Your modern, no‑fluff guide from Masina Diamonds, Atlanta’s custom engagement ring studio
If you’re shopping for an engagement ring, you’ve probably asked: “What’s the difference between white gold and yellow gold?” Or even, “Is white gold basically the same as platinum?”
As a family‑owned fine jewelry boutique in Atlanta since 1984, Masina Diamonds has guided thousands of couples through these exact questions. This guide breaks down what white gold is, how it’s made, how it wears over time, and how it compares to yellow gold—so you can choose a metal that fits your lifestyle, skin tone, and design vision.
What Is White Gold?
White gold is not a naturally white metal. It’s an alloy—a blend of pure gold (which is naturally warm yellow) with white‑toned metals such as palladium, nickel, silver, or zinc to create a paler base color.
Because pure gold is soft, it has to be alloyed to be durable enough for everyday wear. Those white metals both strengthen the gold and shift the color from rich yellow toward a cooler, silvery tone. Most modern white gold engagement rings are then finished with a rhodium plating (part of the platinum family) for that bright, crisp white look.
White gold = pure yellow gold + white metals (like palladium, silver, zinc, and sometimes nickel) + a rhodium plating that gives it that bright, icy finish.
How White Gold Is Made (Step by Step)
1. Choosing the Karat
The karat tells you how much of the metal is pure gold:
- 14K white gold ≈ 58.5% pure gold + 41.5% alloy metals
- 18K white gold ≈ 75% pure gold + 25% alloy metals
More gold content (18K) means a richer, warmer undertone and slightly more softness. Less gold (14K) means a cooler tone and increased hardness and scratch resistance—often ideal for very active lifestyles.
2. Creating the White Gold Alloy
The jeweler blends pure gold with carefully calibrated amounts of:
- Palladium or platinum‑group metals (for strength and whiteness)
- Silver (for brightness and workability)
- Zinc or similar metals (to balance color and hardness)
At Masina Diamonds, we prioritize alloys that are durable, bright, and as hypoallergenic as possible, especially for engagement rings meant to be worn every single day.
3. Casting & Crafting Your Ring
Once the white gold alloy is created, it’s melted and poured into a mold of your chosen ring design (or shaped from mill products like sheet and wire). Our bench jewelers then:
- Refine the form
- Add your settings and details (halo, hidden halo, pavé, milgrain, etc.)
- Prepare the ring for diamond or gemstone setting
4. Rhodium Plating
Finally, the ring is coated with a thin layer of rhodium, a naturally white, very hard metal in the platinum family. Rhodium:
- Boosts the ring’s brightness and whiteness
- Adds extra scratch resistance
- Helps neutralize any remaining warm undertones
Yes—slowly, over time. Most clients re‑plate every 1–3 years depending on how hard they are on their jewelry. We’ll talk about care and maintenance below.
White Gold vs Yellow Gold: What’s the Difference?
Both white and yellow gold start with the same core ingredient: pure gold. The difference is in the alloy metals and the final color and feel.
| Feature | White Gold (14K / 18K) | Yellow Gold (14K / 18K) |
|---|---|---|
| Color & Look | Cool, silvery‑white (especially right after rhodium plating) | Warm, rich golden hue |
| Best With | Colorless to near‑colorless diamonds, cool‑toned or modern designs | Warm‑toned skin, vintage‑inspired designs, yellow & fancy color diamonds |
| Maintenance | Requires periodic rhodium replating to stay bright white | No plating required; color is solid throughout the alloy |
| Durability | 14K is very durable; 18K is slightly softer but richer | Similar: 14K is very durable; 18K is a bit softer but more luxurious |
| Allergies | Some older alloys use nickel (possible irritant); modern low‑nickel or nickel‑free options available | Generally well‑tolerated; always tell your jeweler if you have a metal allergy |
| Style Vibe | Modern, minimalist, clean, pairs well with platinum and white metals | Classic, timeless, romantic, strong contrast with diamonds |
Pros & Cons of White Gold vs Yellow Gold
Pros of White Gold
- Brilliant, icy look that makes diamonds appear whiter
- Modern, minimalist aesthetic that pairs with platinum, steel, and everyday jewelry
- 14K white gold is very durable for daily wear
- Often a more affordable alternative to platinum with a similar visual effect
- Works beautifully with hidden halos, pavé bands, and contemporary settings
Potential Trade‑Offs
- Rhodium plating will gradually wear, requiring replating to maintain the bright white look
- If nickel is in the alloy, it can trigger allergies in sensitive skin (we can avoid this)
- Without maintenance, the metal can look slightly creamier or grayish over time
Pros of Yellow Gold
- Timeless, classic look that never goes out of style
- Low maintenance—no rhodium plating required
- Beautiful contrast with colorless diamonds and white diamonds
- Pairs perfectly with vintage, Art Deco, and traditional settings
- Looks stunning on medium to deep skin tones
Potential Trade‑Offs
- Can slightly emphasize color in lower‑grade diamonds (J–K and below)
- Higher karats (18K and above) are softer and may show scratches more quickly
- Some clients simply prefer a cooler, white‑metal aesthetic
Which Metal Is Right for You?
Choose White Gold If You:
- Love a crisp, bright, white‑metal look but want something more budget‑friendly than platinum
- Prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic and wear mostly silver, white gold, or platinum jewelry already
- Want your engagement ring to blend seamlessly with a white gold or platinum wedding band
- Have a very active lifestyle and like the durability of 14K white gold
Choose Yellow Gold If You:
- Are drawn to warm, rich, classic tones
- Love vintage‑inspired or heirloom‑style jewelry
- Want a ring that develops a soft patina and character over time
- Have a collection of yellow gold pieces and want everything to coordinate
Many Atlanta couples visit Masina Diamonds and try on the same design in white, yellow, and even rose gold. Seeing each metal on your own hand is often the easiest way to feel instantly confident.
How to Care for White Gold Engagement Rings
With a little care, your white gold ring will look luminous for decades. Here’s how to keep it at its best:
- Remove your ring for weightlifting, rock climbing, or any high‑impact activities.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, or strong cleaning solutions.
- Clean at home with a soft toothbrush, warm water, and a mild dish soap.
- Store in a soft pouch or separate compartment to prevent scratching from other jewelry.
- Schedule a professional cleaning, prong check, and polish at least once a year.
How Often Will I Need Rhodium Plating?
It depends on how you wear your ring:
- Everyday wear + active lifestyle: about every 12–18 months
- Gentler wear: every 2–3 years
During a replating visit at Masina Diamonds, we’ll also inspect your prongs, tighten stones if needed, and professionally clean the entire ring so it looks as close to day‑one sparkle as possible.
White Gold & Yellow Gold at Masina Diamonds (Atlanta)
As a family‑owned boutique in downtown Atlanta since 1984, we believe your ring’s metal should be as personal as the proposal itself. That’s why we:
- Offer 14K and 18K white, yellow, and rose gold, along with platinum
- Use carefully chosen alloys that balance beauty, strength, and comfort
- Can source low‑nickel or nickel‑free white gold options for sensitive skin
- Design and craft custom engagement rings around your lifestyle and aesthetic
- Provide ongoing cleaning, inspections, and rhodium plating to keep your ring glowing
“Our goal is simple: when you open that Masina Diamonds ring box in Atlanta—or halfway across the world— the ring inside should feel like it could have only been made for you.”
Whether you’re just starting to explore ideas or you already have a dream ring sketched out, our design consultants can walk you through metal options, diamond choices, and settings so every detail feels intentional.
White Gold FAQ
Is white gold real gold?
Yes. White gold is real gold. The karat stamp (14K, 18K, etc.) tells you how much of the metal is pure gold. The rest is a mix of white metals that change the color and hardness.
Does white gold turn yellow?
Over time, the rhodium plating on white gold can wear, allowing the slightly warmer base alloy to show through. This doesn’t mean the gold has “gone bad”—it simply needs fresh rhodium plating to restore that bright white finish.
Is white gold hypoallergenic?
It can be, depending on the alloy. Some older white gold formulas used more nickel, which can cause irritation for some people. At Masina Diamonds, we can choose low‑nickel or nickel‑free white gold alloys if you have sensitive skin or a known metal allergy.
White gold vs platinum: which should I choose?
Both are beautiful. Platinum is naturally white, denser, and usually more expensive. White gold is lighter, often more budget‑friendly, and requires periodic rhodium plating. Many couples love the look of platinum but choose white gold to maximize their budget for the diamond.
Can I mix metals (white gold engagement ring, yellow gold band)?
Absolutely. Mixed‑metal stacks are a big trend with Atlanta couples right now. A white gold engagement ring with a yellow or rose gold band can feel modern, intentional, and very personal. We’ll help you design a stack that fits together beautifully.
Ready to Design Your White Gold (or Yellow Gold) Engagement Ring?
Still torn between white and yellow gold? You don’t have to decide alone. Visit Masina Diamonds in Atlanta or schedule a virtual consultation, and we’ll:
- Show you the same design in multiple metals
- Walk you through diamond or lab‑grown options
- Design a custom ring that feels like you—down to the last detail
Your ring should feel modern, meaningful, and made just for you. Let’s create something luminous together.
