White Gold Engagement Ring
White gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as silver and palladium. When white gold rings are new they are coated with another white metal called Rhodium. Rhodium is a metal very similar to platinum and Rhodium shares many of the properties of platinum including its white color.
The rhodium plating is used to make the white gold look much whiter. The natural color of white gold is actually a light grey color. The Rhodium is very white and very hard, but it does wear away eventually. The rhodium coating, however, eventually wears away and must be replaced every one to five years to maintain a brilliant white color. Most local jewelers are able to rhodium plate jewelry with a cost effective price.
Due to a ban of platinum use for non-military manufacturing during World War II, white gold engagement rings increased in popularity since then. Prior to that time, platinum had been the more popular choice for engagement rings in the United States.
Nowadays, white gold is a more popular choice over platinum primarily because of its lower cost. A white gold engagement ring can cost as little as one-fourth the price of a platinum ring. Both white gold and platinum are known to enhance the brilliance of diamonds, whereas the yellow gold may create the illusion of a yellowish tint on some styles.
Like yellow gold, white gold is measured by karats. Popular markings are 18K, 14K, and 9K, and the quality stamp will always be found inside the ring band. Eighteen-karat white gold is mix of 75% pure gold and 25% white metal, usually palladium or nickel. Nine-karat white gold is a mixture of three parts gold to five parts silver or another alloy metal. Traditionally nickel was used in white gold, however, nickel is no longer used in most white gold made today as nickel can cause reactions with some people.
Cost: The first consideration is its inexpensive price, allowing couples to invest more of their money in better quality diamonds, other gemstones, or more delicate ring styles rather than the base metal that becomes the band. Young couples should not forget the necessity of periodically refinishing the ring, however, when calculating the ring’s cost.
Durability: White gold is also lighter metal in weight than platinum and is stronger and more durable than any other pure or yellow gold. White gold is also more scratch resistant, allowing the ring to maintain a perfect appearance under more strenuous activities.
Appearance: White gold is a more versatile metal than yellow gold. It can be worn with nearly any other piece of jewelry without causing a fashion faux pas, and its simplistic elegance matches any outfit perfectly. It is an elegant, versatile metal that can be used to create unique and beautiful jewelry, and with proper care, a white gold engagement ring is sure to become a treasured heirloom.
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