White gold engagement rings have become increasingly popular for couples looking for affordable rings without sacrificing quality. While platinum rings are more durable, white gold offers the look of platinum without the cost.

What is White Gold?

Engagment rings are rarely made of pur gold (24K), so the majority of gold engagement rings are a mixture of several different elements. White gold is typically made from adding silver, nickel, and palladium to create a beautiful piece of gold suitable for engagement rings and wedding bands.

White gold comes in several different karats, just like yellow gold. Arguably the most popular karat weight for white gold is 18k, but you can also purchase an engagement ring in 14k or less. 18k white gold offers about 75% pure gold with the remaining percentage typically nickel or even palladium.

Economical, Beautiful and Durable

White gold engagement rings are significantly less expensive than platinum rings or other metals. When buying white gold, you can use the extra money you save to purchase a higher quality gemstone or diamond or invest in a more elaborate setting.

Many women also prefer white gold to yellow gold because the ring can be worn with other jewelry without clashing. Plus, it offers a simple elegance that yellow gold simply cannot replicate.

What’s more, white gold is substantially more durable than yellow gold. It resists scratches and other damage better, and while not as durable as platinum, it holds up well under moderate activity much better than yellow gold.

Caring for White Gold

It’s important to care for your white gold engagement ring just like you would care for any of your fine jewelry. Clean your ring at least once a week to keep it shining as brilliantly as the moment it was slipped on your finger. Consider professionally cleaning your ring at least two times a year; this can also help check for cracks or other damage that needs to be repaired.

Don’t wear your ring when washing dishes or using other harsh chemical cleaners, as this can damage the ring and diamond or center stone. If you choose to clean your ring at home, use a jewelry cleaner specifically designed for gold and use a soft brush to remove dirt and oils.

If your ring is particularly elaborate or made with delicate stones, avoid home cleaning that may damage your ring beyond repair. Instead, allow a professional jeweler to clean your ring when needed.

Things to Consider

While white gold engagement rings are a beautiful testament to true love, they may not be for everyone. For example, those with an allergy to nickel may discover the discomfort outweighs the beauty. You may experience itching and swelling. If this happens, you can spend a little more for a while gold ring made with palladium instead of nickel to combat the problem.

For an affordable, beautiful alternative to yellow gold or platinum, a white gold engagement ring may be the perfect choice to show your love for your bride to be.