White Gold

White gold is an alloy; a blend of pure yellow gold mixed with silvery-white metals such as palladium, platinum, or silver.

Pure gold on its own is soft and malleable, so jewellers add harder metals to make it more durable. This process strengthens the gold for everyday wear while also giving it a cooler, white-toned colour.

Unlike yellow gold, which occurs naturally, white gold doesn’t exist in nature, it’s created through this alloying process to achieve its distinctive silvery hue.

White Gold Facts:

• Elegant and versatile: Complements all skin tones and works beautifully with any outfit.
• Enhances diamonds: The cool tone maximises brilliance and fire of your stones.
• Luxurious yet practical: Offers the high-end look of platinum at a more accessible price, and with greater durability than silver.
• Requires upkeep: Over time, white gold may need rhodium re-coating to maintain its colour and shine.
• Minor maintenance cost: While re-coating is affordable, it may mean being without your jewellery for a few days.

Why is white gold coated in rhodium?

Even with pale alloy metals, white gold retains a subtle yellow tint. To create a truly bright, white finish, jewellers apply a thin coating of rhodium, a precious metal from the platinum family.

Rhodium adds:

A brilliant, mirror-like shine

Extra resistance to scratches and wear

Protection against tarnishing and discolouration

This finish gives white gold its signature lustre and enhances the sparkle of gemstones - especially diamonds.

Is White Gold real gold?

Yes; white gold is real gold. Even though it contains alloy metals, its base material is genuine pure gold.

You can verify this by checking the hallmark inside your jewellery. In the UK, all jewellery weighing over one gram must be hallmarked by a Government Assay Office to confirm it contains the correct amount of certified precious metal.

Why does white gold turn yellow over time?

Over time with daily wear, the rhodium coating can naturally wear away, revealing the slightly warmer gold tone beneath.

This is completely normal and depends on factors such as:

The pH balance of your skin

Contact with lotions, perfumes or household chemicals

Environmental factors like humidity or pollution

The solution is simple: have your jewellery re-coated with rhodium.