White Gold Wedding Bands: Why Choose One, and Do They Turn Yellow?

Short answer: A white gold wedding band is a bright white band made by alloying gold with white metals and plating it with rhodium. It is the gold colour that brings out a diamond’s whiteness and sparkle the most, which is why it is very popular for stone-set bands and solitaires. Over time the rhodium plating wears thinner and the alloy’s natural, slightly warm tone can show; re-plating brings back its first-day whiteness.

What is white gold?

Pure gold is yellow; there is no separate “white gold” metal. White gold is an alloy made by mixing gold with white metals (palladium, for example). The natural colour of this alloy is a slightly grey-warm white. What gives the jewellery its bright, mirror-like white colour is the thin rhodium plating applied on top; jewellers call this rhodium plating. Both 14 karat and 18 karat white gold contain the same proportion of pure gold as yellow gold.

Why a white gold wedding band?

• It brings out the diamond: because the stone and the metal share the same cool tone, the diamond looks whiter and bigger.
• Modern and chic: a simple, clean and timeless look.
• Goes with a solitaire: white gold is the most popular band colour next to a white gold solitaire.
• Against scratches: rhodium plating adds extra hardness and shine to the surface.

Does white gold turn yellow?

Rhodium plating wears thinner with use over time. Especially on the parts that face the palm and rub, the alloy’s natural, slightly warm tone can show; people call this “yellowing”. It does not mean the gold has deteriorated; with re-plating, the band regains its first-day whiteness. How often this is needed depends on wear and your skin chemistry. More: does white gold turn yellow, what is rhodium plating.

White gold, yellow gold and rose gold

The full comparison: white gold or yellow gold?

White gold diamond wedding bands

White gold is the most loved colour for diamond wedding bands: in half eternity, full eternity and five-stone designs, the stones’ light forms an unbroken white line. Because a diamond’s colour shows more in white gold, choosing G–H colour stones and above is a good idea. Colour grades · half eternity · full eternity.

Care tips

• Reduce contact with chemicals such as cleaning products, pool water and perfume.
• Take it off for heavy work and sport.
• Have it re-plated when its colour starts to warm; the stones’ prongs are checked at the same time.

How to clean a diamond.

Frequently asked questions