How to Identify White Gold
White gold has become a popular choice in jewelry, offering a sophisticated, lustrous finish that is often associated with luxury and high fashion. While its name might suggest a unique type of gold, white gold is actually a mixture of yellow gold and other white metals, such as palladium, nickel, silver, or platinum, combined to create a shiny, silvery-white appearance. If you’re looking to identify white gold, whether for purchase or simply to verify the authenticity of a piece, there are several key methods and signs to look for.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to identify white gold, discuss its characteristics, and highlight the steps you can take to differentiate it from other metals, such as silver, platinum, or yellow gold.
1. Understanding White Gold Composition
To begin with, it’s important to understand what white gold is and how it differs from other precious metals. White gold is an alloy made by mixing pure gold (yellow gold) with metals like palladium, nickel, or silver, which gives it a white hue. Unlike platinum, which is naturally white, white gold requires a layer of rhodium plating to enhance its shine and prevent it from looking dull over time. This rhodium plating is typically what gives white gold its bright, reflective surface. Over time, this plating may wear off, which could reveal a slightly yellowish tint, especially if the piece has been worn frequently.
2. Look for Hallmarks and Stamps
The easiest and most reliable way to identify white gold is by checking for the hallmark or stamp, which is typically found on the inside band of rings, bracelets, and necklaces. The hallmark will indicate the purity of the gold and whether it’s an alloy. The most common stamps for white gold include:
- 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K: These numbers refer to the karat purity of the gold, with 24K being pure gold. White gold is often stamped with 10K, 14K, or 18K, as these purities offer a balance between durability and gold content.
- “585,” “750,” or “916”: These numbers indicate the percentage of gold in the piece. For example, 585 refers to 58.5% gold content, while 750 indicates 75% gold.
- “WG” or “White Gold”: Some jewelry might also have a simple stamp that reads “WG” or “White Gold,” which is another indicator that the piece is made from white gold.
Hallmarks are usually stamped in discreet locations, such as the inside of a ring band or the back of a necklace clasp.
3. Perform a Magnet Test
Another useful test is to check if the metal is magnetic. While pure gold and white gold are not magnetic, some of the metals used in white gold alloys, such as nickel or iron, can be attracted to magnets. If a magnet sticks to the piece, it could be an indication that the piece is not made of pure gold or white gold. However, it’s important to note that this test is not foolproof, as many white gold alloys are made with non-magnetic metals, such as palladium. Still, if a piece is strongly attracted to a magnet, it might not be white gold.
4. Test for Rhodium Plating
As mentioned earlier, white gold is typically plated with rhodium, which gives it its bright, silvery shine. Over time, rhodium plating can wear off, revealing a more yellowish or slightly grayish hue beneath. If you notice a dull or faded appearance on a white gold item, it may be an indication that the rhodium plating has worn away. In some cases, this can be a sign that the piece is made of white gold, but the plating has been damaged or worn down.
A rhodium-plated piece will also be more reflective and have a shinier surface compared to non-plated metals like silver. If you suspect the piece is white gold, but it lacks that intense shine, it could be worth taking it to a professional to check for rhodium plating.
5. Check the Color
One of the most distinguishing features of white gold is its color. While it may appear silver-white at first glance, it often has a slightly warmer or softer tone compared to platinum or sterling silver. The slight warmth is due to the yellow gold content that is mixed with other metals to create the alloy. White gold will usually not have the harshly bright or stark white appearance that platinum has, making it easier to differentiate between the two metals.
If the piece has a noticeable yellow tint, especially in low light, it might indicate that it’s not pure white gold but rather a gold alloy that has either been poorly plated or has had the rhodium layer worn away.
6. Compare the Weight
Weight can also be an indicator of whether a piece is white gold. White gold is heavier than silver but lighter than platinum. This means that a white gold ring or bracelet will generally have a weight that falls somewhere between the weight of silver and platinum.
Platinum, for example, is much denser and heavier than white gold, so if you hold a piece of jewelry that you suspect is white gold and it feels heavier than expected, it could be platinum. Conversely, if it feels too light, it may be silver or another lightweight metal.
7. Examine the Durability
White gold is durable and resistant to tarnishing, but it is also more prone to scratching than metals like platinum. The alloy mix used to make white gold, combined with the rhodium plating, provides a relatively hard and durable surface, but it can still scratch or show wear over time. If you find that the piece of jewelry has visible scratches or shows signs of wear, it could be a sign that the white gold is not as pure as it should be, or the rhodium plating is fading.
However, despite its susceptibility to scratching, white gold is still a good choice for everyday wear as it is stronger and more durable than silver.
8. Get a Professional Opinion
If you’re still uncertain about the authenticity of your jewelry, the best step is to take it to a professional jeweler or a certified gemologist. These experts can use advanced tools to analyze the piece and determine its composition. They may use methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or acid tests to accurately determine whether the metal is white gold or another type of metal. These tests are non-invasive and can give you a definitive answer.
9. Compare the Price
The price can also be an indicator of whether a piece is white gold. White gold is generally more expensive than silver but more affordable than platinum. If you’re purchasing jewelry and the price seems unusually low for what is being advertised as white gold, there’s a chance the piece may be made of a lower-quality alloy or may not be white gold at all. Always buy from reputable jewelers who provide certification or guarantees for their products.
Conclusion
Identifying white gold requires attention to detail and an understanding of its unique properties. By checking for hallmarks, performing simple tests, observing the color, and comparing the weight and durability, you can usually determine whether a piece is truly made from white gold. If you’re ever in doubt, seeking the help of a professional jeweler will give you peace of mind and ensure that you’re purchasing high-quality jewelry. White gold remains a timeless and beautiful choice, offering a sophisticated look that’s both durable and versatile for various styles and occasions.