What is white gold? White gold is an alloy of gold plus a white metal, usually nickel or palladium. You know what proportion of the alloy is gold by checking the caratage. 24 carat equals pure gold, so 18 carat white gold for example, means that the alloy contains 18 parts gold to 6 parts white metal.

White gold rings are normally made from a nickel alloy because nickel is harder and stronger than palladium. But this white gold alloy is also plated with rhodium, because the gold alloy never has the true white color that rhodium has.

There are a couple of problems to be aware of with white gold rings. One is that about 1 in 8 people has a minor allergic reaction to the nickel in the alloy, causing some skin rash in the area the ring is worn. The chance of this can be reduced by purchasing a non-nickel alloy, such as a palladium alloy ring. And some buyers instead choose to buy a platinum ring to get the same white color without risk of irritation.

Another issue to be aware of with white gold rings is that nickel alloy rings fade over time, and you have to take the ring to a jeweler to have the rhodium plating redone. This is a simple process, but it's a bit troublesome. Palladium alloys apparently do not fade, as they don't require a rhodium plating. But again, many consumers prefer platinum.

I think that white gold jewelery is absolutely gorgeous, with its subtle elegance. Yellow gold often seems tacky, like an intentional display of one's wealth. White gold, on the other hand, is more subtle, exuding a kind of self confidence that doesn't depend on getting attention. And because of its subtle nature, white gold jewelry can exhibit some very elaborate designs and imagery. Complex and detailed designs can look truly heavenly when done in white gold as opposed to yellow gold.