White gold vs yellow gold: what white gold is, and why it has rhodium

How white gold is made

Gold is naturally yellow. To make white gold, goldsmiths mix it with white metals, which take away most of the yellow. What's left is real gold with a soft, slightly warm white tone.

14k white gold contains exactly as much gold as 14k yellow gold: 58.5%. Only the other metals in the mix are different. At TOV, white gold is always 14 karat, hallmarked 585.

Some white gold is made with nickel. Not at TOV: all our jewellery is nickel-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

What does rhodium do?

Rhodium is a rare, silvery-white metal from the platinum family. A wafer-thin layer of it gives white gold that bright, almost mirror-like shine. It isn't gold plating: underneath is simply real gold.

With daily wear, that layer slowly softens. First in the places that rub against things most, like the underside of a white gold ring. There, the white gold itself comes through more: a natural, slightly warmer white. That isn't damage. The gold is simply showing its own colour, and plenty of people love that softer tone.

Want the bright white shine back? A jeweller can refresh the rhodium layer.

How to keep white gold bright

• Take your rings off when cleaning, working out and putting on lotion. Soap, lotion, perfume and cleaning products make gold look dull.
• Clean it with lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush, then pat it dry with a soft cloth. Every step is in how to clean gold jewellery.
• Store your pieces separately so they don't scratch each other.

More tips on our care page.

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Three Band Ring €359,00 Wishbone Ring €249,00 Cubic Zirconia Trilogy Ring €299,00

Yellow or white: how to choose

• Look at what you already wear. Your watch, your favourite ring, the earrings you never take out. Choose the colour that comes back most often, and everything goes together without effort.
• Look at your skin. A rule of thumb: greenish veins on the inside of your wrist often mean a warm undertone, and yellow gold flatters you. Bluish veins point to a cool undertone: white gold. A rule of thumb, not a law.
• Look at the stone. White gold makes a diamond or cubic zirconia look cool and bright. Yellow gold wraps it in a warm glow.
• Or choose both. Mixing is allowed. Let each colour appear at least twice, so it looks like a choice rather than an accident.

The same design in yellow and white, like our huggies, is the easiest way to mix.

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Essential Huggie Hoops (12mm) €209,00 Essential Huggie Hoops (12mm) €224,00 Wishbone Ring €229,00

White Gold Jewellery Real 14 karat white gold with a bright rhodium finish. Shop White Gold Jewellery