Is White Gold Really Gold?

When people think of gold, they think of yellow, metallic, and shiny. White and silver are not colors that come to mind. Many people, buyers, sellers, and owners, often wonder if the "white gold" jewelry they own is really gold? The short answer is "yes."

But what is white gold? It is an alloy, usually gold mixed with another metal like nickel, silver, palladium, or even platinum. Why would someone do this? Usually it is to add strength and durability. Gold is one of the most malleable metals known. It is easily bent, scratched, or deformed. By mixing another metal, you can add strength while maintaining value. As matter of fact, goldsmiths have been doing this for thousands of years. Anytime you wear gold jewelry that is less than 24 karats, you are wearing a gold alloy. Normally, however, the alloy is mixed to preserve the gold color.

So why white instead of regular gold. The reasons are myriad. Some people want gold jewelry, but do not like the gold color. Gold in white color gives them the option. Other people view white gold as more valuable, especially when it is mixed with a rare and valuable metal like platinum. Others like the exotic appeal of it, especially when using ancient, historic alloys like electrum - a 3,000 year old alloy formulated from gold and silver.

So have no fear, your white gold is no less valuable than regular gold especially if you are looking to sell gold through something like a cash for gold service. Eighteen, fourteen, and ten karat white gold is worth just as much as eighteen, fourteen, and ten karat regular gold. It may look different, but the gold content, as expressed in karats, is the same.