White Gold

White gold is an alloy of gold and at least one white metal, usually nickel or palladium. Like yellow gold, white gold is measured in karats.

White gold's properties vary depending on the metals and proportions used. As a result, white gold alloys can be used for different purposes; while a nickel alloy is hard, strong and therefore good for rings and pins, white gold-palladium alloys are soft, pliable and good for white gold gemstone settings. The highest quality white gold is usually at least 17 karat, and made up of gold and palladium, sometimes with trace levels of platinum for weight and durability, although this often requires specialized goldsmiths.

While some higher-quality white gold alloys retain their shine and lustre, most will be coated with a very thin layer of rhodium. This gives the naturally more dull white gold a shine comparable to platinum or silver. Items made of white gold will often require cleaning, or re-coating of rhodium at a later date.