White gold is a popular choice for jewelry because it has a beautiful sheen and is very durable. Also, white gold is an alternative to platinum because it looks similar but is more affordable. But what is white gold, and how is it different from regular gold? Well, read on to find out.
Learn in This Article
- What Is Special About White Gold
- What Is White Gold Made Of
- Gold
- Nickel/Palladium
- Zinc
- Is White Gold Worth More Than Gold
- Does White Gold Exist Naturally
- Key Takeaways
What Is Special About White Gold
White gold has a few key benefits that make it appealing. First of all, its bright and clean appearance complements any outfit. White gold can be paired with a wide range of gemstones and pearls without color or undertone clashing. It’s also trendy in fashion jewelry, often appearing in minimalist designs.
Second, due to the white gold composition, this metal is more durable than other metals like silver and regular gold, so it can withstand everyday wear and tear better. And finally, white gold is hypoallergenic, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin.
However, the main downside of white gold is that it’s not as strong as other metals such as platinum. As a result, white gold jewelry may require more frequent repairs and replacements.
What Is White Gold Made Of?
White gold is made by alloying regular gold with white metals. Adding these metals gives white gold its distinctive color and increased hardness. So, what exactly is in white gold? Let’s see!
Gold
In its pure form, gold is a slightly reddish yellow, bright, soft, dense, malleable, and ductile metal. It’s a precious metal that has been used for coinage, jewelry, etc., throughout recorded history.
It’s important to note that the share of gold also determines the white gold purity. So, the pure solid white gold formula contains 75% of gold and 25% of other metals, usually nickel or zinc.
Nickel and Palladium
Nickel is a common element that is added to white gold to give it its bright white color. While nickel is durable, it can sometimes cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. Many jewelers combine a different metal, such as palladium, with solid white gold to avoid this. However, nickel is still the most popular choice due to its low cost and high wear resistance.
Zinc
Since white gold is created to imitate platinum, chemists and jewelers add zinc to gold to create a brighter, more lustrous metal that resembles platinum. In addition to its visual benefits, zinc strengthens gold and makes it more resistant to wear and tear.
Is White Gold Worth More Than Gold
The value of white gold is primarily based on the same factors as the value of regular gold, with some additional elements. The price of white gold varies depending on the white gold purity, the weight of the piece, and the current market conditions.
Regular gold is costly, but white gold can be even pricier. But why is that? Remember what metals are in white gold? White gold is an alloy, meaning the manufacturing process is more complicated, which dictates the price.
Does White Gold Exist Naturally
Many people are familiar with white gold, but few know that it’s not a naturally occurring element like regular gold that’s mined. Yes, there is no white gold in raw form. However, thanks to science, we can enjoy the beauty and benefits of this dazzling metal.
What Is White Gold: Key Takeaways
- White gold is an alloy of regular gold and white metals, giving it a bright white color.
- Nickel is typically used to form the white gold alloy, but palladium can also be used to avoid allergic reactions.
- Zinc is added to give white gold its lustrous appearance and increase durability.
- White gold is not naturally occurring. It’s created through a complicated manufacturing process.
- The value of white gold varies depending on the purity, weight, and current market conditions.