White Gold Rings

Yes, white gold is real gold. It is made by alloying pure gold with light-coloured metals, which give the alloy strength and a white tone. 585 fineness white gold contains 58.5% pure gold. Jewellery is often rhodium-plated to give the surface a brighter, whiter finish and more sparkle.

White gold may not suit those who want jewellery that keeps its colour without periodic care. With everyday wear, the rhodium plating gradually wears away, so over time the warmer, yellowish tone of the alloy may show through. To restore the original whiteness and shine, the piece can be re-plated with rhodium.

Like other gold alloys, white gold can scratch. In addition, some alloys may contain nickel, which can irritate very sensitive skin. If you have a metal allergy, it is worth checking the alloy composition of the specific piece.

A white gold ring is worth choosing for its elegant, silvery-white tone, its durability and its more affordable price compared with platinum. The light metal beautifully enhances the sparkle of diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and other gemstones.

585 fineness white gold contains the same amount of pure gold as yellow or rose gold of the same fineness. Its value is determined by weight, fineness, design, complexity of manufacture and the gemstones set in the ring. Bear in mind that the rhodium plating may wear over time and may need to be renewed. Platinum is naturally white and usually does not cause allergies, but it is heavier and generally more expensive.

The price of a 585 fineness white gold ring depends on the weight of the gold, the design, and the type, size and quality of the diamonds or other gemstones. In this collection, regular ring prices start from around 599 Eur, while designs with larger or more numerous diamonds can cost several thousand euros. Prices may be lower during promotions. When assessing an offer, consider not only the gold fineness but also the total gemstone weight, their characteristics, the ring's construction, certificates and the warranty provided.

First, examine the inside of the ring and find the fineness mark. The marking “585” means the alloy contains 58.5% pure gold, which corresponds to 14 carat gold. You may also find the marks “375”, “750”, “9K”, “14K” or “18K”. The marking “925” usually indicates silver rather than white gold.

Real gold is not magnetic, so a strong pull from a magnet may indicate that the item contains a high proportion of other metals. However, this test alone is not sufficient. When the rhodium plating on white gold wears off, a slightly yellowish tone may also appear on the surface. The most reliable way to determine the metal's fineness is for a jeweller to carry out a professional acid or electronic test.