White gold is an alloy of pure gold and white metals such as zinc, nickel, and silver. Not all white gold is the same, the combinations of gold and other metals differs from one source of white gold to another.   Often white gold has a layer of rhodium plating to give it extra shine. If so, the plating can wear down over time, but can be replacted by qualified jewelers.   

Nickel Free White Gold

Many individuals experience allergic reactions to nickel.  Thus, it might be better to opt for a nickel-free variety of white gold, expecially if you want to wear white gold peircings or other body jewelry.  A more expensive option is to choose platinum body jewelry, since platinum is hypoallergenic (meaning it is not likely to cause an allergic reaction).

Another drawback of nickel is  that it can be rendered weaker when it comes into contact with chorine (common in tap water and swimming pools) and some other compounds.  Nickel-free white gold will likely have a more yellow tinge than alloys made with nickel. 

Is Platinum the Same as White Gold?

No. Platinum and its cousin palladium and are entirely different metals from white gold.  That said, some white gold alloys contain platinum or palladium, and this would be reflected in the price since platinum and palladium are very expensive. 

What is the Difference Between White Gold and Yellow Gold?

Yellow gold may be pure gold.  White gold is always a mixture of gold and other alloys to lend the white coloration. The hard yellow gold best suited for making jewelry and embedding precious stones, like white gold, is an alloy of gold and other metals.  So, typically, white gold jewelry has similar levels of pure gold yellow gold.  The tinges you find in gold — white, red, or green — can be attributed to the other metals added to it.

Is White Gold Good For Jewelry?

White gold jewellery is certainly beautiful to look at and a high quality white gold can be a very robust metal that will require only minimal maintenance.  White gold is hard and well suited for embedding diamonds for engagement rings or other embedded gems. White gold chains are highly favored amongs jewelry buyers.

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