White gold is one of the most beloved precious metals in modern jewelry design. Known for its sleek, silvery-white hue and luxurious look, white gold is featured in everything from wedding bands and engagement rings to earrings, necklaces, and stylish watches. At Delows, we’re proud to offer high quality, affordable white gold pieces that combine timeless elegance with everyday versatility. This article explores everything you need to know about white gold—from its history and creation to care tips and styling advice.
What’s White Gold? How Is It Made?
White gold is not a naturally occurring metal. Instead, it’s an alloy made by blending solid gold with white-colored metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. To achieve its signature silvery tone, most white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium—a rare, durable, and bright white metal from the platinum family. The result is a stylish and luxurious material that maintains the beauty and value of traditional gold while offering a cooler color tone.
When Was White Gold Invented?
White gold became popular in the 1920s as a fashionable and more durable alternative to platinum, which was expensive and increasingly scarce during wartime. It quickly grew in popularity due to its clean, modern appearance and its ability to complement both diamonds and colored gemstones. Today, white gold remains a favorite choice in engagement rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Is White Gold Real Gold?
Yes, white gold is real gold. Its value and quality depend on the gold content, which is measured in karats. The most common purities are 14K and 18K, meaning 58.3% and 75% gold respectively. The remaining percentage consists of white metals that give white gold its color and strength. Despite its color differences, white gold is just as authentic and valuable as yellow gold or rose gold.
Why Is White Gold So Expensive?
White gold can be more expensive than yellow gold due to the cost of the white metals used in the alloy, and the additional rhodium plating process. Rhodium is one of the most expensive precious metals on the market, and it must be reapplied over time to maintain that crisp, bright finish. However, many people find white gold worth the investment for its beautiful appearance and versatility.
Does White Gold Change Color Over Time? Will White Gold Tarnish?
White gold does not tarnish in the traditional sense, but it can lose its bright white finish over time as the rhodium plating wears off. This can reveal the slightly yellowish tone of the underlying gold alloy. Fortunately, re-plating with rhodium is a simple and relatively inexpensive maintenance process that restores the jewelry’s original shine. With proper care, white gold remains beautiful for many years.
Is There Fake White Gold?
Unfortunately, yes. Some products marketed as white gold may be plated base metals or lower-quality alloys with no real gold content. These items can fade, tarnish, or even irritate the skin. To avoid this, always check for proper hallmarks like “14K” or “18K” and purchase from trusted jewelers like Delows, where you’re guaranteed authentic, solid gold craftsmanship.
What Are the Disadvantages of White Gold?
While white gold is beautiful and durable, it does have a few drawbacks:
Maintenance: It requires occasional re-plating with rhodium to retain its shine.
Allergies: Some white gold contains nickel, which can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Color Change: Over time, the white tone may fade slightly if not maintained. Despite these minor issues, many find white gold to be a worthy and stylish investment.
Which Skin Tone Compliments White Gold?
White gold complements cool skin tones especially well. If your veins appear blue or you look best in silver-toned accessories, white gold is likely to suit you beautifully. It pairs effortlessly with both casual and formal wear, from a crisp white dress to a sleek black outfit. That said, white gold’s versatile color allows it to flatter a wide range of skin tones.
Is White Gold Higher Quality?
The quality of white gold is determined by its karat rating and craftsmanship, not its color. A 14K white gold bracelet is just as high quality as a 14K yellow gold one. However, white gold is often favored for its modern aesthetic and compatibility with diamonds and colored stones. At Delows, we offer only high quality, stylish white gold jewelry that meets exceptional standards.
Is White Gold Out of Fashion?
Not at all. White gold remains one of the most popular choices in both bridal and fashion jewelry. Its timeless appeal and ability to enhance the brilliance of diamonds and other gemstones ensure its place in current trends. Whether in rings, necklaces, or earrings, white gold offers a sophisticated look that never goes out of style.
Is White Gold Considered Classy?
Is There Such a Thing as White Gold Plated?
Yes, but it’s different from solid white gold. Some jewelry items are merely coated with a thin layer of white gold over a base metal. These white gold plated pieces are more affordable but can wear down over time, exposing the base metal underneath. At Delows, we specialize in authentic, solid white gold jewelry, ensuring lasting value and beauty.
Delows and Its Affiliates Have White Gold
Delows proudly offers a wide selection of affordable white gold jewelry, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and stylish watches. Our affiliate partners and expert jewelers are committed to crafting beautiful, high quality pieces made from genuine precious metals. Whether you’re searching for an engagement ring or a gift-worthy chain, you’ll find something special in our white gold collection.
White gold is a stunning and durable precious metal that continues to charm with its sleek appearance and timeless appeal. Whether you’re drawn to its clean, bright finish or the way it enhances gemstones, white gold remains a top choice for anyone seeking stylish and affordable luxury. Explore Delows’ beautiful collection of white gold jewelry and watches and experience the perfect blend of quality, elegance, and lasting value.
Disclaimer: This article post may contain Affiliate Links. We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you for using our links and for your support, we really appreciate it.
