What is White Gold?

White gold is a type of gold alloy that blends pure gold with other white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver. Its colour resembles platinum and silver, giving it a sophisticated and contemporary look. White gold is widely used in wedding rings, earrings, and necklaces because of its shiny, silvery finish and resistance to tarnish. Its popularity has grown rapidly in recent years owing to its aesthetic appeal and affordability compared to platinum or pure gold.

Moreover, unlike platinum, white gold is more malleable and easier to work with, making it suitable for intricate jewellery designs. It is also often coated with rhodium, a bright white metal, to enhance its shine and durability. Understanding what is white gold helps consumers appreciate its unique qualities and suitability for various preferences and occasions.

What white gold is and how it is valued depends largely on its purity, composition, and market trends. Unlike pure gold, white gold’s value is influenced by both its gold content (karat) and the alloying metals used. Typically, white gold is available in 14K, 18K, or 22K purity levels.

The valuation begins by checking the karat or purity level, which indicates the percentage of pure gold in the alloy. For example, 18K white gold contains 75% pure gold, whereas 14K has 58.3%. The price of white gold is primarily based on its gold content and current market rate, along with the cost of the alloying metals, which can fluctuate based on market conditions.

Jewellers also consider craftsmanship, design complexity, and the current demand for white gold jewellery when pricing. The common practice is to price white gold based on its purity and weight, adding a small premium for craftsmanship and brand value. The presence of rhodium plating can add some extra cost, but generally does not affect the intrinsic valuation.

In India, white gold's value is also influenced by import duties, taxes, and regional market preferences. The resale value depends heavily on the purity, weight, and condition of the jewellery, making it essential to buy from reputable dealers with proper certification.

The price of white gold in India varies according to the current gold market rates, purity levels, craftsmanship, and brand. As of recent rates, 18K white gold might range between ₹5,000 and ₹7,500 per gram, whereas 14K may be slightly cheaper, depending on alloy content. The actual cost includes not only raw material price but also manufacturing charges, branding, and markup.

Since white gold is often alloyed and coated, the overall price can also fluctuate with trends and demand. It is good practice to compare prices from trusted jewellers and ensure proper certification to receive a fair deal. 

The price of white gold depends on several intrinsic and external factors.

• Global gold prices: The international price of pure gold directly impacts white gold rates, especially since white gold is mainly priced based on its gold content. When gold prices rise, white gold prices tend to follow suit. 
• Alloying metals costs: The prices of palladium, nickel, silver, and other metals used in white gold can fluctuate depending on market trends, impacting overall jewellery costs. 
• Currency exchange rates: The strength of the Indian Rupee against the US dollar influences import costs of alloy metals and raw materials, affecting local prices. 
• Taxation and import duties: Import taxes or GST levies on alloy metals and finished jewellery can increase the selling price of white gold. 
• Design complexity: Intricately designed jewellery with fine craftsmanship may be priced higher due to labour costs. 
• Market demand: Trends towards contemporary or traditional jewellery influence the pricing as per consumer preferences and seasonal demand. 
   

Overall, white gold is shaped by a mixture of international market fluctuations and regional economic factors. 

White gold gaining popularity can be attributed to several compelling reasons. 

• Aesthetic appeal: Its sleek, silver-white finish aligns well with modern fashion and styles, making it attractive for everyday and ceremonial wear. 
• Versatility: White gold complements other gemstones and metals, making it easier to match with various outfits and accessories. 
• Durability: Thanks to the alloying metals, white gold resists scratches and tarnishing better than yellow gold, making it suitable for daily wear. 
• Affordability: Compared to platinum or pure gold, white gold offers a luxurious look at a relatively lower cost, appealing to budget-conscious buyers. 
• Hypoallergenic options: When alloyed with palladium instead of nickel, white gold becomes hypoallergenic, attracting sensitive skin wearers. 
• Fashion-forward designs: The trendy, contemporary appearance of white gold aligns with current global jewellery trends. 

Its combination of style, strength, and affordability makes white gold a preferred choice for many Indians looking for elegant yet practical jewellery. 

White gold brings numerous benefits that make it a popular alternative to traditional gold types.

• Elegant appearance: Its silvery-white look provides a modern aesthetic that complements various gemstones and styles. 
• Higher durability: The alloy metals used strengthen the gold, making it more resistant to scratches and bending than 24K gold. 
• Affordable luxury: White gold often costs less than platinum or pure gold but offers a comparable high-end look. 
• Less tarnish: The rhodium finish enhances its shine and prevents tarnishing, keeping your jewellery looking new longer. 
• Versatility: It works well with all skin tones and can be styled for both casual and formal occasions. 
• Ease of maintenance: With proper cleaning and occasional replating, white gold jewellery retains its stunning appearance for years. 

In summary, white gold combines aesthetic appeal with practicality, offering a contemporary and cost-effective alternative for jewellery lovers. 

White gold is indeed real gold, but it is an alloy — a mixture of pure gold and other white metals such as palladium, nickel, or silver. The purity of white gold is indicated by its karatage, usually 14K, 18K, or 22K, which shows how much pure gold it contains. 

Its value is based on the amount of actual gold in the alloy, while the other metals provide strength and the desirable silvery finish. Sometimes, white gold jewellery is coated with rhodium to give it an extra white shine and enhance durability, but the core material remains gold alloy.

The proportion of pure gold in white gold varies based on its karatage. For instance, 18K white gold contains 75% pure gold, whereas 14K has about 58.3%. When buying white gold jewellery, it’s essential to check for hallmarks indicating the purity, such as 750 for 18K or 585 for 14K.

The remaining alloy metals influence the strength, colour, and price of the jewellery. So, even though all white gold contains some pure gold, the actual amount differs significantly, impacting its resale value and investment potential. 

If you wish to pledge your white gold for urgent funds, you can easily do so. The process of applying for a new gold loan online has become easy and convenient. 

• First, you need to choose a trusted lender that offers gold loans backed by white gold. 

• Then, visit their official website or app to initiate the application. 

• Upload your KYC documents, including identity proof and proof of ownership of the white gold jewellery. 

• Many lenders also allow you to get an instant quote based on the weight and purity of your gold.

• After approval, the loan is disbursed quickly, often within hours, ensuring you get the funds you need with minimum hassle. 

Always ensure your jewellery is hallmarked for accurate valuation and smooth processing. 

Yes, white gold jewellery can typically be used as collateral for a gold loan, provided it meets the lender’s purity standards and weight criteria. The lenders usually verify the gold’s purity with proper testing and assign a loan-to-value ratio accordingly. While physical assessment is often required, the overall process is similar to traditional gold loans. 

Since white gold is made with alloy metals, some lenders may be more cautious in valuation, but it remains an accepted form of collateral for most financial institutions. This makes white gold a practical asset for emergency funds or short-term financial needs. 

Calculating the price of white gold involves a few straightforward steps that help buyers understand its current market value. 

• First, identify the purity or karatage of the gold in the jewellery — typically 14K, 18K, or 22K. 

• Then, check the prevailing market rate of pure gold per gram, often available on trusted financial websites or jewellers. 

• Next, multiply the current market rate by the purity percentage (e.g., 75% for 18K). 

For example, if pure gold costs ₹9,100 per gram and the jewellery is 18K, the price per gram of that white gold will be ₹6,825. Finally, multiply this rate by the weight of your jewellery to get the total value. When comparing different pieces, always account for craftsmanship and alloying metals to get a complete picture.