What is white gold? Is white gold really white?

Paulina & Natalia Michalak
2025-08-28T15:33:26+02:00

Wondering what white gold actually is? Learn the fascinating history of this alloy and why it's not always perfectly white. Discover how it differs from silver and platinum, why we don't use rhodium plating at Trzpiotka, and which stones it pairs best with. White gold – the perfect choice for engagements and everyday wear!

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White gold: A unique precious metal in jewelry

What is white gold?

At Trzpiotka, we love creating products in white gold. While it's rarer, each of our rings, wedding bands, and earrings can be created in this silver version. White gold doesn't occur naturally. It's yellow gold "whitened" by the addition of appropriate silver-colored metals. A white gold alloy typically consists of 75% gold and 25% additives such as nickel, zinc, platinum, palladium, or silver. Interestingly, these additives give this alloy not only color variations but also increased hardness. However, because white gold is a derivative of pure yellow gold, it will never be 100% white.

Features and comparison with other metals

Is white gold really white?

Ninety percent of jewelry on the market is yellowish because it's an alloy and derivative of pure yellow gold. Many jewelry stores, to conceal this characteristic, coat each piece with a layer of silvery rhodium. Unfortunately, manufacturers don't always inform their customers about this. This layer will wear off over time, requiring re-rhodium plating. This process, unfortunately, must be repeated periodically to conceal the yellowish tint of white gold. However, there is a type of white gold on the market that is colored throughout, so it doesn't require additional care or rhodium plating. Our foundry produces just such an alloy. You can tell in person that this rhodium-plated white gold is as silvery as possible; it doesn't change color daily, and none of the "top layer" wears off. It doesn't require periodic rhodium plating, as our alloy retains its color for years and generations.

White gold and silver

White gold has characteristics that make it more valuable than silver and more comfortable for everyday wear. Silver is more susceptible to bending because it is softer. White gold is a harder metal alloy, significantly less susceptible to mechanical deformation. Furthermore, white gold does not change color over time. Silver is susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air, which is visible through the so-called "blackening" that occurs over time. White gold, being an alloy of pure gold, also affects its value.

White gold or platinum

White gold and platinum are both precious metals. The main difference between white gold and platinum is that platinum is a naturally silvery metal. Platinum is also denser, making it more resistant to mechanical damage and less prone to scratches and deformation. It also doesn't lose its shine as quickly. Hammered wedding rings made of platinum are a prime example of how hammering will hold up much better over time than white gold. In short, platinum is an ideal metal for everyday wear, but its value significantly impacts the price, which is higher than white gold.

Fit and price

What stones does white gold come with?

White gold pairs beautifully with cool-toned stones. This metal alloy looks exceptional with black diamonds ( see the Luna gold ring with black diamonds ) and with blue tones ( see the Rosa gold ring with aquamarine and diamonds ). White gold is often used to create a crown for the stones in yellow gold rings with diamonds. Its color makes the stones appear larger and whiter. One classic option is a white gold ring with diamonds .

White gold and its price

The price of white gold in our store remains the same as for jewelry made in yellow or rose gold, even though it requires more work to create the alloy and the jewelry itself. Compared to silver, the price of white gold is always significantly higher, but it's lower than platinum jewelry.

White gold is the perfect choice for engagements or weddings. The engagement ring and wedding bands crafted in white gold in our workshop are not rhodium-plated, and the metal's color is exceptionally silvery, so our clients won't be surprised by changes in the metal's color over time or the cost of periodic rhodium plating. For lovers of silver jewelry, we gladly recommend platinum, which, despite its price, is a significantly more durable and silvery metal. Its luster remains unchanged for a long time. If you don't find the perfect piece, please contact us. Our workshop is expanding, and we can create any style in white gold, and many in platinum as well. Please contact us.