White Gold Engagement Rings

White gold is an alloy of pure gold mixed with white metals such as palladium, silver, nickel, or zinc to create a pale colour. Because the natural colour of white gold alloy is actually a slightly warm, greyish-white, most white gold jewellery is plated with rhodium — a platinum group metal that provides the bright, mirror-like white finish. The gold purity is indicated by karat: 18k white gold contains 75% pure gold, while 14k contains 58.3% pure gold. The remaining percentage consists of the white alloy metals.

White gold is strong, durable, and resistant to everyday wear. 14k white gold is harder than 18k due to its higher alloy content, making it slightly more scratch-resistant. The rhodium plating provides an extremely bright, reflective surface that enhances diamond brilliance. White gold is lighter than platinum, which some wearers prefer. It is a good conductor of heat and feels warm on the skin. The alloy composition makes it workable for intricate designs that would be difficult in harder metals.

White gold is an excellent choice for engagement rings, particularly for solitaire and halo designs where the white metal maximises the visual contrast with the diamond. It pairs beautifully with all diamond shapes. For those concerned about rhodium replating, ask your jeweller about palladium-based white gold alloys, which have a naturally whiter colour and require less frequent replating. White gold works well in both delicate and substantial ring designs.

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the rhodium plating. When the rhodium wears thin and the ring develops a slightly yellowish tint, have it replated by your jeweller — this is a quick, affordable process that restores the bright white finish. Most white gold rings need replating every 1-3 years depending on wear. Remove before using cleaning products containing chlorine. Store separately from other jewellery.

White gold is significantly more affordable than platinum. A white gold engagement ring setting typically costs $500-$2,000 depending on design complexity. 14k white gold is less expensive than 18k. Factor in occasional rhodium replating costs ($50-$100 per service). Over a lifetime, the total cost including replating is still typically less than a platinum ring. Lab-grown diamonds in white gold settings offer exceptional value.