White Gold Engagement Rings... Coming To A Ring Finger Near You.

White gold is a wise choice for engagement rings in particular, as it sets off diamonds beautifully, making them seem larger and more radiant than if the diamonds were set in yellow or rose gold. In addition, white gold looks very similar to platinum whilst costing significantly less, and this adds further to its popularity.To get 18 carat white gold, for example, 75% pure gold is combined with 25% silver and/or palladium. This creates an alloy that is much paler than the original pure gold, which is always yellow in colour, hence the name white gold. In the past, nickel has been used in white gold, although this is now very much out of favour as nickel causes allergic reactions in some people. If in doubt, ask your jeweller to clarify the metal content in the white gold they use before purchasing,
jewellers coat it in rhodium, which is similar to platinum and a very hard metal. The helps protect the softer gold beneath from scratches, and ensures it will remain lustrous for quite some time. However, the rhodium wears away over time, and for this reason it is suggested that white gold rings are re-coated every year or two to ensure there is an even coating of rhodium in place to protect the white gold. Another benefit of the rhodium coating is that it is very white and makes the white gold seem even more bright and gleaming.