From carats to care, everything you need to know before choosing your unique white gold jewellery.

Ever wondered what makes white gold so brilliantly, well, white? It’s a question we get asked a lot, and for good reason! Unlike other metals that are a single element, white gold is a fascinating blend of science and art.

At Nude Jewellery, we believe that understanding the materials you're choosing for your cherished piece is part of what makes it so special. So, let’s demystify this beautiful metal and answer all your burning questions.

1. The Basics: What Exactly is White Gold?

The journey to white gold starts with pure gold, which is naturally yellow and, on its own, 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 not only makes the gold stronger but also lightens its colour.

The final colour of the white gold, before its finishing touches, depends on the ratio of gold to these other metals. This is where the difference between 9 carat and 18 carat comes in.

2. Carat Clarity: Why 9ct is Whiter Than 18ct

The number of carats tells you the percentage of pure gold in your jewellery. This is the single biggest factor in the initial colour of your white gold.

• 18 Carat White Gold is made of 75% pure gold (18 parts out of 24) and 25% other white metals. Because it has a much higher percentage of yellow gold, it retains more of that natural warmth, giving it a slightly creamy or champagne-like undertone.

• 9 Carat White Gold contains only 37.5% pure gold (9 parts out of 24). This means it is mixed with a much higher percentage (62.5%) of brighter white alloys like palladium and silver, which naturally gives it a whiter, more silvery base colour.

While both are beautiful and durable, the choice often comes down to personal preference for that subtle difference in initial warmth versus whiteness.

3. The Magic of Rhodium Plating

This is the most crucial step in the creation of white gold as we know it. After the white gold piece has been created and polished, it’s still not quite the dazzling, bright white that you’re familiar with.

The magic happens with a final step: rhodium plating.

Rhodium is a rare, precious, and naturally silvery-white metal from the platinum family. It is incredibly hard, bright, and highly reflective. By applying a very thin, perfectly smooth layer of rhodium over the white gold, we give it that crisp, mirror-like finish you love and an extra layer of durability and protection.

So, when you choose a white gold piece from Nude Jewellery, you are getting a fascinating combination of a strong, beautiful gold alloy and the brilliant, protective qualities of a rhodium finish.

4. Care & Maintenance: The Long-Term Shine

You may have heard that white gold can "wear off" or turn yellow over time. This is a normal part of owning white gold, and it's not the gold itself that's changing colour—it's the rhodium plating wearing down.

Because rhodium is only a thin surface layer, it will gradually wear away with daily use, revealing the gold alloy's natural tone beneath. This is completely normal and can be easily fixed. A simple professional re-plating service will restore your ring to its original brilliant white finish, making it look brand new again.

To keep your rhodium plating looking its best for as long as possible, we recommend avoiding harsh chemicals, taking your jewellery off when doing physical tasks, and regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap.

When you choose a white gold piece from Nude Jewellery, you're not just getting a beautiful design—you're getting a fascinating blend of metals, science, and meticulous craftsmanship!