White Gold
Gold underneath, cool and bright on the surface. White gold offers the durability and value of gold with a tone that sits closer to platinum — and its own set of considerations worth understanding.
Au
AU + PD · RHODIUM-PLATED
KARAT
10K
41.7% gold
KARAT
14K
58.3% gold
KARAT
18K
75.0% gold
Gold that learned to go cool.
White gold is yellow gold alloyed with white metals — most commonly palladium, and sometimes nickel — that pull the natural warm tone toward silver-grey. The result is then plated with rhodium, a platinum-group metal, which gives it that bright, clean surface most people recognize as white gold's signature finish.
It was developed in the early 20th century as a more accessible alternative to platinum, and it found its footing quickly — particularly in diamond settings, where a cool-toned metal recedes behind the stone rather than competing with it. That relationship between white gold and diamonds remains one of the most natural pairings in jewelry.
- Durability: 4 out of 5
- Tarnish Resistance: Excellent
- Color Permanence: Needs replating
- Rhodium Plating: Required
- Hypoallergenic: Varies by alloy
- Best For: Diamond settings
White gold suits cool and fair skin tones particularly well. Its neutral brightness also makes it one of the most versatile metals for stacking and pairing — it doesn't compete with much.
Karat weight
in white gold.
White gold follows the same karat system as yellow gold — the number reflects how much of the alloy is pure gold. It stops at 18K rather than 24K for a specific reason: at very high gold content, the white metals that create the cool tone are present in such small quantities that the color drifts back toward yellow. You'd end up with something closer to pale yellow gold than white.
10K
41.7% GOLD
The hardest and most affordable option. More alloy metal relative to gold means a brighter, cooler appearance even before rhodium plating. Holds up well under daily wear.
14K
58.3% GOLD
The most common choice for white gold jewelry. Balances gold value with durability, and accepts rhodium plating evenly. The standard for engagement rings and fine diamond jewelry in the US.
18K
75.0% GOLD
Higher gold content means greater value and a slightly warmer base tone beneath the rhodium. Softer than 14K, and the rhodium layer may show wear a little sooner. A fine choice for pieces worn with care.
Understanding
rhodium plating.
Rhodium is what gives white gold its characteristic brightness. It's a surface treatment, not part of the alloy itself — which means it's the one aspect of white gold that changes with wear and time. Knowing what to expect takes the surprise out of it.
What Happens Over Time
The finish wears gradually.
Rhodium is applied as a thin layer through electroplating. Over time — typically one to three years with regular wear, sometimes sooner on high-contact areas like ring shanks — that layer wears down and the warmer yellow-grey tone of the base alloy begins to show through. It's a natural process, not a defect.
What To Do About It
Replating is straightforward.
Rhodium replating is a routine service we offer at Day's. It restores the original bright finish quickly and affordably, and can be done as often as needed. How frequently you'll want it depends on wear habits — active, daily-wear pieces need it more often than those worn occasionally. We're happy to advise based on your specific piece.
Caring for
your white gold.
White gold care follows the same basics as any gold jewelry, with one addition: being mindful of what accelerates rhodium wear helps you get the most out of each plating.
01 — Clean
Gently, and often.
Warm water and mild soap, applied with a soft brush. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cloths or polishing compounds on the rhodium surface — they accelerate wear. Regular gentle cleaning is better than infrequent deep cleaning.
02 — Protect the Finish
Chemicals dull it faster.
Chlorine, household cleaners, and even some lotions and perfumes can wear rhodium plating faster than normal friction. Remove white gold before swimming, cleaning, or applying products. The plating lasts longer when it's not fighting chemistry.
03 — Replate When Ready
It's a service, not a repair.
When the warmth starts to show through at edges or high-contact points, that's the signal. Bring it in. Replating takes the piece back to its original brightness. Think of it the way you'd think of a professional cleaning — routine, not urgent.
Find the piece that's right for you.
Browse our full collection of white gold jewelry, from diamond engagement rings to everyday pieces worth reaching for.