What Is White Gold Jewellery?

What Is White Gold Jewellery?
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White gold jewellery is crafted from gold alloyed with white metals like palladium, silver, or nickel. This alloying process creates a pale, silvery tone while keeping the intrinsic value of gold.  

Most white gold jewellery, including ours at Pearls of Australia, is finished with rhodium plating. Rhodium enhances brightness and gives white gold its signature shine.  

Common white gold pieces include white gold chains, white gold bracelets, and white gold stud earrings, each offering a timeless and modern look that pairs seamlessly with both Australian South Sea and Akoya pearls.  

Key Takeaways

  • White gold jewellery is made from pure gold alloyed with metals like palladium, silver, or nickel to give it a bright, silvery tone.  
  • It is considered real gold and is valued for its durability and versatility. 
  • White gold pairs beautifully with pearls, especially Australian South Sea and Akoya pearls. 
  • With proper care, white gold maintains its shine, and our pieces are rhodium plated for extra brightness. 
  • Pearls of Australia offers white gold jewellery set with Australian grown pearls. 

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Why White Gold Jewellery?

White gold jewellery is loved for its elegance and versatility. It offers a cooler tone than yellow gold or rose gold, making it ideal for those who prefer a crisp, contemporary look. Its netural colour palette complements: 

  • Diamonds 
  • Pearls 
  • Coloured gemstones 

White gold jewellery also aligns beautifully with modern wardrobe staples and can transition from casual to formal occasions with ease.  

9ct vs 14ct vs 18ct White Gold

One of the most common questions is "What's the difference between 9ct, 14ct and 18ct white gold?"

Whether you choose 9ct or 18ct white gold, both are excellent choices for white gold pearl jewellery, each with its own balance of strength and colour.

9ct White Gold18ct White Gold
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Is White Gold Real Gold? 

Yes, white gold is considered real gold. It contains the same pure gold content as yellow or rose gold, the colour simply comes from the additional alloy metals. 

This means a white gold pearl jewellery piece is just as authentic and real as a yellow gold version, only the colour is what differs between the two. 

9ct Gold Jewellery18ct Gold Jewellery

White Gold vs Platinum: Which Is Better For Everyday Jewellery? 

White gold and platinum may look similar, but they differ in composition, weight and maintenance. 

White Gold Jewellery 

  • Lighter and often more comfortable for everyday wear 
  • More affordable than platinum 
  • Rhodium plating provides a bright, even finish 
  • Durable, yet easy to maintain 

Platinum Jewellery 

  • Naturally white metal, no plating required 
  • Heavier and denser 
  • Develops a natural patina over time 

Which Should You Choose?

Choose white gold if you prefer a lightweight feel and a bright, polished look.  

Choose platinum if you prefer extra weight and density. 

For pearl jewellery, white gold is generally preferred for its elegance, comfort, and balanced price point. 

White Gold vs Sterling Silver: What Should I Choose For My Next Jewellery Piece?

White gold and sterling silver offer similar tones but differ significantly in durability and long-term performance.

White Gold Jewellery 

  • Stronger and more resilient 
  • Tarnish resistant 
  • Higher-end choice 

Sterling Silver Jewellery

  • Softer metal in comparison to white gold 
  • Requires regular polishing 
  • Lightweight and more affordable 

Which Should You Choose?

Choose white gold if you want a durable metal for long term wear, a premium look and feel, and an investment worthy heirloom piece. 

Choose sterling silver if you prefer an accessible price point, lightweight designs and fashion forward pieces.  

For heirloom quality pearl jewellery, white gold provides superior longevity and finish.

How Durable Is White Gold Jewellery? 

White gold is more durable than other golds because of its alloy composition. This makes it an excellent choice for engagement rings, bracelets, chains, and everyday jewellery items.  

The rhodium plating adds an extra protective layer, helping white gold resist scratches and retain its colour and shine for longer.  

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How To Care For White Gold Jewellery?

White gold is relatively low maintenance. To keep your pieces looking their best:

General Care For White Gold Jewellery:

  • Clean routinely with a damp cloth. 
  • Avoide harsh chemicals like hairspray, perfumes, etc.  
  • Take off when cleaning, showering, swimming and exercising.  
  • Store pearl jewellery separate from other jewellery, and outside of its gift box.  

About Rhodium Plating Your White Gold Jewellery 

Over time, rhodium plating can gradually wear. This is normal and can be refreshed by a jeweller to restore its bright-white finish. 

Styling Your White Gold Jewellery 

White gold is one of the most versatile metals for pearl jewellery. It complements both our Australian South Sea and Akoya pearls, as well as the tones of our Mother of Pearl shell. 

How to wear your white gold jewellery

Its neutral tone makes it effortless for gifting, especially when choosing a pair of classic pearl studs set in white gold.  

Why Choose Pearls of Australia For Your White Gold Pearl Jewellery? 

Pearls of Australia crafts white gold jewellery using our sustainably cultivated South Sea and Akoya pearls from our farms in Cygnet Bay (WA) and Broken Bay (NSW).  

Our white gold pieces are designed to: 

  • Highlight the natural beauty of our Australian grown pearls 
  • Offer long wearing durability 
  • Combine fine craftsmanship with understated luxury 
  • Provide timeless styling that suits all occasions 
  • Every piece reflects our connection to Australia’s pristine waterways and our commitment to ethical pearl farming.  
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Find the Perfect White Gold Piece for you!

Prefer to talk to one of our Jewellery and Pearl experts before purchasing one of our white gold pieces? They would love to help you in any way, please contact them either by sending an email to hello@pearlsofaustralia.com.au or call (08) 6478 6886.

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FAQ: White Gold Jewellery

Is white gold considered real gold? 

Yes, white gold is considered real gold. It contains the same percentage of pure gold as yellow or rose gold. The white colour comes from the alloy metals and rhodium plating. 

Does white gold fade? 

White gold can lose its brightness as rhodium plating wears over time. A quick replating restores its shine. 

Does white gold tarnish quickly? 

White gold does not tarnish in the same way silver does. It may dull slightly with everyday wear but it can be easily refresh with replating rhodium. 

Is white gold okay to shower with? 

We do not recommend it. Soap, shampoo and other beauty products can create build up, damage your pearls and rhodium plating may wear more quickly.

Can white gold jewellery be worn every day?  

Yes. It is durable and well-suited for everyday wear, especially chains, bracelets and rings.