Buying White Gold? Here's Everything You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

• Check for the hallmark A 585 or 14KT stamp inside the ring or on the clasp is your surest proof of authenticity.
• Ask about nickel White gold's whiteness often comes from nickel, which can trigger sensitive-skin reactions — nickel-free options exist if that matters to you.
• 14ct is the sweet spot More luxurious-looking than 9ct, more affordable and durable than 18ct.
• Rhodium plating fades That bright white shine comes from a rhodium layer — plan on replating every couple of years.
• It sits in the middle Cheaper than platinum, more durable than silver, and roughly the same gold value as yellow gold at the same karat.

In This Guide

1. Chapter I The Basics — what white gold actually is, how it gets its colour, and which karat to choose.
2. Chapter II Buying With Confidence — spotting the real thing, current UK prices, and what to consider before you buy.
3. Chapter III Care & Comparisons — cleaning, upkeep, and how white gold stacks up against yellow gold, platinum and silver.
4. Chapter IV The Edit — five white gold pieces from Argent & Asher, worth a closer look.

What Is White Gold?

Pure gold is mined naturally — that's what we call 24ct gold. The gold used in jewellery is a metal alloy: pure yellow gold blended with other metals. White gold is one such alloy, usually available in 9ct, 14ct or 18ct.

Take 14ct gold as an example: its composition is 58.3% gold, with the rest made up of metals such as nickel, copper and silver. So how is white gold made? Usually with palladium, which creates the silvery-white appearance that contrasts with yellow gold.

Nickel gives an even whiter appearance, but it can trigger sensitive skin reactions. People often choose gold for its hypoallergenic reputation, which rather defeats the purpose if they're allergic to nickel — this is why many UK jewellers now offer nickel-free white gold.

All these variations still fall under the umbrella of "white gold," but they differ subtly in hue and in how they age.

Image source — Argent & Asher

White Gold With Rhodium Coating

Even with metals mixed in for a paler appearance, white gold on its own wouldn't be white enough. Its colour comes from rhodium plating — a rare white metal from the same family as platinum. It's the rhodium that gives white gold the bright, mirror-like finish we've all grown to love.

It also protects against scratches. When the plating wears through, a faint yellow or greyish tint starts to show underneath.

What Does White Gold Look Like?

White gold is often compared to platinum and silver because of how similar they look.

Visually, it has a sleek, modern sheen and works beautifully with diamonds and gemstones. A new piece looks fresh and bright; as time passes, the rhodium layer thins and a warmer undertone can start to show through.

If you prefer that crisp white finish, replating once every few years is worth doing.

Which Karat of White Gold Is Best?

As we said, the gold used in jewellery isn't pure gold — but it's real gold nonetheless. It's just available in different purities, which we measure in karats.

In the UK, the karats you'll see most often are 9ct, 14ct and 18ct white gold. What do we recommend? 14ct — but we'll let you make up your own mind, so here are the pros and cons of each.

Image source — Argent & Asher

Pros and Cons of 9ct, 14ct and 18ct White Gold

18ct gold wins on purity, at 75% pure gold — a beautiful, prestigious, rich, warm hue. But that purity is also its weakness: pure gold is soft, so 18ct white gold scratches more easily than the other karats.

At the other end is 9ct white gold, marked "375" on the hallmark — very durable and affordable, and a sensible choice if high gold content isn't your priority. The trade-off is that it looks a little less luxurious.

We recommend 14ct because it strikes the balance: more luxurious-looking than 9ct, and noticeably more affordable and durable than 18ct.

How to Tell If White Gold Is Real

White gold requires a real investment, so you need to be sure your money is going towards the genuine article. Here's how to check.

First, check for a hallmark stamp — 14ct gold, for example, will carry a "585" or "14KT" mark. You'll usually find it inside a ring band or on a necklace clasp, and it's the surest way to confirm authenticity.

If there's no stamp, it may simply be an older piece made before hallmarking laws tightened up. In that case, a couple of home tests can help — real gold isn't magnetic, and the same is true of real white gold. Bring a magnet close to the piece: if it's drawn towards the magnet, it isn't gold, and is likely a cheaper metal.

Finally, check for signs of rhodium plating. Genuine white gold has a smooth, shiny surface — not a painted or coated look.

What to Look for in a Trusted Retailer

Knowing your white gold is genuine matters, especially when you've invested this much in a piece — which is why it's worth buying from a retailer you trust.

Ask family and friends for recommendations, check reviews, and then decide. A good jeweller will show you certification and happily explain the alloy to you.

Look for respected online retailers like Argent & Asher, who keep their policies clear and transparent.

Image source — Argent & Asher

Rate of White Gold Per Gram in the UK

Gold prices shift with the market, sometimes daily, so treat any figure here as a rough guide rather than gospel. Based on current UK spot pricing, 14ct gold works out to somewhere around £56 per gram, and 18ct to around £72 per gram — you can check the London Gold Centre's live calculator for the current rate. Jewellery itself costs considerably more than the raw metal rate, since design complexity, any added gemstones, and the artisan's work are all factored in.

Gold prices are also heavily dependent on the wider market and fluctuate with global gold prices. Compared to platinum, white gold is considerably cheaper, largely because it's less dense.

It is, however, slightly more expensive than yellow gold, thanks to the added cost of rhodium plating — and more expensive than silver, which tarnishes more easily.

In short: white gold is more affordable than platinum, and more durable than silver.

Things to Consider When Buying White Gold

Buying white gold jewellery is more than picking something shiny. Here's what's worth keeping in mind.

1. Personal preference. Do you want a bright white look, the rich classic tone of yellow gold, or the blush of rose gold?
2. Lifestyle. If you're active and want to wear your white gold often, 14ct is worth considering for its durability.
3. Sensitive skin. Check the gold hallmark and ask about the alloy mix before you buy.

Why Shop at Reputable Online Retailers

Choosing a trusted UK retailer for your white gold jewellery means a seamless experience from start to finish. It's easy to overlook important details when buying — a reputable retailer will walk you through everything, so you can buy with confidence.

How to Clean and Care for White Gold

Will white gold tarnish? Yes — but this simple method, done once every couple of months, will keep it clean and shiny:

1. Heat some water to a lukewarm temperature.
2. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to the water in a bowl.
3. Put your white gold pieces in the solution and let them soak for about 20 minutes.
4. Take a soft-bristle brush and gently scrub the jewellery.
5. Use a lint-free cotton cloth to remove any water residue.

Avoid harsh soaps and scouring pads — they'll scratch the rhodium finish. Beyond cleaning, store pieces in a lined jewellery box so they don't rub against one another, and take them off during activities that could damage them, to prolong their lifespan.

White Gold vs Yellow Gold

Value often comes down to gold content — a 14ct white gold and a 14ct yellow gold ring contain exactly the same amount of pure gold. White gold can cost slightly more, simply because it requires plating that yellow gold doesn't.

Visually, they're quite different: yellow gold is the traditional, rich, luxurious look; white gold is subtler and more modern.

If you're wondering which coloured gold suits you, take a look at our article: Which Gold Colour Matches Your Skin Tone.

White Gold vs Platinum

Is platinum better than white gold? Platinum is the more luxurious, more expensive metal — dense, rare, and not as readily available in a wide range of designs.

Is platinum harder than white gold? Yes — platinum's durability is hard to match, and it's naturally hypoallergenic, which white gold containing nickel isn't.

That said, the price tag can outweigh the benefits for many buyers, which is why people often choose nickel-free white gold over platinum instead.

White Gold vs Sterling Silver

White gold is more affordable than platinum, but more expensive than silver, which is more abundant, lighter, and less precious.

Sterling silver is hypoallergenic for most people, though it does contain tiny traces of nickel — so if your white gold is nickel-free, that may actually be the better option for sensitive skin.

As an investment, silver is easier on the pocket, but white gold holds its resale value better.

Pros and Cons of White Gold Jewellery

Is It Worth Buying White Gold?

In most cases, we believe so. You get a brilliant, luxurious look that can rival platinum at a fraction of the cost, in a huge range of designs. If you don't mind the occasional upkeep, white gold jewellery is a beautiful addition to any collection — one that will serve you for years, and save you money along the way.

Can White Gold Be Pawned?

Yes — you can pawn or sell white gold. Its value depends on current gold prices, karat, and weight. Pawnshops may pay a little less than retail, to account for their own resale risk, though pieces with brand prestige or high-quality diamonds can command more.

Can White Gold Be Changed?

Nowadays, jewellers are able to convert white gold into yellow gold, or even rose gold, by altering the alloy mix or removing the plating. That said, it's often simpler to sell the piece and buy the colour you actually want — each conversion carries a cost, and can slightly weaken the structure.

Top White Gold Jewellery to Consider

If you're ready to add white gold jewellery to your collection, here are five of our recommendations from Argent & Asher.

1. Arabic Name Necklace in White Gold

A unique, cultural take on the classic name necklace. The white gold adds a modern touch.

Image source — Argent & Asher

2. White Sapphire Half Eternity Ring

This ring has just the right amount of sparkle — equally at home in casual and formal settings.

Image source — Argent & Asher

3. White Gold Diamond Huggie Ear Chain

Perfect for those without piercings — this clever design gives the double-pierced look with the ease of an ear cuff.

Image source — Argent & Asher

4. Diamond Tennis Bracelet in White Gold

Clean, modern lines in white gold, finished with a sparkle of diamonds.

Image source — Argent & Asher

5. Lapis Open Heart Necklace in White Gold

Proof of how beautiful white gold looks paired with a rich, coloured gemstone.

Image source — Argent & Asher

Frequently Asked Questions

Is white gold real gold?

Absolutely. Many people assume only yellow gold is "real," but white gold is genuine pure gold mixed with other metals to achieve its white colour.

Can white gold turn yellow?

Yes, over time. It's nothing to worry about — the rhodium plating simply wears with use. A quick replating session every couple of years is the fix.

Is white gold more expensive than yellow gold?

Yes, slightly, thanks to rhodium plating. That said, price usually comes down to karat first — at the same karat, the two should cost roughly the same.

Is white gold the same as platinum?

No. They can look similar, but platinum is a naturally occurring metal that's dense and more costly. White gold is an alloy — lighter and more affordable.

Can you rhodium plate white gold at home?

DIY kits exist, but the results rarely justify the risk of damaging the jewellery. Jewellers have the specialist equipment, safety protocols and skills that home kits can't replicate.

Can white gold be pawned?

Yes — you can pawn or sell white gold. Its value depends on current gold prices, karat and weight, and pieces with brand prestige or fine diamonds can command more.

Can white gold be changed to another colour?

Yes — jewellers can convert white gold to yellow or rose gold by altering the alloy mix or plating, though it's often simpler and cheaper to sell and buy the colour you want new.

White gold earns its popularity honestly — a modern, versatile look at a fraction of platinum's price, provided you buy from a retailer you trust and keep up with the odd replating.

At Argent & Asher, we're happy to help you find the right karat, the right piece, and the right fit for your collection.