What is white gold, exactly — and what makes white gold white? It's one of the questions we get asked most often, and for good reason. Unlike yellow gold, which is a single element, white gold is a fascinating blend of metals, science, and craftsmanship.
At Nude Jewellery, we believe understanding the materials behind your piece is part of what makes it so special. So let's demystify this beautiful metal and answer all your questions.
The Three Different Colours of Gold
1. What Is White Gold Made Of?
White gold isn't naturally white — the journey to white gold starts with pure gold, which is naturally yellow and far too soft for everyday wear. To create white gold, we alloy (mix) pure gold with other white metals, such as palladium or silver. This blending process makes the metal stronger and lightens its colour.
So what makes white gold white? It's the combination of white metal alloys — and a final rhodium finish — that give it that cool, bright, silvery tone. Without those steps, the underlying alloy still retains a warm, slightly yellowish hue.
2. Carat Clarity: Why 9ct White Gold Is Whiter Than 18ct
Most white gold jewellery is either 9ct or 18ct — and understanding what carat is white gold matters more than you might think. The carat number tells you the percentage of pure gold in the piece:
18 Carat White Gold is 75% pure gold (18 parts out of 24) and 25% white metals. Because of that higher gold content, it retains more natural warmth — giving it a slightly creamy or champagne undertone before plating.
9 Carat White Gold contains 37.5% pure gold (9 parts out of 24), mixed with a much higher proportion of brighter white alloys like palladium and silver. This gives it a whiter, more silvery base colour from the outset.
Both are durable and beautiful — the choice comes down to whether you prefer a warmer or cooler base tone, and your budget. To understand how white gold compares to other metals, read our Gold vs Platinum guide.
White Gold vs Yellow Gold: A Comparison
White gold and yellow gold start from the same place — pure gold — but diverge in alloy mix, finish, and maintenance. White gold has a cooler, brighter appearance and requires occasional re-plating to maintain it. Yellow gold is lower maintenance and develops a natural patina over time. In terms of cost, they're broadly comparable at the same carat weight, though the rhodium plating on white gold adds a small ongoing cost if you re-plate regularly.
3. Why Is White Gold White? The Role of Rhodium Plating
Even after alloying, white gold isn't quite the brilliant, mirror-bright white you're used to seeing. That final transformation comes from rhodium plating — and this is the most crucial step in creating white gold as we know it.
Rhodium is a rare, precious, naturally silvery-white metal from the platinum family. It is incredibly hard, highly reflective, and resistant to tarnish. By applying a very thin, perfectly smooth layer of rhodium over the white gold, we give it that crisp, mirror-like finish — along with an extra layer of durability and protection.
When you choose a white gold piece from Nude Jewellery, you're getting a strong gold alloy with the brilliant, protective qualities of a rhodium finish — two materials working together.
4. Care & Maintenance: Keeping the Shine
You may have heard that white gold can "wear off" or turn yellow over time. This is completely normal — it's not the gold itself changing colour, but the rhodium plating gradually wearing away with daily use, revealing the alloy's natural tone beneath.
A professional re-plating service will restore your piece to its original brilliant white finish. To keep the plating looking its best for as long as possible, avoid harsh chemicals, remove your jewellery during physical tasks, and clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap.
White gold is a considered choice — and one that rewards a little care. If you'd like to discuss which metal is right for your piece, discuss a bespoke commission with us in our London studio.
Ready to tie the knot in white gold? Read our guide to where the phrase "tie the knot" comes from, or browse our handmade wedding rings.