Learn · Metals
White gold and rhodium
White gold is plated with rhodium for its bright white; the plating is renewed every year or two.
What it is
14k white gold
Gold alloyed with white metals, then rhodium-plated for a bright white.
18k white gold
75% gold with white alloys, rhodium-plated.
Why people love it
14k white gold
- Bright and hard-wearing.
- Lighter and less costly than platinum.
18k white gold
- Richer and heavier than 14k white.
- Often friendlier to sensitive skin than 14k white.
Trade-offs
14k white gold
- The rhodium plating wears; it’s renewed every year or two.
- Can bother a nickel allergy, depending on the alloy.
18k white gold
- Softer than 14k white.
- The rhodium plating still needs renewing every year or two.