Why White Gold?
For us, white gold is the best type of gold currently available. For one, any piece of white gold jewellery will look stunning no matter what coloured stone it is coupled with and secondly, and probably more importantly, you can get the same look at a fraction of the price when compared to a similar piece created using platinum instead.
Many people commonly confuse white gold jewellery with a platinum one. This may be quite understandable due to their similar outward appearance. However, it is important to realize that each has its own properties which differentiate them from each other.
Understanding these differences will make you understand how white gold jewellery is a better option than the seemingly more expensive platinum counterpart.
What is White Gold Jewellery?
In order to realize why white gold jewellery is a better option, it is important to understand its components. Basically, white gold is considered as a type of gold alloy with a mixture of white metals like palladium and silver for example. The mixture of components of white gold jewellery would depend primarily on its carat.
An example would be 18 carat white gold jewellery, which is made of 75% gold and 25% of other metals. Basically, the amount of gold is the same with only the alloy being different. Nickel was traditionally used in white gold until it was stopped because of the reaction some people get with nickel.
White gold jewellery like rings for example is coated with Rhodium, which is a type of white metal. Rhodium has many of the properties found in platinum like natural white color and very durable. By using Rhodium the light grey color of white gold looks whiter. This makes white gold jewellery comparable to platinum but not as expensive.
The popularity of white gold jewellery has made it a preferred material in the creation of various designs like:
• engagement rings for ladies
• wedding rings for men and ladies
• dress rings for men
• earrings
• pendants
• necklaces
Is White Gold Better than Platinum?
For majority of accessories, white gold would be a preferred material primarily because it can do the same job as platinum, but without the associated cost. There is no question that platinum is not only heavier but more durable.
Moreover, it can be easily fabricated when it comes to more complicated designs compared to gold. When it comes to hand engraving, both are basically even in terms of popularity. Both can likewise be subjected to Rhodium plating which covers the yellowish color of white gold jewellery and grayish color of platinum accessories.
There is no doubt that more people prefer platinum if they can afford it. However, in terms of practicality and reasonability, even 18 carat white gold jewellery can be more than appropriate for any type of occasion because it is lightweight and extremely presentable. Bottom line is that everything is simply a matter of personal preference.
White Gold and Rhodium Plating
Both white gold jewellery and platinum use Rhodium plating, which after a few years due to wear and tear require touching up. With Rhodium plating done, white gold jewellery actually looks whiter and shinier compared to platinum which is more of a shade of grey and can be a bit dull looking.
This is why there is a continued preference for white gold especially for people who want the white shiny appeal it brings. With all things being equal in terms of the Rhodium plating process, it is important to consider that there is a substantial difference between the price of platinum and white gold accessories.
Take into consideration a diamond studded ring that is made of 18 carat white gold and that made of platinum. The approximate price difference between the two pieces of accessories is about £500 at least. With this consideration in mind, there is no doubt that white gold jewellery can be a better investment.
White Gold and Skin Reaction
There is no doubt that some people have a negative reaction to the nickel content of white gold jewellery. This is especially true for those who have eczema or some form of skin asthma as a child. As a result they tend to have skin breakouts when using accessories made from white gold.
Usually, the rashes tend to appear in the portion where the white gold jewellery touches the skin and rarely does the breakout happen all over the body. This is the reason why many jewellery makers have begun omitting the use of nickel in their white gold jewellery collections. It is likewise important to note that the skin reaction can be minimized when using higher carats of white gold jewellery.
If this is the only drawback in deciding to use white gold, then you simply have to ask the jewellery maker if their items contain nickel. Otherwise, you can safely use white gold jewellery because there are no reported reactions to components used as alternative to nickel.
Color Durability of White Gold
Platinum is definitely harder compared to white gold, but they are both susceptible to environmental factors that can degrade them. Household chemicals and chlorine in the water can even eat into the jewellery through the alloy compounds. This is why many jewellery makers advise owners not to swim with their accessories because of the strong chlorine content of the water. This holds true for both white gold jewellery and platinum.
In terms of the original color, it is important to note that no jewellery will maintain its store color no matter what. This is why many jewellery makers promote the use of plating methods to help achieve the same quality of luster the platinum and white gold jewellery has in the store. Some even recommend 14 carat Palladium white because its shade is whiter compared to 18 carat.
When it comes to jewellery, there will always be an endless battle between platinum and white gold. This is because each has its own following as well as its own set of advantages. However, if you are working on a limited budget but would want to achieve the same quality and experience as platinum, then white gold jewellery is your best option.
