Is White Gold Real?

Whether you are buying jewelry for your wedding or as an anniversary gift, white gold has a distinct charm to it. Most people are drawn to its bright white color, which pairs well with every outfit. However, most people are unsure of white gold’s authenticity. Hence, you’ll find many people asking, “is white gold real?”

White gold was originally created as an alternative to platinum. Since its color turned out to be better than platinum, white gold quickly gained attention from the consumer.

Although white gold is real, it isn’t 100% pure gold if it’s less than 24-karat weight. White gold is technically an alloy containing 75% gold and 25% nickel and zinc. When white gold is certified 18 karat, it means it contains 75% pure gold.

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What Is White Gold?

White gold doesn’t exist naturally. It’s a combination of yellow gold with precious white alloys like silver and palladium. These alloys give white gold its color and more rigidity. Finally, white gold is coated with a rare silver metal called rhodium, giving white gold its luminous sheen.

Is White Gold Worth More Than Gold?

There is no price difference between the two gold types as long as they are of the same karat weight. For instance, an 18K yellow gold might be the same price as white gold because they have a similar percentage of gold. However, white gold might be slightly more expensive because of the manufacturing process it undergoes.

At the end of the day, choosing between white gold and yellow gold depends on personal preference. If you are unsure, go for jewelry that’s both in white and yellow gold and compare them side-by-side.

Is White Gold Good Quality?

The purification of white gold depends on its karat weight. For instance, 24 karat white gold is the purest and high quality. However, 24 karat isn’t ideal for wearing and molding into jewelry because it’s very delicate.

Therefore, additional alloys are added to strengthen white gold. As a result, its karat weight drops. Ideally, 14K white gold is the strongest and best for making rings and necklaces. You can even go for an 18K white gold piece, but that won’t be as strong.

Can I Shower With White Gold Jewelry?

Exposing white or yellow gold to water doesn’t harm the jewelry. However, it might reduce its luster over time. Therefore, We don’t recommend showering with precious metal. Although your jewelry item made from white gold won’t break apart, constant exposure to high-pressure water will peel off its lustrous layer of gold.

Can White Gold Be Worn Every day?

Most people purchase jewelry to wear on occasion. However, you’ll probably be wearing your white gold wedding ring every day. Hence, white gold is mixed with other alloys to boost its durability. Therefore, you can comfortably wear it every day. However, you shouldn’t wear your white gold ring while washing the dishes or taking a shower. This is because the chemical in dish soap and shampoo can peel off the upper layer of your ring.

White gold is a precious metal and should be worn with care. Sure, taking off your wedding ring is considered a bad omen in some cultures. However, you would be taking off your ring while working with water.

Can White Gold Turn My Finger Green?

Some believe that cheap jewelry can turn your finger green; however, this is a misconception. Even the most expensive rings can cause skin discoloration. It’s nothing to worry about, and your skin will return to its natural color in a couple of days after you take off the jewelry.

Skin discoloration happens due to other alloys mixed with white and yellow gold. These alloys react with your skin and change its color. However, white gold is an exception since it’s coated with rhodium. But the rhodium-coated wears away with time. Therefore your white gold ring might cause skin discoloration after 5-10 years.

Another cause for skin discoloration might be your sensitivity to specific metals. Some people are allergic to copper and nickel. Hence, their skin starts discoloring. As mentioned above, skin discoloration isn’t something to worry about. You can apply skin lotion, and your fingers will return to normal.

Difference Between White and Yellow Gold

Both alloys have more similarities than differences. They fit perfectly with any cut, clarity, and karat of precious gemstones. However, the only difference between white and yellow gold is the percentage of other metals used in the manufacturing process.

Typically, yellow gold is mixed with copper to enhance its durability. 100% pure gold isn’t as strong as it should be to withstand daily wear and tear. Likewise, white gold is mixed with silver and other metals that are white. The percentage of foreign metals used in white and yellow gold determines its color.

If you are looking for purity, you should look for karat count. Remember, 24 karat is pure gold, whether white or yellow. However, it’s not strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear.

History of White and Yellow Gold

People have used white and yellow gold in making jewelry since 4,000 BC. Initially, these precious metals were used to fit rare gemstones. Through technological advancements, jewelry learned the art of mixing other alloys with gold to increase its durability and reduce its cost. As a result, yellow gold was mixed with copper, and white gold was mixed with silver.

Yellow gold became popular in the 1990s, and white gold gained its reputation in the 1920s. However, white gold was invented in the 19^th century. White gold was created to replace platinum in making jewelry since platinum had strong demand in the military. Hence, white gold was created to satisfy the market needs.

The Bottom Line

White gold is a precious metal created to replace platinum. It’s a form of gold that is 100% pure only in its 24 karat weight. It’s mixed with silver and other metals to turn yellow gold into white. Moreover, it’s coated with rhodium to add a luminous layer of shining white color.

White gold isn’t harmful to the skin. If you had questions like “is white gold real?,” we hope the above information has provided enough evidence to support its authenticity.