A plating of rhodium gives white gold its mirror-bright finish. Without that coat, the gold alloy underneath looks a little softer and warmer in tone, which is why fresh plating makes such a difference. 14K white gold is 58.3 percent pure gold and is the harder, more scratch resistant pick for posts, hinges and clasps. 18K holds 75 percent gold, which makes it softer and better suited to pieces that are handled gently.
Aim a little higher on color than you would in yellow gold, because a white metal reveals any warmth in a diamond. Colorless grades, D to F, look sharpest against white gold. If you are shopping in the near colorless G to J range, lean toward the top of it for a white setting, and save the warmer end for yellow or rose gold, which hide tint well. Clarity is simpler: an eye clean stone looks clean at earring distance, so there is little reason to pay for flawless grades in a pair.
If you would rather choose the stones yourself, you can pick a matched pair of loose diamonds and choose the setting after.
Yes, for anyone who wears white metal. Look at the rings and watch the person wears most; if they are white gold, platinum or steel, a white pair will slot straight into their routine. Studs are the safest guess, with small hoops a close second, and a colorless or high near colorless diamond keeps the look icy.
Shipping is free and insured, and Rare Carat accepts free returns within 30 days if the style is not quite right.
Choose white gold for a lighter pair and platinum if you never want to think about plating. Platinum is naturally white, so it needs no rhodium, and it is hypoallergenic for most people, which matters if your ears react to some metals. It is also denser and heavier: some people love that solid feel, while others notice it on the lobe over a long day. Scratches on platinum push the metal aside into a soft patina rather than removing it.
If you want the rest of your collection to match, see white gold jewelry across every category, including white gold necklaces.