Pure gold is yellow in color. White gold is pure gold that has been combined with mostly white metals to create an alloy with a rich,silvery hue. The proportion of gold to other metals is measured in karats: 18 karat gold is 75% gold; 14 karat gold is 58% gold, and 10 karat gold is 42% gold.

White gold retains a trace of its original golden hue. Therefore, white gold jewelry is commonly enhanced with a layer of rhodium, a precious, latinum family metal, to make it whiter and brighter. Rhodium will wear off over time, showing the natural golden hue of the white gold alloy. A periodic reapplication of rhodium is necessary to maintain the bright white finish. The frequency of reapplication necessary is determined by the wearer’s individual body chemistry and wear patterns.

As with all gold, avoid rough wear and contact with chemicals, including chlorine in swimming pools. It is best to have white gold professionally cleaned by your jeweler, though a mild jewelry cleaner and soft cloth may be used at home.

In its pure form, gold is quite soft, so it is combined with other metals to produce strong alloys appropriate for jewelry. In the  United States, these alloys are frequently described in karats: 24 karat is pure gold; 18 karat gold is 75% gold; 14 karat gold is 58% gold, and 10 karat gold is 42% gold. The higher the gold content, the softer and more easily marred the jewelry will be.

In rare cases, the alloys may react with the wearer’s body chemistry, causing a harmless green or black discoloration on the skin, which is easily removed with soap and wateic Avoid scratching, rough wear and contact with cleansers, bleach, and even the chlorine in swimming pools. Yellow gold is best professionally cleaned and polished by your jeweler, though a mild jewelry cleaner and soft cloth may be used at home. Store yellow gold jewelry in a soft cloth or pouch to protect its surface.