What are the things that come to your mind when you hear the word “gold”? Probably the warm, yellow shine would be the first thing that you could think of. Gone are the days when only yellow gold was used for jewellery. Today, if you walk into any modern jewellery store, you’ll find a new version of gold which has a sleeker and silvery appearance. Yes, I am talking about white gold!
From engagement rings to elegant bracelets, white gold has become one of the most sought-after metals for those who love luxury but prefer subtle sophistication over traditional yellow tones. But you might be thinking, what exactly is white gold? Is it real gold? And most importantly how much is white gold worth?
This blog is here to answer all your questions from white gold meaning, composition, price per gram, and factors that influence its value, to its comparison with yellow gold and platinum to give you a better understanding.
What Is White Gold?
A luxurious alloy that is made by mixing pure yellow gold with white metals like nickel, palladium, or silver to achieve a pale, silvery-white hue is identified as white gold. It’s then coated with rhodium, a precious metal to give it a signature glossy shine.
Wondering whether white gold is real gold or not? The answer is yes. White gold is simply a blend of pure gold and other metals that is designed to offer both beauty and strength.
If you are someone who loves gold but wants something with a modern, minimalist vibe, then white gold is that perfect metal that aligns with your vibes and aesthetics.
What Is White Gold Made Of?
Since pure gold (24K) is naturally yellow and too soft for daily wear. Therefore jewellers mix it with stronger metals to create alloys. In the case of white gold, it is one of the luxurious gold alloys that typically includes:
- Gold – the base metal used in white gold is yellow gold that actually makes it real gold, increasing its value in the market.
- Nickel or Palladium – For giving white gold its white color, white metals like nickel or palladium are mixed with yellow gold.
- Silver or Zinc – These metals are added into white gold for strength and luster.
After alloying, the jewellery piece is plated with rhodium, which enhances its brightness and provides a protective coating.
But remember, over time, this rhodium layer on your white gold may wear off, that is why white gold jewellery occasionally needs re-plating to maintain its shine.
White Gold Karats: 14K, 18K, and 22K Explained
When you go to a jewellery shop to buy yellow gold, the jeweller will ask you first – how many karats of white gold do you want to buy? Same goes for white gold. Because it also comes in different purities or karats (K) like yellow gold. The higher, the karat of white gold you buy, the greater the amount of pure gold you get in the alloy, making it more expensive.
| White Gold Karat | Pure Gold Content | Alloy Metals Used | Colour & Finish | Durability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14K White Gold | 58.5% pure gold | Nickel / Palladium / Silver | Slightly white, rhodium coated | Very durable, ideal for daily wear | Most affordable |
| 18K White Gold | 75% pure gold | Nickel / Palladium / Silver | Richer tone, rhodium coated | Good balance of strength and luxury | Mid-range |
| 22K White Gold | 91.6% pure gold | Minimal alloy metals | Softer white shade, rhodium coated | Softer, not ideal for daily wear | Most expensive |
White Gold Price and Value Per Gram
After knowing so much about white gold, if you are thinking of buying white gold jewellery then it’s time to think about the main question – How much is white gold worth?
The price of white gold depends on various things like its gold content, the current gold rate in the market, and metal mixture. Since white gold is made from real gold, its value closely follows the current gold price.
For example:
The white gold price per gram is usually similar to yellow gold price per gram, but slightly higher because of rhodium plating and alloy metals that are essential elements of white gold.
The white gold value per gram also depends on its purities whether it’s 14K, 18K, or 22K, where the white gold of highest purity is the most expensive because of the valuable and precious gold content present in it.
Example (for understanding):
If 24K gold is ₹6,000 per gram, then:
18K white gold = ₹4,500 per gram (75% gold)
14K white gold = ₹3,500 per gram (58.3% gold)
Don’t forget that the final white gold jewellery price will also include making charges according to your design and rhodium finishing cost. Keep these things in mind while deciding on the budget or before going to a jewellery shop for buying white gold jewellery.
Factors Affecting White Gold Price
Before buying white gold jewellery you should know exactly what you are paying for, to make informed decisions. Let’s explore the factors that can affect the white gold jewellery price that you might be paying for buying your favourite designs of white gold jewellery:
1. Gold Purity:
If you are buying white gold jewellery of higher karats, it means that it will contain more gold and therefore you will have to pay a higher price for it as compared to white gold jewellery of lower karats.
2. Rhodium Plating:
Although, rhodium plating on your white gold jewellery adds to the cost, it is still necessary to maintain its shine and to give that beautiful mirror-like shine.
3. Design Complexity:
If you have chosen designs of white gold jewellery featuring intricate patterns or selected stone-studded pieces, it will in turn increase craftsmanship charges, thereby increasing the overall price of your white gold jewellery.
4. Market Rate of Gold:
Since, the base metal of white gold is yellow gold therefore, its value will directly impact the final price of white gold ornaments according to the market rate of gold.
5. Metal Composition:
The metals that are mixed with white gold for increasing its durability also determines its final cost. For instance, White gold made with palladium is more expensive than one made with nickel because palladium’s value is higher in the market.
White Gold vs Yellow Gold: What’s the Difference?
Apart from their colour, there are many other things that make white gold and yellow gold different from each other, whether we talk about in terms of their appearance, composition, or maintenance. If you are a budget-conscious buyer, don’t forget to compare white gold vs yellow gold price, to see which one suits your budget.
| Feature | White Gold | Yellow Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Gold + nickel / palladium | Gold + copper / silver |
| Colour | Silvery-white | Bright yellow |
| Shine | Mirror-like (rhodium coated) | Warm and natural |
| Maintenance | Needs rhodium replating | Minimal upkeep |
| Price | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Style Appeal | Modern, subtle | Traditional, classic |
After looking at the table above, you can have a better idea regarding which gold you should choose by taking into account white gold vs yellow gold price. If you prefer contemporary minimalism, go for white gold jewellery. But if you love to embrace the beauty of timeless Indian tradition, then yellow gold will always stay in trend.
White Gold vs Platinum: Which Is Better?
If you are a new buyer of white gold or platinum, at first glance both would look similar to you, but don’t think they are the same metal. While its true that they look almost identical, in reality they differ in several ways:
| Feature | White Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Gold alloy (with nickel / palladium) | Naturally white metal |
| Price | Less expensive | 40–50% more costly |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Maintenance | Needs re-plating | Naturally white, no plating needed |
| Durability | Strong, but can wear over time | Extremely durable |
The table above will help you make a choice between white gold and platinum, so that you can choose the one that suits your needs. If you want a budget-friendly, elegant option, white gold is perfect for you. But if you’re looking for luxury and longevity, go for platinum.
White Gold Maintenance and Rhodium Plating
The beautiful charm of White gold lies in its rhodium plating. This plating is the main reason behind white gold’s glossy, silvery finish. However, this layer of rhodium on your white gold jewellery gradually wears off with time and exposure to chemicals, perfumes, or rough wear, ultimately making your jewellery appear dull over time. So, if you want to retain the shine of your white gold jewellery, then these are some tips that will help you
- Ensure that you get your white gold jewellery re-plated every 12–18 months, to preserve its shine for a longer period of time.
- Avoid the contact of your white gold jewellery with harsh chemicals or sweat, in order to maintain its shine like a new one for years.
- It is recommended to store your white gold jewellery in a soft pouch to prevent scratches.
- For cleaning your white gold jewellery, soak it first in a mixture of warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap, and then gently scrub with a soft- bristle brush.
If you also wish to flaunt your favourite White Gold Ring or White Gold Bracelet for many more years to come and want it to continue to sparkle beautifully, then proper maintenance of your white gold jewellery is essential.
Final Thoughts
Not everyone likes the vibe of yellow gold for their jewellery. Nowadays people are searching for an alternative that reflects the blend of elegance and modern luxury vibes, which can be found in white gold. Don’t think of it as fake gold, white gold is also real gold which is made cooler, whiter, and more durable with the right alloy mix.
So, whether you’re buying a White Gold Ring for an engagement or a White Gold Bracelet for everyday wear, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of gold with the charm of silver, that can actually make your jewellery unforgettable.
When we talk about pricing, white gold value per gram will always follow the yellow gold rate, but you may find slight variations that are caused due to alloy and plating costs.
FAQs
1. Which is better, white gold or yellow gold?
Both types of gold have their own unique charm. It depends on your personal style whether you want to go for sleek, modern vibes of white gold or want to choose the traditional beauty of yellow gold.
2. Is white gold better than silver?
Yes, white gold is considered better than silver in terms of durability and value because it doesn’t tarnish like silver and retains more resale value as it’s made from real gold.
3. Is white gold better than platinum?
It depends on which metal aligns with your unique style and choice. If you are okay with paying more to get a durable metal for your jewellery, then you can choose platinum. On the other hand, if you are a budget-conscious buyer who wants the same aesthetic of platinum but at a lower price, then white gold is a budget-friendly alternative for you.
4. Is white gold more expensive than gold?
Since the base metal used in white gold is yellow gold, therefore the base gold price is the same for both white gold and yellow gold. But remember, the price of white gold can be slightly higher due to the additional cost of rhodium plating and alloying metals used.
5. Which is cheaper, silver or white gold?
Silver is cheaper as compared to white gold because it’s not a precious metal like gold. Since white gold is more valuable and long-lasting, therefore you have to pay more for buying white gold.
Related Blogs:
- Gold vs Rose Gold Rings – Which Is Better?
- How Many Grams Is a Gold Ring? Average Weight for Men & Women
- What is 9kt Gold and its Advantages & Hallmarking Details You Need to Know
- Latest GST Rates on Gold Jewellery: Impact on Prices & Buying in India
Leave a Reply