White gold is not a naturally white metal. It is an alloy created by blending pure yellow gold with white metals, such as palladium, silver, or sometimes nickel, to lighten its colour. To achieve the bright, icy-white finish you see, the ring is then coated with a layer of a rare, highly reflective metal called rhodium.

Yes, white gold requires periodic maintenance known as re-plating. Over time, the rhodium plating will naturally wear away, exposing the slight yellowish tint of the underlying gold alloy. To restore the ring's brilliant, silvery-white finish, it must be professionally re-plated every 12 to 24 months, depending on wear.

White gold offers a similar cool, white aesthetic to platinum but is typically more affordable. Platinum is a naturally white metal that is denser and more durable, but white gold is still strong, durable, and highly favoured for its brilliance and value.

It is the preferred choice for many diamond settings because its neutral, silvery colour maximises the brilliance and whiteness of the diamond. It does not reflect any yellow colour into the stone, making the diamond appear brighter, cleaner, and more sparkling.

It is generally safe, but its hypoallergenic qualities depend on the alloy used. Historically, some white gold was alloyed with nickel, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. We recommend confirming that your white gold ring uses palladium or other nickel-free alloys if you have known metal sensitivities.

Clean your white gold ring just like yellow gold: soak it in a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Gently scrub the setting with a soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, as these can damage the rhodium plating.