KaratGuide

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Τι είναι το λευκό χρυσό;

Το λευκό χρυσό δεν είναι φυσικό μέταλλο. Να τι είναι πραγματικά.

Volume visualization — gold vs. white metals

Each droplet = same volume. Because gold is denser, it needs fewer droplets to represent the same weight. White-metal droplets (nickel, palladium) are lighter, so they take up more space.

14K Nickel | 58.5 wt%

14K Nickel

14K Palladium | 58.5 wt%

14K Palladium

18K Palladium | 75.0 wt%

18K Palladium

Pure gold (Au)
White metals (Ni / Pd / Ag)

The white gold recipe

White gold starts as regular yellow gold, then gets mixed with white metals

Au
18K
75%
Yellow Gold
+
Pd
Ag
Ni
Pt
White metals (25%) Palladium, Silver, Nickel or Platinum
=
18K alloy
Still
yellowish
Raw alloy Not yet fully white
+
Rh
Rhodium
plating
Rhodium layer Thin bright coat on top
=
WHITE
GOLD
✦ 18K
White Gold! Bright white finish
🔬

Not a natural element

White gold does not exist in nature. Search the periodic table and you won't find it — it's an alloy created by humans.

The rhodium secret

Even when mixed with white metals, the alloy still looks yellowish. The bright white you see on jewelry comes from a thin rhodium plating on top.

It will turn yellow over time

As you wear it, the rhodium layer gradually wears off — revealing the slightly yellow alloy underneath. A jeweler can re-plate it for a small fee.

White Gold vs Platinum

Property
White Gold (18K)
Platinum
Natural color
Yellowish (needs rhodium)
Naturally white-gray
Stays white forever?
✗ Needs re-plating
✓ Yes
Cost
✓ More affordable
✗ Significantly more expensive
Weight
Lighter
Heavier (denser metal)
Scratch resistance
Good
Fair (shows patina)
Allergy risk
Possible (if nickel alloy)
✓ Hypoallergenic
Maintenance
Re-plate every 1–2 years
Minimal
Best for
Everyday jewelry, budget rings
Diamond settings, heirlooms

Volume visualization — gold vs. white metals

Each droplet = same volume. Because gold is denser, it needs fewer droplets to represent the same weight. White-metal droplets (nickel, palladium) are lighter, so they take up more space.

14K Nickel | 58.5 wt%

14K Nickel

14K Palladium | 58.5 wt%

14K Palladium

18K Palladium | 75.0 wt%

18K Palladium

Pure gold (Au)
White metals (Ni / Pd / Ag)

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