Jewelry for the Holidays

White gold has become a major metal in the engagement and wedding ring market and is no longer an uncommon sight in stores. If you haven't visited a jewelry store for a long time, however, the sight of all this "silver" instead of the classic yellow gold can be confusing. Colored gold alloys are not new by any means, but they have gained prominence as people look for jewelry that is both classic and a bit different -- and that is more compatible with their preferences than a plain yellow gold piece might. If you're searching for an engagement ring that fits those descriptions, white gold could be perfect.

First, What is White Gold?

If you really haven't looked at jewelry for a while and aren't sure what white gold is, it's just an alloy, or mixture, of gold with other metals to create a hybrid that has slightly different qualities than pure gold. Pure gold is very soft and not strong enough to be used in jewelry, which can be bumped, squashed, and hit during daily wear. Even the most valuable yellow gold ring is an alloy of gold and materials that make it stronger. White gold is a mix of gold and a white metal like platinum or manganese.

Metal Preference

White gold can look like a very bright, shiny, light silver to the untrained eye. If you're buying A.Jaffe engagement rings for someone who prefers to wear silver jewelry, white gold allows them to wear a gold piece that doesn't clash with the rest of their collection. The mixture of gold and silver is no longer taboo, with plenty of people wearing both types on a regular basis. In fact, you can buy pieces of jewelry that combine yellow gold, white gold or silver, and rose gold, and you'll find people wearing all three types plus other metals in one go. But if the person you're buying the ring for really prefers just the silver look, and you really want to get them something made of gold, white gold is an excellent compromise.

Cosmetic Issues

You'll also find that cosmetic preference can play a role in metal color choice. White gold tends to be very, very light. Lighter than some silver options. For people who don't do well with the color yellow, and who don't like the duller appearance of darker silver pieces (including oxidized silver or "antique" silver), white gold is a great option. It's also fabulous if you wear dark outfits and want something as a visible accent because of the contrast between a dark shirt and very light jewelry.

White gold can be just as valuable as the classic yellow gold, so it's not meant to be an inexpensive substitute. This brilliant, light metal is gorgeous and provides more options for those who want gold jewelry that better matches their preferences.