White gold is genuine gold blended with paler metals, then plated with rhodium. How much gold it holds depends on karat. At 14K the metal is 58.3 percent gold, and it is the harder, more scratch resistant option. At 18K it is 75 percent gold, which makes it softer. The rhodium layer on top supplies the bright, almost mirror white most people picture, while the alloy underneath is a softer white with a faint warmth.
Because the plating does the visual work, two pieces in the same karat can look slightly different if one was plated more recently. That is normal for a plated metal and nothing to worry about when you compare pieces.
Aim a little higher on color. A white setting reveals any warmth in a diamond that yellow or rose gold would hide, so a stone in the colorless range, D to F, or high in near colorless looks crisp against bright rhodium, while lower grades can read faintly warm. Color shows more in large stones, so a solitaire pendant or a ring center deserves the closest look.
Clarity can stay sensible: an eye clean stone looks clean in any setting.
All three look white on day one, but they age differently. White gold relies on rhodium for its brightest finish and needs that coat renewed from time to time. Platinum is white by nature, denser and heavier, hypoallergenic for most people, and it develops a soft patina rather than losing metal when scratched. Sterling silver, 92.5 percent silver, costs less than either, but it tarnishes over time.
For a ring worn every day, platinum spares you the replating. For most other jewelry, white gold strikes a good balance of weight, durability and brightness.
Pick the piece first, then the size and style. White gold earrings keep their brightness longest, since they see the least friction. White gold necklaces start with chain length, and white gold bracelets start with a wrist measurement. For an engagement ring, white gold ring settings pair with the loose diamond you choose.
Whatever you buy, Rare Carat sells direct and is the merchant of record on every order, so one company stands behind your purchase from checkout to your door.