White Gold Diamond Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

When looking for the perfect engagement ring, there are a few big decisions to make, namely what kind of center stone you like the most and what kind of metal you want the band to be. White gold diamond engagement rings are a really popular option, for good reason: White gold is beautiful to look at, it’s very versatile, and it’s pretty easy to take care of. 

As jewelry expert Kim Kanary explains, white gold gets its signature silvery white hue from a very thin layer of rhodium. In fact, when gold is mixed with another white metal "the resulting color is still a dull gray to brownish-yellow," making a rhodium plating necessary to achieve a white luster.

Keep reading to learn more about white gold engagement rings, including what to look for when shopping for one and how to care for it.

Pros and Cons of White Gold Diamond Engagement Rings

One of the biggest advantages of a white gold ring is that the band is a neutral, silvery shade that won’t affect the center stone at all. “Gemstones will reflect the color of the metal in which they are set, meaning that colorless gemstones (like diamonds) can appear to have a tint of color if the surrounding metal contains color,” Kanary says. This can happen with certain yellow gold settings but not white gold. “Your gemstone will reflect the silvery-white metal, which will not result in any noticeable color differences in your stone." Also, white gold tends to be shinier and less dull, making the metal a valuable yet cost-effective option. In terms of durability, white gold is considered stronger than both yellow gold and platinum, which makes it a good option for everyday wear.

Yellow gold is purer than white gold since white gold is gold mixed with other metals. "Pure natural gold is yellow in color, so the higher in purity you go, the more yellow it will be," Kanary says. But while yellow gold may be purer, it’s also naturally softer, meaning white gold is the more durable option.

Also, white gold is often alloyed with nickel, so those who are allergic to nickel may need to stay away from white gold. That being said, it's possible to find white gold without any nickel in it at all—many companies will request that suppliers provide 18k white gold without traces of nickel, so this can be a safer bet. On the other hand, 14k white gold will often contain a larger percentage of nickel, so ask plenty of questions before choosing one or the other if this is a concern.

What to Look for in a White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring

• What type of diamond cut pairs well with a white gold ring? Virtually every diamond cut will look great with a white gold band.
• Should I select 14-karat or 18-karat white gold? While 18-karat is a purer gold, 14-karat is more durable and scratch-resistant. That being said, because it contains less gold overall, 14-karat white gold may change color more easily.
• How much do white gold rings cost? Prices can vary, but generally white gold is a less expensive alternative to platinum. That being said, there used to be a much larger price difference between the two; today, with gold prices rising, the price gap between white gold and platinum is much smaller. A great deal of the price difference now comes down to labor costs, as working with platinum is more time consuming.

How to Care for Your White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring

“[A white gold ring] will require occasional buffing and polishing as well as periodic replating to ensure it maintains its silvery-white sparkle year-round,” Kanary says. Ant though it is subject to scratches, white gold is still considered suitable for everyday wear. To store your white gold ring, wrap your ring in a soft cloth or piece of velvet.  

Think white gold is the ring metal for you? See 15 of our favorite white gold diamond rings below.