What is white gold? Characteristics, value and how to buy white gold jewelry

In the modern jewelry world, white gold is one of the favorite materials thanks to its luxurious shine, high durability and flexible application. However, many people still easily confuse white gold with platinum or pure gold, leading to inappropriate choices in terms of value and purpose of use. This article will help you understand what white gold is, its outstanding features, actual value, as well as important notes when choosing and preserving white gold jewelry.

1. What is white gold?

White Gold is an alloy created by mixing pure gold with other metals such as silver, palladium, nickel or platinum depending on the standards of each manufacturer. This combination gives white gold a modern bright white color, is harder and is suitable for making sophisticated jewelry - something that pure 24K gold is difficult to do because it is too soft.

In essence, white gold still contains pure gold but is coated with a layer of Rhodium on the outside to increase shine, durability and maintain its characteristic bright color. This Rhodium coating contributes to the luxurious, bright white look and better resistance to tarnish.

Based on the percentage of pure gold in the alloy, white gold is divided into popular types:

• 18K white gold: contains about 75% pure gold; high-class, bright and beautiful, often used in wedding rings, diamond and gemstone necklaces.
• 14K white gold: contains about 58.5% gold; durable, easy to work with, popular in everyday jewelry.
• 10K white gold: contains about 41.7% gold; lower cost but very durable, suitable for fashion jewelry.

In general, white gold has a sophisticated, modern, and luxurious beauty, making it an ideal choice for rings, necklaces, earrings, or stone-encrusted jewelry. Understanding what white gold is will help users choose the right product for their needs, style, and budget.

White gold – a durable alloy of gold, bright white in color and easy to make jewelry

2. Outstanding features of white gold

White gold is popular for its modern shine, durability, and ability to enhance the beauty of gemstones. Here are some of the outstanding features of white gold.

Modern bright white color

White gold has a metallic white color thanks to the mixture of pure gold and metals such as palladium, silver or nickel. Then, the jewelry is often coated with high-grade Rhodium, which gives the surface a mirror-like shine, creating a luxurious and sophisticated look. The neutral white color of white gold is easy to coordinate with gemstones, especially diamond, helps increase sparkle and attract attention. This is the reason why most modern engagement rings and wedding rings use white gold.

High durability, good scratch resistance

Thanks to its higher alloy content than 24K gold, white gold has good hardness, is less likely to be dented when impacted and is suitable for everyday wear. For example, a 14K white gold ring usually holds its shape much better than a 24K gold ring which is very soft and easily deformed after just a few uses.

Easy to craft, suitable for delicate design

White gold is highly versatile when crafted, allowing jewelers to easily create jewelry designs:

• Multi-pronged diamond ring
• Fine detail chain
• Luxury style earrings
• Jewelry with colored stones

Thanks to that, white gold becomes the ideal choice for high-end collections, event jewelry or special gifts.

Enhance the beauty of gemstones

Unlike yellow gold, which can “warm” the color of stones, white gold maintains a neutral tone, helping stones such as diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, or rubies stand out more. In particular, diamonds mounted on white gold often create a distinct “clear – bright – luxurious” effect, making the jewelry look more high-end.

Reasonable price, easy to access

White gold – depending on the type 10K, 14K or 18K – is cheaper than pure gold but still brings luxurious beauty and high durability. This helps users easily own beautiful, quality jewelry without too much budget, suitable for both personal style and special occasions.

White gold is suitable for those who want sophisticated and durable jewelry.

3. Popular types of white gold

In the current market, white gold is classified based on the pure gold content, measured in Karat (K). The ratio of pure gold in the alloy determines the color, durability, value and application of each type. The most popular types of white gold include 10K, 14K, 18K and 24K, of which 14K and 18K are the most popular for jewelry making. In addition, there are some less popular types such as 8K, 12K, mainly serving special needs.

10K white gold

• Pure gold content: ~41.7%
• Characteristics: 10K white gold has a bright white color thanks to the mixture of silver, nickel or palladium. This type of white gold is highly durable, less prone to deformation during daily use and has a low price, making it accessible to many customers. However, the color may be a bit pale and easily tarnish over time.
• Application: Rings, bracelets, popular fashion earrings, youthful jewelry.

14K white gold

• Pure gold contentYield: ~58.5%
• Characteristics: 14K white gold balances color, durability, and value. The neutral white color of 14K complements most gemstones, creating a modern and sophisticated look. It is also easy to create detailed jewelry designs and is a popular choice for mid-range rings, necklaces, and earrings.
• Applications: Everyday jewelry, wedding rings, necklaces with small stones, charms or delicate earrings.

18K white gold

• Pure gold content: ~75%
• Characteristics: 18K white gold has a light white color, maintaining its luxurious look and lasting value. Thanks to its higher gold content, 18K is softer than 14K, making it easier to create intricate, sophisticated details, suitable for high-end jewelry such as wedding rings, diamond necklaces or luxury bracelets.
• Application: High-end jewelry, wedding rings, gemstone necklaces, exquisite earrings.

24K white gold

• Pure gold content: ~99.9%
• Characteristics: 24K white gold is almost pure gold, extremely soft and difficult to craft into sophisticated jewelry. Therefore, this type is rarely used for jewelry but mainly for storage or investment.
• Applications: Storage, gold bars, or making simple but very rare jewelry.

The most popular white gold on the market is mainly 10K, 14K and 18K. For jewelry making, 14K and 18K white gold are often preferred because of their beautiful color, high durability and flexible crafting ability. 8K and 12K are less used, mainly serving special needs or cheap jewelry.

White gold today mainly comes in 10K, 14K, 18K and 24K varieties.

4. How to distinguish white gold and platinum

Many people often confuse between white gold and platinumDue to the similar color, both have a bright white glow. However, these are two completely different materials, from composition, durability to economic value. Below are the criteria to help you easily distinguish:

White gold is reasonably priced, easy to work with, bright white and suitable for everyday jewelry, but requires regular maintenance to avoid tarnishing. Meanwhile, platinum is more expensive, durable, heavy and luxurious, suitable for high-end jewelry, diamond jewelry or long-term investment. Distinguishing between white gold and platinum will help you choose the right material for your needs, budget and style.

5. Does white gold turn black?

Many people wonder if white gold will turn black or tarnish. In fact, white gold can completely tarnish over time, but the cause is not because the gold is oxidized but because the Rhodium coating on the outside gradually wears away. Rhodium is a precious metal that is coated on the surface of white gold to create a bright white color like a mirror, increasing durability and scratch resistance. When this layer is worn away due to impact, rubbing or contact with cosmetics and chemicals, the surface of white gold will reveal the pale yellow color inside the alloy, looking "black".

Treatment and prevention:

• Rhodium Polishing and Re-Plating: Most jewelry stores offer Rhodium re-plating to restore the original bright white color. Depending on how often you wear it, you should do it 1-2 times a year.
• Avoid contact with chemicals: Detergents, perfumes, lotions or excessive sweating can wear down the Rhodium layer faster.
• Proper storage: When not wearing, keep jewelry in a separate box to avoid rubbing with other jewelry.

Thus, white gold does not naturally blacken like Ta gold; tarnish is mainly related to protective coatings and usage. With regular maintenance and careful wearing, white gold retains its long-lasting shine, durability and elegance..

White gold can tarnish as the Rhodium layer wears away.

6. How much is 1 tael of white gold?

The price of white gold is not fixed and often changes continuously by the day, even by the hour. The most important factor affecting the price is the pure gold content of the alloy, along with the market price of gold at the time of purchase or sale.

To know the exact gold content, you can check the product label or ask the staff at the store. In addition to the gold content, the brand, design and sophistication of the production will also affect the price of white gold. Products with elaborate designs, gems or high-end jewelry often cost more than simple models.

According to the latest update, the price of white gold today is 10,800,000 VND/Chiel (last recorded on November 17, 2025 at 21:41, UTC +7). The price list is continuously updated from reputable sources, helping you grasp market fluctuations and make reasonable buying and selling decisions.

Notes when buying white gold:

• Actively update prices from reliable sources: reputable store websites, newspapers or mainstream media.
• Contact the store or supplier directly for an exact quote, advice on gold content and suitable design.
• Compare prices between stores, consider brand, manufacturing and warranty before deciding to buy.

With the above information, you will easily grasp the price of white gold today as well as the factors affecting the price, thereby choosing the product that suits your needs, style and budget.

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7. Q&A 

1. What is white gold?
White gold is an alloy of gold, mixed with pure gold and metals such as silver, nickel or palladium, creating a bright white color, durable and easy to make jewelry.

2. What are the popular types of white gold?
Types of white gold include 10K, 14K, 18K and 24K, of which 14K and 18K are commonly used for mid-range and high-end jewelry.

3. Does white gold tarnish?
White gold cMay tarnish as the Rhodium coating wears away, but can be re-plated to maintain its bright white color.

4. What is the difference between white gold and platinum?
White gold is light, affordable, and easy to work with; platinum is heavy, durable, luxurious, and more expensive.

5. Where to buy reputable white gold?
You should choose a reputable jewelry store with alloy certificates, inspection stamps and clear invoices. At the same time, you can contact SeABank for advice and accurate gold price updates.

6. Is white gold suitable as a gift?
Very suitable. White gold is durable, has a luxurious color, is easy to combine with gemstones and suits many styles, is an ideal choice for a special gift.

White gold is a sophisticated, luxurious jewelry choice that suits many styles, from wedding rings, necklaces to earrings or compact charms. Understanding what white gold is, the common types, how to distinguish it from platinum, as well as knowing the price of white gold today, will help you shop smart, ensuring both aesthetics and reasonable costs. When choosing white gold, prioritize reputable stores, check the gold content, design and regular maintenance to keep the jewelry durable and beautiful and retain its long-term value.

To update the latest white gold price and get detailed advice when buying gold or jewelry, you can contact SeABank via nearest transaction points or call Hotline 1900 555 587 or visit the website www.seabank.com.vn for more details.