White gold is an alloy of gold, which means it is a mixture of two or more metals. It is made up of a blend of pure yellow gold and other precious metals like palladium, platinum, silver, nickel, or zinc. The percentage of gold in white gold can vary, but it is usually around 75% . The other metals are added to change the color of the gold from yellow to white or gray. White gold is stronger and more durable than yellow gold, but it is not as malleable. It is also more popular than yellow gold in North America, while yellow gold is more popular in countries across Asia.

White gold is not perfectly white, but rather has a warm color. To achieve the desired white color, white gold is often coated with rhodium, a rare and expensive metal from the platinum family. However, over time, the rhodium coating can wear off, and the white gold may need to be recoated to maintain its color. White gold is a popular choice for jewelry, especially engagement rings, because of its neutral color that suits all skin tones and its timeless beauty.