While yellow gold is the traditional standard for both engagement rings and wedding bands, white gold is certainly quite popular. White gold allows jewelry wears a bit more options. The color of white gold is actually quite similar to the color of platinum, yet it is a more affordable option. Platinum is more rare, but this also means it is more expensive. For gold lovers who want something lighter in color, white gold is a great alternative. However, many people worry that their white gold engagement ring will not have the same value. In order to bust this myth, let’s take some time to understand white gold.
White Gold Characteristics
As a metal, gold will not tarnish, rust, or corrode. These properties, along with the value of gold due to its scarcity as a metal, make gold a great choice for creating fine jewelry. However, pure 24 karat gold is actually quite soft. It must be alloyed with other metals for strength. This means that all gold jewelry that is not pure 24k gold is an alloy, including yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold jewelry.
Classic Solitaire Setting in
18K White Gold
How Is White Gold Created?
To create white gold, white metals such as nickel, silver, and palladium are used to create an alloy with the gold. Since 14k white gold is 58.3% gold and 18k white gold is 75% gold, both will naturally have a yellowish tint. The brilliant white luster in white gold is from rhodium plating. Although rhodium plating is very hard and durable, the plating may wear away and leave a yellowish tint. However, 19k white gold is naturally white in color; it does not require the rhodium plating.
Gold Content in White Gold Engagement Ring Settings
White gold engagement ring settings contain the same amount of pure gold as their yellow gold and rose gold counterparts. It is important to remember that all gold content is measured in karats. The higher the karat, the greater the gold content (and therefore the greater the price). Although white gold only has a yellowish tint, an 18k white gold engagement ring still contains the same percentage of gold as an 18k yellow gold ring.
When picking out a ring, remember that white gold engagement ring settings contain the same amount of pure gold as their other colored counterparts. The most important thing to remember is that the karat value defines the amount of gold in the setting. Since the gold content is the same, the choice between yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold engagement rings comes down to personal preference. For more information, check out the Adiamor Metal Education page or simply start designing your own engagement ring today!
