White Gold Rings

White gold is a nice alternative to platinum, which is more difficult to work with and is more rare. It is also much more durable than sterling silver, and is therefore especially fitting for jewelry that is meant to last a little longer, like engagement rings or signet rings.

Some seek white gold jewelry because yellow gold can affect the perception of the color of the diamond when it is used for the setting. That means that a near-colorless diamond can look significantly more yellow, just by reflecting the yellow color of the gold. White gold shows off the quality of the diamond or diamonds in the ring.

Many modern white gold rings are rhodium plated. This plating makes the white gold look even brighter and whiter, and will especially enhance the look of colorless diamonds.

Quick Facts

• To get white gold, yellow gold is usually mixed with a white metal like nickel of palladium
• Nickel is a metal that is far less expensive than palladium and the like, but some people are allergic to it. However, for those who aren't allergic, white gold containing nickel might offer a less expensive alternative to white gold containing palladium
• Although the rhodium plating over the white gold is extremely hard, it will eventually wear off, but many jewelers re-plate the ring