Top Tips for Buying White Gold Jewellery

As of late, more and more people are adding white gold to their collections. It’s such a beautiful, modern, and versatile metal that’s trending everywhere, especially in the UK, in 2025.

Unfortunately, some people go on to buy white gold without doing their due research. What does that result in? Bad purchases, which are not suitable for your intended purpose. So don’t be one of those people! 

We know you have many questions, like whether white gold is better than platinum or silver, if it costs more than yellow gold, or how to care for it properly. Answering those questions, we have created the perfect guide full of tips for buying white gold and then maintaining it. Let’s get started! 

What is White Gold?

Pure gold is mined naturally, and that’s what we call 24K gold. The gold we see in jewellery is a metal alloy, pure yellow gold that’s been blended with other metals. White gold is one such alloy, usually available in 14k or 18k.

Suppose you have 14K gold. Its composition would be 58.3% gold, and the rest of the parts would be metals such as nickel, copper, silver, etc. So, how is white gold made? When it comes to white gold, it’s usually palladium. It is because palladium helps create the silvery-white appearance, contrasting with the yellow gold. 

Nickel gives an even whiter appearance. The issue, however, is that it can trigger sensitive skin reactions. People lean towards gold for its hypoallergenic characteristic, but that purpose is defeated if they are allergic to nickel. This is why many jewellers in the UK prefer nickel-free white gold. 

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

White Gold With Rhodium Coating

Even with metals mixed in for the white appearance, white gold would still not be white enough. Then how does it get its colour? It’s all thanks to the rhodium plating. It’s a rare white metal that belongs to the same family as platinum. It’s the rhodium that gives white gold the bright, mirror-like finish that we have grown to love. 

It also protects against scratches. However, when white gold casting is scratched off, the faint yellow or greyish tint starts showing. 

What Does White Gold Look Like?

White gold is often compared to platinum and silver due to the similarity in appearance.

Visually, white gold has a sleek, modern sheen. It works very beautifully with diamonds and gems. A new piece will look fresh and bright. As time passes, the rhodium layer may become thinner. This results in a warmer undertone.

Since we prefer the crisp white finish, white gold replating once every few years is recommended. 

Which Karat of White Gold is Best for Jewellery?

As we said earlier, the gold used in jewellery isn't pure gold. They are real, nonetheless. Therefore, white gold is available in different purities. Something that we measure in karats.

In the UK, the most common ones you will see are 9k, 14k, and 18k white gold. What do we recommend? 14k gold! But we will let you decide for yourself as we discuss the pros and cons of each karat.  

Pros and Cons of 10K,14K and 18K White Gold 

18k gold wins when it comes to purity, as it’s 75% pure gold. You are getting a beautiful, prestigious, rich, warm hue. However, its strength is its weakness. Because pure gold is soft, 18k white gold is more likely to be scratched than other karats.

On the opposite spectrum is 10k white gold or 375 white gold (9k), which is very durable and affordable. It’s a good choice for those who don’t care for the high gold content. However, it’s important to note that the overall look is less luxurious.

The reason why we recommend 14k white gold is that it strikes the balance between 9k and 18k gold. It’s more luxurious looking than 9k, and much more affordable and durable than 18k. 

How to Tell If White Gold Is Real

White gold requires investment, so you need to make sure that your hard-earned money is going to the real deal. So, how do you know if your white gold is authentic?

First, check for a hallmark stamp. For example, 14K gold will have 585 or 14KT stamps. You can see these marks on the inside of rings or the clasp of your necklaces. This is a sure-shot way of knowing whether you have authentic gold.

However, if you don’t see a stamp, it could be an old piece that was made before we had tight hallmarking laws. In such cases, you can also conduct some home tests. You see, real gold isn’t magnetic, and the same is true for real white gold. Now bring a magnet close to your piece, if it jumps towards the magnet, then it is not gold and possibly a cheaper metal. 

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

What to Look for in a Trusted Retailer

Knowing you have real white gold is important, especially for your peace of mind, as you have invested so much money in the jewellery. This is why you need to buy your piece from a trusted retailer.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations. Check for reviews online, and then decide on the seller. A good jeweller will show you certificates and be happy to explain the alloy to you.

Look for respected online retailers like Argent & Asher in the UK, who have clear and transparent policies. 

Rate of White Gold Per Gram in the UK

In the UK, gold, as of mid-2025, costs around £42.63 for 14k. This rate is per gram, but you would notice that jewellery costs much more. This is because the design complexity, any other added gemstones and of course, the artisan’s costs are also deciding factors.

Gold prices are also heavily dependent on the market and can fluctuate with global gold prices. When you compare white gold to platinum in terms of costs, it’s much cheaper because it is less dense. 

But it is slightly more expensive than yellow gold due to the extra cost of plating it with rhodium. It is also 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 something to keep in mind.

1. Think about personal preference: do you want a bright white look, or would you prefer the rich classic of yellow gold or the blush tones of rose gold?

2. Consider lifestyle. If you are very active and want to wear your white gold often, 14k may be the way to go for its durability.

3. If you have sensitive skin, make sure to check for the white gold hallmark and learn about the alloy mix. 

Why Shop at Reputable Online Retailers

When you choose trusted online retailers in the UK, like Argent & Asher, for your white gold jewellery, you are guaranteeing a seamless experience. Many things slip from our minds when we make certain purchases, but a reputable online retailer would be more than happy to walk you through the process with all the necessary information. Most importantly, you can trust them and be confident about your purchase.

How to Clean and Care for White Gold

Will white gold tarnish? Yes, but this simple method, once every couple of months, will help you keep your white gold clean and shiny! Here’s how to clean white gold:

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 scrub the jewellery. 

5. Take a lint-free cotton cloth to remove any water residue.

Make sure to avoid harsh soaps and scouring pads, as they will scratch the rhodium finish. Apart from cleaning, how to care for white gold jewellery? Store them in a layered jewellery box, so they don’t interact with other pieces, leading to scratches. And take them off during certain activities to prolong the lifespan. 

For more tips, make sure to read our article: 7 Easy Ways to Restore White Gold That’s Turned Yellow.

White Gold vs Yellow Gold 

Value often comes down to gold content. If a white gold and yellow gold ring are both 14k, they contain the same amount of pure gold. White gold might be a bit more expensive because it requires plating that yellow gold doesn’t. 

Their looks are very different. Yellow gold is your traditional gold that looks rich and luxurious. White gold is more on the subtle, modern side. 

If you are wondering which coloured gold is for 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 a more luxurious, more expensive metal. It is dense, rare, and not readily available in many designs. 

Is platinum harder than white gold?  Yes, the best thing about platinum is that it is super durable, something white gold cannot match. And it is hypoallergenic, which is a missing trait in white gold that has nickel. 

However, the price tag can outweigh the benefits for many. Therefore, people tend to choose nickel-free white gold over platinum.

We explore more of these differences in our article: White Gold or Platinum: Which Suits You Best?

White Gold vs Sterling Silver

While white gold is more affordable than platinum, it is more expensive than silver. Silver is abundant and lighter, less precious and prestigious than white gold.

Silver jewellery is usually made from sterling silver, which is hypoallergenic for most people. That said, it does contain tiny traces of nickel, so if your white gold is nickel-free, it can be a better option.

When it comes to investment, silver is easier on the pocket, but white gold has a better resale value. 

Pros and Cons of White Gold Jewellery

White gold comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros: 

✔ More affordable than platinum while offering a similar look

✔ Can be used in contemporary outfits for a sleek, chic look

✔ Looks beautiful with diamonds and other coloured gemstones

✔ Easier to craft into intricate designs

✔ Long-lasting, durable

✔ Safe for daily wear

Cons:

✘ Allergic reactions are possible due to Nickel

✘ Requires periodic rhodium plating

Is It Worth Buying White Gold?

We believe in most cases, yes! You get a brilliant, luxurious look that can compete with platinum but at a fraction of the cost. White gold is also durable and has many designs you can freely choose from. If you don't mind the occasional upkeep, you can add beautiful white gold jewellery to your collection, which will serve you for a long time, and save you some cash as well. 

Can White Gold Be Pawned?

Yes, you can pawn or sell white gold. Its value depends on current gold prices, the karat, and weight. Pawnshops may pay a bit less than retail, factoring in their resale risks. Pieces with brand prestige or high-quality diamonds can command more.

Can White Gold Be Changed?

Nowadays, jewellers are willing to convert your white gold into yellow gold or even rose gold by altering the alloy mix or removing plating. But it’s often simpler to sell the piece and buy what you prefer. Each conversion may involve costs and could slightly weaken the structure.

Top White Gold Jewellery to Consider

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

1. Arabian Name Necklace in White Gold

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

2. White Sapphire Half Eternity Ring

This ring has the right amount of sparkle, perfect for both casual and formal events. 

3. White Gold Diamond Huggie Ear Chain

Perfect for those without piercings. This clever design gives you the double-pierced look with the ease of ear cuffs. 

4. Diamond Tennis Bracelet in White Gold

This piece blends both clean and modern lines with the white gold and with a sparkle of diamonds. 

5. Lapis Open Heart Necklace in White Gold

Proof of how beautiful and elegant white gold looks with white coloured gemstones. 

FAQs

Is white gold real gold?

Absolutely. Many people think only yellow gold is real gold. But white gold is genuine pure gold mixed with other metals for the white colour. 

Can white gold turn yellow?

Yes, it can, over time. Not something to worry about right away, but the rhodium plate may wear off with use. A quick white gold replating session once every couple of years is the fix!

Is white gold more expensive than yellow gold?

It usually depends on the karat, so no matter the colour, the same karat should cost the same. However, thanks to rhodium plating, white gold may be slightly pricier. 

Is white gold the same as platinum? 

No. They may look the same, but platinum is a naturally occurring metal which is dense and more costly. White gold is an alloy, lighter and more affordable. 

Can you rhodium plate white gold at home?

While DIY kits exist, the results aren’t worth it, especially with the risk of damaging the jewellery. Jewellers have special equipment, safety protocols and the required skills.