White Gold Explained: Value and Authenticity
Jul 25, 2024, Update: Jul 25, 2024, Janar Kirn / IceTreasure.com
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"White gold jewelry offers the sophisticated look of platinum at a more accessible price. Discover what white gold is, its unique properties, and how it compares to traditional yellow gold. Learn how to verify its authenticity and explore luxurious pieces from Ice Treasure’s exquisite collection. Is white gold the right choice for you? Find out in this comprehensive guide."
1. White Gold Jewelry: A Comprehensive Guide by Ice Treasure
White gold has surged in popularity as a jewelry choice, offering the luxurious look of platinum at a more affordable price. While traditional yellow gold has its warm, classic appeal, white gold’s bright, sophisticated luster attracts those seeking a modern elegance.
Especially favored for engagement rings and wedding bands, white gold enhances the beauty of diamonds and gemstones with its neutral sheen. Properly cared for, white gold jewelry maintains its shine and durability over the years, making it a timeless choice for various styles.
2. What is White Gold?
White gold is an alloy, meaning it’s created by combining pure gold with other metals. Pure gold, known as 24-karat gold, is too soft for practical jewelry use, so it’s mixed with metals to increase its strength and durability.
The metals added to create white gold—such as nickel, palladium, platinum, or silver—also contribute to its silvery-white color. The purity of white gold is measured in karats, similar to yellow gold. For instance, 18-karat white gold contains 75% pure gold, while 14-karat white gold has 58.3% pure gold. Higher karat white gold is more expensive due to its higher pure gold content.
The metals added to create white gold—such as nickel, palladium, platinum, or silver—also contribute to its silvery-white color. The purity of white gold is measured in karats, similar to yellow gold. For instance, 18-karat white gold contains 75% pure gold, while 14-karat white gold has 58.3% pure gold. Higher karat white gold is more expensive due to its higher pure gold content.
3. Is White Gold Real Gold?
The answer depends on your definition of “real gold.” If you consider only pure gold as real, then no, white gold isn’t pure gold. However, if you recognize gold that’s mined from the earth and possesses the same chemical properties as pure gold, then yes, white gold is real gold, as it contains a significant amount of pure gold.
Thus, white gold isn’t pure but remains a genuine type of gold alloy, valued for its distinct appearance and properties.
Thus, white gold isn’t pure but remains a genuine type of gold alloy, valued for its distinct appearance and properties.
4. White Gold vs. Yellow Gold
Comparing white gold to yellow gold involves several factors:
- Appearance: White gold’s silvery color provides a modern, elegant look, while yellow gold offers a classic, warm appearance.
- Weight: White gold is typically heavier due to its denser metal mix.
- Durability: White gold is stronger and more resistant to scratches but requires periodic rhodium re-plating.
- Price: Generally, white gold is pricier due to the cost of metals and rhodium plating.
- HypoallergenicProperties: White gold often contains nickel, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If you have a nickel allergy, opt for nickel-free white gold alloys.
5. How to Verify White Gold?
If you’re purchasing white gold jewelry from Ice Treasure, you might want to ensure its authenticity.
Here are some ways to check:
- Karat Stamps: Genuine white gold jewelry will have a karat stamp indicating its purity, such as 18K, 14K, or 10K. This stamp is usually found inside rings, on necklace clasps, or earring posts. Absence of a karat stamp could suggest the jewelry isn’t real white gold or is of lower quality.
- Look for Yellow Tinges: Since white gold is an alloy of pure gold, it has a slight yellow hue. If your white gold jewelry is completely white, it might be overly plated with rhodium or not genuine white gold.
- White Gold Doesn’t Tarnish: Unlike silver, white gold doesn’t tarnish or corrode over time. This resistance is due to a rhodium coating, a rare and expensive metal that gives white gold its bright shine and protects it from oxidation. If your jewelry changes color, it could indicate that it’s not genuine white gold or that the rhodium plating needs reapplication.
- Conduct Magnet and Acid Tests: A jeweler can perform magnet or acid tests to confirm the authenticity of white gold. These tests check the metal’s properties to ensure it matches those of white gold.
6. Ice Treasure’s White Gold Jewelry
Ice Treasure’s white gold jewelry exemplifies elegance and brilliance. Crafted from 14k solid white gold or silver plated with 14k white gold, each piece boasts a stunning, lustrous finish. Their collection includes bold Cuban link chains and delicate tennis bracelets, designed with meticulous attention to detail to ensure lasting shine and timeless beauty.
Highlighted Pieces from Ice Treasure:
Highlighted Pieces from Ice Treasure:
- 8MM Cuban Link Chain 14K White Gold: This chain features 8mm wide links in 14k white gold or silver plated with 14k white gold, offering a durable and seamless look.
- 10MM Cuban Link Bracelet 14K White Gold: A luxurious bracelet crafted from 14k white gold or silver plated with 14k, featuring substantial 10mm links perfect for any occasion.
- Moissanite Cross Pendant 14K White Gold: A 46mm cross pendant with a dazzling moissanite stone at its center, set in sterling silver plated with 14k gold.
- Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14K White Gold: This elegant bracelet features a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds set in 14k white gold, offering a timeless and sophisticated look.
7. Conclusion
White gold offers the luxurious look of platinum at a more accessible price. Though not pure, it contains real gold and provides a sophisticated, modern appeal, especially for engagement rings. Its durability, combined with the need for periodic rhodium re-plating, makes it a long-lasting choice.
When choosing between white and yellow gold, consider factors such as appearance, weight, durability, price, and potential allergies. For those drawn to white gold, Ice Treasure offers an exquisite selection of handcrafted pieces in 14k white gold or silver plated with 14k white gold, combining timeless designs with lasting brilliance.
Understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision, ensuring your jewelry not only matches your style but also stands the test of time. White gold brings a fresh take to jewelry with its mix of tradition and modern vibe. For many, it’s the perfect balance of classic and contemporary beauty.
When choosing between white and yellow gold, consider factors such as appearance, weight, durability, price, and potential allergies. For those drawn to white gold, Ice Treasure offers an exquisite selection of handcrafted pieces in 14k white gold or silver plated with 14k white gold, combining timeless designs with lasting brilliance.
Understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision, ensuring your jewelry not only matches your style but also stands the test of time. White gold brings a fresh take to jewelry with its mix of tradition and modern vibe. For many, it’s the perfect balance of classic and contemporary beauty.
Janar KirnJanar Kirn, from Tallinn, Estonia, is a distinguished entrepreneur and a co-founder of Ice Treasure. With a career spanning since 2017, Janar has made significant strides in the jewelry industry, founding his first brand from the ground up.
Over the years, he has amassed extensive knowledge in the field, becoming a respected educator and jewelry specialist in Scandinavia. Known for his deep passion and expertise, Janar is dedicated to sharing his insights and experiences with others through this platform.
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