18KT WHITE GOLD

White gold is an increasingly popular choice these days. Many women choose this color because, while it maintains the age-old tradition of a gold engagement ring, the metal's color has a more contemporary look than yellow gold. The purest form of gold is 24kt, but why opt for 18kt? Surely, the purer, the better for the lady in your life? In fact, 24kt gold is simply too soft for jewelry; it would scratch, tarnish, and dent quickly. Gold is usually combined with other metals to give it strength and resistance to cope with everyday life.

In the case of 18kt white gold, the ring is composed of 75% gold and 25% other metals. It is these alloys that give it its distinctive silver-white coloring. Alloys typically used include copper, zinc, and nickel, or in some instances, palladium and silver. It's worth noting, however, that some people may have an allergic reaction to nickel, so it's important to inform your jeweler if this applies to you when choosing a ring.

Whichever alloys are used, the final shank is then coated in a process called plating with rhodium. Although rhodium is a metal related to platinum, it is even tougher and tends to cost around four times more. Its value is reflected in the fact that it resists scratches and tarnishing, keeping your ring looking newer for longer. It also gives the white gold an additional reflective appearance, which will complement your diamond beautifully.

It's worth bearing in mind that the rhodium plating will wear off over time. However, it is not a big job for your jeweler to re-plate it for you, giving it that "good as new" appearance.

18kt White Gold Ring (left) vs Platinum Ring after one year of wear