold tarnish isn’t the same as white gold patina. White gold patina is a natural, often desirable, change in the white gold’s surface.
And tarnish is an undesirable, superficial layer of oxidation that ruins the looks of white gold jewelry.
Is White Gold Hypoallergenic?
No, white gold isn’t hypoallergenic. It’s allergenic.
White gold is an alloy of yellow gold and white metals such as silver, nickel and palladium. Both silver and nickel are common allergenic metals and they make white gold allergenic and unsuitable for people with sensitive skin and known metal allergies.
However, white gold made with palladium instead of nickel is hypoallergenic. Rhodium is also hypoallergenic and rhodium plating is common on white gold jewelry.
Are you allergic to nickel?
Be careful with white gold if you have a family history of nickel allergies.
You’ll know if you have nickel allergy as symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, or a rash where the white gold touches your skin.
It’s also possible to be allergic to zinc, a common metal in some white gold alloys (zinc is added to improve hardness, jewelry workability and for color).
Here’s an example of a white gold ring giving this person a nasty skin rash.
Is White Gold Natural? Is Raw White Gold Real? And Do White Gold Ores Exist?
No, white gold isn’t natural. It’s made by humans through the process of metal alloying.
Raw white gold isn’t real because raw white gold doesn’t exist. White gold is a handmade alloy of yellow gold and white metals such as nickel, rhodium, palladium, and silver.
White gold’s exact metal composition varies, but it’s usually 75% yellow gold and 25% some other white metal.
You can’t mine white gold from a white gold ore as white gold ores don’t exist.
Note: roughly 43.68% of global gold demand is for jewelry design and manufacturing. But only a small percentage of it (<2%) goes to white gold jewelry creation.
Is it Possible to Turn White Gold into Yellow Gold?
Yes, it’s possible to turn white gold into yellow gold. However, it’s an intricate process that only a professional jeweler with the right tools can do correctly.
First, the jeweler melts the white gold alloy. Second, they remove the rhodium plating. Third, they remove all non-gold alloys.
Fourth, they re-alloy the gold with different metals to increase the yellow color and boost the alloy’s durability as pure gold is a highly malleable and ductile precious metal.
The jeweler then solidifies and reshapes the jewelry.
And that’s how to turn white gold into yellow gold.
Is White Gold Silver?
No, white gold isn’t silver.
White god is an alloy of yellow gold and white-looking metals like nickel, zinc, palladium, platinum, rhodium and silver.
Silver is a precious, noble metal and the second most famous throughout history after gold.
Silver is also the most abundant precious metal among the group of eight main precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium).
Note: global silver production is 26,000 metric tons per year.
Is There White Gold Vermeil?
Yes, there’s white gold vermeil, though it’s rare compared to yellow gold vermeil.
White gold vermeil is jewelry that’s composed of a sterling silver base coated with a thick (minimum 2.5 microns) layer of white gold.
The most common white gold vermeils are made with 14k and 18k white gold.
Here’s an example of a 18k white gold vermeil necklace I found online.
Are There Specific Hallmarks for White Gold?
There’re no gold hallmarks specific to white gold.
However, true white gold will always have a hallmark that confirms the purity and authenticity of pure gold within the alloy.
Usual gold hallmarks present on white gold are “375” (9k), “585” (14k), or “750” (18k), which represent the purity in parts per 1,000 or karats.
These markings do not specify the color but rather the percentage of pure gold. Additionally, hallmarks on white gold may include a maker’s mark and a symbol for the specific assay office.
Here’s an example of a gold hallmark on a 18k white gold ring.
How Long Does Rhodium Plating on White Gold Last?
Rhodium plating on white gold typically lasts 6 months to 2 years, depending on wear frequency, jewelry type, and exposure to cosmetics, sweat, and chemicals.
Rings worn daily, especially engagement or wedding bands, will wear down faster than less-frequently worn pendants or earrings. You’ll know it’s time to re-plate when the bright white shine fades and you begin to see the yellow tint of the underlying gold.
For example, in this Reddit thread most people report an average of 6 months before rhodium is so worn off they need to replace it.
But some users in the same thread report 2+ years have passed and their rhodium-plated white gold jewelry still looks almost as good as new.
Is it Possible to Include White Gold as Part of a Gold IRA Account?
No, it’s not possible to include white gold as part of a gold IRA account. You can only include IRA-eligible precious metal bars and coins as part of your gold IRA account.
Besides IRA-eligible gold, other IRA-approved precious metals are silver, platinum and palladium.
Do White Gold Coins and Bars Exist? Are They Real?
There’re no white gold bars and coins. They don’t exist and aren’t real.
Even if white gold bars and coins existed they wouldn’t be eligible to be included in a gold IRA account.
You can only include authentic-gold, silver, platinum and palladium bars and coins as part of your gold and silver IRA.
Augusta Precious Metals is the place to buy IRA-approved coins and bars. They’re a legitimate and safe gold IRA company from the US that can cater to your every investing need.
Augusta stocks pretty much all IRA-approved coins and bars and you’ll be able to take your pick at your convenience.
What is the Worth of White Gold?
The worth of white gold is the value of precious metals within it’s alloy.
White gold always contains a high percentage of pure yellow gold+ metals that give it its white color.
The value of yellow gold is determined by the current gold spot price, and the same goes for the value of silver, platinum, palladium and rhodium.
Base metals like nickel and zinc have little value compared to yellow gold and other precious metals I mentioned above.
White Gold vs Yellow Gold- What are the Differences?
White gold and yellow gold differ primarily in composition and appearance.
Yellow gold is pure gold alloyed with copper and silver, maintaining gold’s natural warm color. White gold combines gold with white metals like palladium or nickel, then is often rhodium-plated for a bright silvery finish.
Yellow gold offers timeless elegance and requires minimal maintenance, while white gold provides a modern, versatile look that complements diamonds beautifully.
Yellow gold is generally more durable and hypoallergenic, whereas white gold can cause reactions in nickel-sensitive individuals.
| Info | White Gold | Yellow Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Yellow gold+ copper, silver, and occasionally zinc. |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Yellow, doesn't easily tarnish |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Pure gold isn't durable and scratches easily. Pure gold alloyed with other metals is scratch resistant, hard and durable. Lower karat yellow gold is harder and more durable than higher karat yellow gold. |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | Yellow gold is less expensive than white gold because yellow gold is alloyed with base metals, whereas white gold is made from yellow gold+ platinum, palladium and often coated with rhodium. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | Yellow gold best suits warm and olive skin tone. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. | Yellow gold is hypoallergenic |
White Gold vs Rose Gold- What are the Differences?
White gold and rose gold offer contrasting aesthetics and characteristics.
White gold is an alloy of yellow gold and white metals like palladium, platinum and nickel creating a silvery appearance that’s often enhanced with rhodium plating.
Rose gold is an alloy of yellow gold and other metals, primarily copper which gives it its pinkish-red hue. Rose gold is more durable than white gold due to copper’s hardness and requires less maintenance since its color won’t wear off.
White gold needs periodic re-plating but offers greater versatility with gemstones and other jewelry pieces.
Rose gold complements warm skin tones and provides trendy, romantic appeal, while white gold suits cooler skin tones and offers timeless elegance. Both are popular choices for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
| Comparison | White Gold | Rose Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Yellow gold + copper + a small amount of silver. |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Rose gold tarnishes because of oxidizing copper. However, rose gold is more tarnish resistant than white gold, even white gold that's rhodium plated. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Rose gold is fairly durable and scratch resistant, but to a lesser extent than rhodium plated white gold. |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | White gold is more expensive than rose gold because white gold usually contains platinum or palladium in addition to yellow gold. Whereas rose gold is made of just yellow gold and copper, a base metal. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for rose gold is a warm skin tone or neutral undertone. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. White gold plated with rhodium is hypoallergenic for as long as rhodium plating is whole and thick enough. | Rose gold is hypoallergenic to people without copper sensitivities, and allergenic to people sensitive to copper. |
White Gold vs Red Gold- What are the Differences?
White gold and red gold represent opposite ends of gold’s color spectrum.
White gold is alloyed with white metals like palladium or nickel, creating a silvery appearance often rhodium-plated for brightness.
Red gold is similar to rose gold in a sense that it’s made from yellow gold and copper. But red gold contains higher copper content than rose gold, thus producing a deeper, more intense reddish hue that’s naturally permanent.
For jewelry purposes red gold is extremely durable due to copper’s hardness and requires minimal maintenance since its rich color won’t fade.
White gold needs periodic re-plating but offers greater versatility with gemstones.
Red gold makes bold fashion statements and complements warm skin tones, while white gold provides classic elegance suitable for traditional and contemporary designs alike.
| Comparison | White Gold | Red Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Yellow gold + copper + a small amount of silver. |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Red gold tarnishes because of oxidizing copper. However, red gold is more tarnish resistant than white gold, even white gold that's rhodium plated. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Red gold is fairly durable and scratch resistant, but to a lesser extent than rhodium plated white gold. |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | White gold is more expensive than red gold because white gold usually contains platinum or palladium in addition to yellow gold. Whereas red gold is made of just yellow gold and copper, a base metal. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for red gold is a warm skin tone or neutral undertone. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. White gold plated with rhodium is hypoallergenic for as long as rhodium plating is whole and thick enough. | Red gold is hypoallergenic to people without copper sensitivities, and allergenic to people sensitive to copper. |
White Gold vs Purple Gold- What are the Differences?
White gold and purple gold represent dramatically different approaches to gold jewelry.
White gold is a gold alloy made of yellow gold and white-looking metals (silver, platinum, palladium, nickel…) widely used in engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Purple gold is an exotic intermetallic compound of gold and aluminum, creating a uniquely colored violet gold, but extremely brittle and fragile.
White gold offers durability, workability, and broad market acceptance, though requiring regular rhodium plating maintenance.
Purple gold is rare, expensive, and mainly used for decorative inlays due to its brittleness. This means purple gold can’t be sized, soldered, or easily repaired.
While white gold serves everyday jewelry needs, and purple gold remains a novelty for collectors seeking unusual materials.
| Comparison | White Gold | Purple Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Yellow gold + aluminum |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Purple gold tarnishes because of the presence of aluminum. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Purple gold is extremely brittle and not very durable and scratch resistant. |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | White gold is more expensive than purple gold because white gold usually contains platinum or palladium in addition to yellow gold. Whereas purple gold is made from yellow gold and aluminum. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for purple gold is a cool skin tone or a neutral undertone. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. White gold plated with rhodium is hypoallergenic for as long as rhodium plating is whole and thick enough. | Purple gold is allergenic because aluminum is a known allergenic metal. |
White Gold vs Blue Gold- What are the Differences?
White gold and blue gold serve vastly different purposes in jewelry.
White gold is a gold alloy made of yellow gold and white-looking metals (silver, platinum, palladium, nickel…) widely used in engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Blue gold is an exotic intermetallic compound created by alloying gold with iron or indium, producing a distinctive blue color but with significant brittleness.
White gold offers excellent workability, durability, and market acceptance, though requiring periodic rhodium plating.
Blue gold is extremely rare, expensive, and primarily used for decorative accents due to its fragility. it cannot be easily sized, repaired, or worked like traditional gold. While white gold meets everyday jewelry needs. And blue gold remains a specialty curiosity for unique design elements.
| Comparison | White Gold | Blue Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Yellow gold +gallium or indium |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Blue gold tarnishes when blue gold is made from yellow gold and gallium. Blue gold doesn't tarnish when it's made from yellow gold and indium. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Blue gold is extremely brittle and not very durable and scratch resistant. |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | White gold is more expensive than blue gold because white gold usually contains platinum or palladium in addition to yellow gold. Whereas blue gold is made from yellow gold and indium or gallium. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for blue gold is a cool skin tone or a neutral undertone. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. White gold plated with rhodium is hypoallergenic for as long as rhodium plating is whole and thick enough. | Blue gold is hypoallergenic to most people. Allergies to indium and gallium are rare, but possible. |
White Gold vs Green Gold- What are the Differences?
White gold and green gold offer contrasting colors and applications in jewelry.
White gold is alloyed with white metals like palladium, platinum, nickel and silver creating a silvery appearance popular for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Green gold (also called electrum) combines gold with silver and sometimes copper, producing a natural greenish-yellow hue. White gold requires rhodium plating for brightness and periodic maintenance, while green gold’s color is permanent and naturally occurring.
White gold provides modern versatility and broad market acceptance, while green gold serves specialty applications for those seeking distinctive, nature-inspired jewelry with antique character and rarity.
| Comparison | White Gold | Green Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Yellow gold +silver+ low amounts of zinc, nickel and copper. |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Green gold tarnishes because this gold alloy contains a large percentage of pure silver (a minimum of 25%). And silver is a very tarnish-prone precious metal. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Green gold is durable, strong, scratch resistant and suitable for jewelry applications. |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | White gold is more expensive than green gold because white gold usually contains platinum or palladium in addition to yellow gold. Whereas green gold is made from yellow gold and silver. Silver is also a precious metal like palladium and platinum, but is significantly cheaper. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for green gold is the warm skin undertone, characterized by green or yellowish veins on the wrist and a tendency to tan rather than burn. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. White gold plated with rhodium is hypoallergenic for as long as rhodium plating is whole and thick enough. | Green gold is hypoallergenic to most people. Allergies to silver within the green gold alloy are rare, but possible. |
White Gold vs Gray Gold- What are the Differences?
White gold and gray gold are closely related white metal options with subtle differences. White gold is alloyed with white metals like palladium or nickel, typically rhodium-plated for bright silvery appearance.
Gray gold, also called “palladium white gold,” contains higher palladium content, creating a naturally grayer tone without needing rhodium plating. Gray gold offers permanent color that won’t wear off, while traditional white gold requires periodic re-plating.
Both white gold and gray gold are durable and suitable for fine jewelry, but gray gold allows for lower maintenance.
Gray gold costs slightly more due to higher palladium content but eliminates plating expenses over time.
Both complement diamonds beautifully, with gray gold offering understated sophistication.
| Comparison | White Gold | Gray Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Yellow gold +palladium+ low amounts of manganese ane copper. |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Gray gold is highly resistant to tarnishing because both yellow gold and palladium are tarnish resistant. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Gray gold is moderately durable and scratch resistant. |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | Gray gold is more expensive than white gold because the combination of yellow gold +palladium (gray gold) is worth more that yellow gold+ platinum, palladium and silver (white gold). |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for gray gold is natural warm, cool, or neutral undertones |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. White gold plated with rhodium is hypoallergenic for as long as rhodium plating is whole and thick enough. | Gray gold is hypoallergenic because all constituent parts of gray gold alloy are hypoallergenic. |
White Gold vs Black Gold- What are the Differences?
White gold and black gold represent opposite ends of the color spectrum in precious metals. White gold is alloyed with white metals like platinum, palladium and nickel creating a silvery appearance often enhanced with rhodium plating.
Black gold is achieved through surface treatments like black rhodium plating, oxidation, or laser treatment on regular gold alloys.
White gold offers timeless elegance and broad versatility with gemstones, while black gold provides bold, contemporary appeal for modern designs. Both white and black gold require maintenance.
White gold needs periodic re-plating for brightness, while black gold’s surface treatment can wear off over time.
Black gold makes striking fashion statements, while white gold remains classically versatile.
| Comparison | White Gold | Black Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Yellow gold coated with with a thin layer of a dark metal like rhodium or ruthenium. |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Black gold doesn't tarnish because its core is real gold, which doesn't tarnish. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Black gold that has rhodium or ruthenium plating is exceptionally strong, durable and scratch resistant. Electroplated black gold scratches easily. |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | Black gold is more expensive than white gold because of the higher yellow gold content. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for black gold is natural warm, cool, or neutral undertones. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. White gold plated with rhodium is hypoallergenic for as long as rhodium plating is whole and thick enough. | Black gold is hypoallergenic. Yellow gold as base is hypoallergenic and both rhodium and ruthenium as coating are non-allergenic. |
White Gold vs Sterling Silver- What are the Differences?
White gold and sterling silver appear similar, but differ significantly in composition and value. White gold is genuine gold alloyed with white metals like palladium, platinum, and even silver making it precious and expensive.
Sterling silver is made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper making it far less valuable than white gold.
For jewelry purposes white gold offers superior durability, scratch resistance, and long-term value retention.
Whereas sterling silver tarnishes easily, requires frequent polishing and is generally a far weaker metal than white gold, especially white gold that’s coated with rhodium.
| Comparison | White Gold | Sterling Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | 92.5% silver+ 7.5% copper. |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Easily tarnishable. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Sterling silver isn't as durable and strong as white gold, especially rhodium-plated white gold. |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | Sterling silver is much more affordable than white gold. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | Sterling silver is most compatible with cool skin tones, as its cool, brilliant shine harmonizes with the pink, red, and blue undertones of cooler complexions. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. | Sterling silver is hypoallergenic. |
White Gold vs Platinum- What are the Differences?
White gold and platinum are both premium white jewelry metals with distinct advantages. Platinum is naturally white, hypoallergenic, and extremely durable, making it ideal for daily wear jewelry.
It’s also denser and more scratch-resistant than white gold. But all these advantages come at a price as platinum costs significantly more due to rarity and purity required in creating durable platinum jewelry.
White gold offers similar appearance at lower cost but needs more maintenance. It requires rhodium plating for brightness and periodic re-plating as the plating wears off.
| Comparison | White Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Pure platinum+ hardening metals like iridium, palladium, ruthenium, cobalt, or copper. |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Platinum and white gold are similar in their tarnish-resistance properties. Both still require excellent care to extend the longevity of jewelry pieces. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Platinum is very durable, strong and scratch resistant compared to white gold that isn't plated with rhodium. Rhodium-plated white gold is more scratch resistant than platinum because rhodium is a harder metal than platinum. |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | Platinum is more expensive than white gold. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for platinum is a cool or neutral undertone. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. | Platinum is hypoallergenic. |
White Gold vs Palladium- What are the Differences?
White gold and palladium are both white metals, but palladium is naturally white while white gold requires rhodium plating to achieve the desirable whiteness level.
Palladium is lighter, hypoallergenic, and part of the platinum family, making it more expensive than white gold. It’s also highly durable, tarnish-resistant, and maintains its color permanently without re-plating.
White gold offers more design flexibility due to different karat options and is more widely available in typical jewelry stores.
| Comparison | White Gold | Palladium |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Palladium+ zinc, copper, nickel, manganese and occasionally platinum. |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Palladium and white gold are similar in their tarnish-resistance properties. Both still require excellent care to extend the longevity of jewelry pieces. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Palladium is very durable, strong and scratch resistant compared to white gold that isn't plated with rhodium. Rhodium-plated white gold is more scratch resistant than palladium because rhodium is a harder metal than palladium. |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | Palladium is more expensive than white gold. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for palladium is a cool or neutral undertone. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. | Palladium is hypoallergenic. |
White Gold vs Rhodium- What are the Differences?
White gold and rhodium serve different functions in jewelry. White gold is an alloy of gold and white metals like palladium, platinum or nickel, creating the base metal for jewelry pieces.
Rhodium provides precious metal coating applied over white gold to enhance brightness, durability, and scratch resistance. White gold alone has a slightly yellowish tint and rhodium plating gives it that brilliant white finish consumers expect.
Rhodium is significantly more expensive than gold but since it’s used only as a thin layer it means white gold forms the jewelry’s structure while rhodium provides the surface finish.
There is no solid, 100% rhodium jewelry because rhodium is extremely rare and valuable. Only 30 metric tons of rhodium are produced per year and only 15% of it goes to jewelry production/design.
| Comparison | White Gold | Rhodium |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Pure rhodium |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Pure rhodium doesn't tarnish. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Pure rhodium is extremely scratch resistant, durable and hard (Mohs hardness of 6.0) |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | Rhodium is far more expensive than white gold. But there're limited buying options as there's no pure rhodium jewelry, only rhodium coated over some other metal. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for rhodium is a cool or neutral undertone. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. | Rhodium is hypoallergenic. |
White Gold vs Ruthenium- What are the Differences?
White gold and ruthenium serve different purposes in jewelry, similar to the relationship of white gold and rhodium.
White gold is an alloy of gold and white metals like palladium, platinum or nickel, creating the base metal for jewelry pieces.
Ruthenium is a platinum-group metal used as a surface coating over white gold, offering an alternative to traditional rhodium plating. Ruthenium provides a darker, more sophisticated finish compared to rhodium’s bright white appearance.
Meaning that pure ruthenium jewelry doesn’t exist, and the best you can have is white gold as base metal and ruthenium serving as the protective top layer.
Note: ruthenium-plated white gold offers unique aesthetic appeal with enhanced scratch resistance (Mohs hardness of 6.5 compared to rhodium’s 6.0) and reduced maintenance frequency compared to rhodium-plated alternatives.
Only 10% of ruthenium mined during the year is used in jewelry production, 99% of it going to ruthenium-plated jewelry.
| Comparison | White Gold | Ruthenium |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Pure ruthenium |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Pure ruthenium doesn't tarnish. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Pure ruthenium is extremely scratch resistant, durable and hard (Mohs hardness of 6.5) |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | Ruthenium is far more expensive than white gold. But there're limited buying options as there's no pure ruthenium jewelry, only ruthenium coated over some other metal. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | Ruthenium's dark, neutral, gunmetal-grey color is highly versatile and complements all skin tones, particularly those with cool or neutral undertones. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. | Ruthenium is hypoallergenic. |
White Gold vs Iridium- What are the Differences?
White gold and iridium have different roles in jewelry making.
White gold is a gold alloy mixed with white metals, forming the structural base of jewelry pieces.
Iridium is an extremely rare platinum-group metal that’s sometimes used as an alloying agent in white gold or as a surface treatment (iridium-coated white gold).
Iridium is one of the hardest and most corrosion-resistant metals, making it incredibly durable but also difficult to work with.
When used in white gold alloys, iridium increases hardness and whiteness. Pure iridium is rarely used for entire jewelry pieces due to cost, low supply (only 248 000 ounces of iridium are mined during a calendar year) and manufacturing challenges.
| Comparison | White Gold | Iridium |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Pure iridium |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Pure iridium doesn't tarnish. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Pure iridium is extremely scratch resistant, durable and hard (Mohs hardness of 6.5) |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | Iridium is far more expensive than white gold due to its rarity and high demand. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for iridium is a cool or neutral undertone. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. | Iridium is hypoallergenic. |
White Gold vs Osmium- What are the Differences?
White gold and osmium occupy vastly different positions in jewelry.
White gold is an alloy of gold and white metals like palladium, platinum or nickel, creating the base metal for jewelry pieces like rings, necklaces, and fine jewelry.
Osmium is an extremely rare platinum-group metal, the densest naturally occurring element, and highly toxic in certain forms (powdered osmium is toxic, solid osmium isn’t).
Due to safety concerns and extreme rarity, osmium is never used in consumer jewelry or as an alloying agent. White gold offers beauty, workability, and safety for everyday wear.
Bottom line is that osmium exists primarily in industrial applications and scientific research. While both are white metals, only white gold is suitable for jewelry making, whereas osmium remains a laboratory curiosity with no practical jewelry applications.
| Comparison | White Gold | Iridium |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold+ white metals such as nickel, palladium, and silver. | Pure osmium |
| Color and tarnish resistance | White, doesn't easily tarnish | Pure osmium doesn't tarnish. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Very durable and scratch resistant, especially when rhodium plating is added. | Pure osmium is extremely scratch resistant, durable and hard (Mohs hardness of 7.0 to 7.5) |
| Cost | White gold is more expensive than yellow gold because in white gold yellow gold is alloyed with other precious metals like platinum and palladium. | Osmium is far more expensive than white gold due to its extreme rarity and high demand. |
| Skin tone compatibility | White gold best suits fair or cool-toned skin with blue or pink undertones. | The best skin tone for osmium is a cool or neutral undertone. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | White gold is allergenic. | osmium is hypoallergenic. |
What is White Gold? Is it Real? Is it Magnetic and Hypoallergenic? Does it Tarnish, Corrode and Rust? (Conclusion)
Now you know what white gold is.
You know it’s real, that it isn’t magnetic, that it is hypoallergenic and that it doesn’t easily tarnish, corrode, rust and oxidize.
You also know that white gold can’t be a part of a gold IRA account.
Note: visit our jewelry store to see what types of gold well sell. You might find some white gold items there. We ship worldwide, safe and secure!
References:
- White Gold vs Yellow Gold: Cost, Care, and Differences- https://ourosjewels.com/blogs/education/white-gold-vs-yellow-gold-differences
- What’s the difference between white gold and platinum?- https://www.foxfinejewelry.com/blogs/news/what-s-the-difference-between-white-gold-and-platinum
- White Gold: What is It, and How is It Different from Yellow Gold?- https://rellery.com/blogs/news/white-gold-what-is-it-and-how-is-it-different-from-yellow-gold
- Precious Metals Guide – All About Gold and Platinum- https://www.moissaniteco.com/precious-metals-guide-all-about-gold-and-platinum
- White Gold- https://taylorandhart.com/us/ring-guidance/metals/white-gold
- What is white gold?- https://news.thediamondstore.co.uk/what-is-white-gold/
- What is white gold?- https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-white-gold
- White Gold- https://www.qualitydiamonds.co.uk/expert-advice/buying-guides/choosing-your-setting-metal/white-gold
- Affordable White Gold Jewelry- https://www.kayoutlet.com/affordable-white-gold-jewelry/c/8000000536
- 14K White Gold- https://michaelsjewelers.com/collections/material-14k-white-gold
- Is my white gold ring fake?- https://www.reddit.com/r/Gold/comments/1ardqem/is_my_white_gold_ring_fake/
- Has anyone experienced an allergic reaction from Nickel in White Gold bands? How often have you needed to replate them?- https://www.reddit.com/r/EngagementRings/comments/up6bpc/has_anyone_experienced_an_allergic_reaction_from/
- Psa: beware white gold if you plan to have kids (my skin became sensitive after having my first kid and now I have to get my ring re-dipped once a year at $80 a pop – get platinum or yellow gold instead!) https://www.reddit.com/r/EngagementRings/comments/kpqiye/psa_beware_white_gold_if_you_plan_to_have_kids_my/
- For those with white gold rings, how often do you have your rings re-plated? https://www.reddit.com/r/EngagementRings/comments/118k49u/for_those_with_white_gold_rings_how_often_do_you/
- What Is Purple Gold: Your Ultimate Guide- https://www.nobbier.com/blogs/editorial/what-is-purple-gold/
- What Is Blue Gold: Your Ultimate Guide- https://www.nobbier.com/blogs/editorial/what-is-blue-gold/
- What Is Grey Gold: Your Ultimate Guide- https://www.nobbier.com/blogs/editorial/what-is-grey-gold/
- What Is Black Gold: Your Ultimate Guide- https://www.nobbier.com/blogs/editorial/what-is-black-gold/
- 18K White Gold Vermeil Curb Chain Necklace: Medium Weight, Multiple Lengths- https://www.etsy.com/listing/1057447485/18k-white-gold-vermeil-curb-chain
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.
