Know the difference between 14K white gold jewelry and 18K white gold jewelry

Gold purity is sometimes difficult to tell by just looking at it; with white gold it is even more difficult. For this reason it's purity is stamped on it and reflected by a number and the letter 'K'; which stands for karat; the measuring system used for gold jewelry. 24K gold is pure gold; 18K gold is 75% and 25% other metals; 14K gold is 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals; 12K gold is 50% gold with 12 parts gold, and 12 parts other metals; 10K gold is 41% gold (the lowest ranking for American jewelry).

I recommend: for more information on the grading of white gold, check out the World Gold Council or the White Gold Task Force's interesting article on determining the color of white gold. Official standards for white gold jewelry were introduced in 2005; see Professional Jeweler Magazine for more details.

Reputation is everything when buying white gold jewelry

Buying quality is a must when it comes to white gold jewelry, and the best way to buy quality is to go through a reputable dealer. Dealers are known by their ads, their referrals, their years in business and the quality of their showroom. A reputable dealer will also ensure that you are buying white gold, as opposed to the lesser quality silver.

I recommend: Jewelers of America; they are the national association for retail jewelers. To buy quality white gold jewelry online visit Blue Nile. For something in the Italian designer line, including white gold rings, try Exeter Jewelers. Grace Body Jewelry has high quality white gold body jewelry in all kinds of styles, including white gold earrings and white gold diamond jewelry. Their white gold 14k jewelry is actually yellow-colored gold, with rhodium plating; perfect for those who are sensitive to nickel. Men's Jewelry for Men carries a unique range of men's white gold jewelry, and will take custom orders.

Marks of the white gold jewelry trade

The standards are the same for white gold and yellow gold. As such, all gold jewelry which is stamped with a "K" mark is also stamped with the trademark of the manufacturer who produced it. If you are unsure who the manufacturer is, ask the jeweler for information. Quality jewelers normally buy from quality manufacturers.

I recommend: To find out more about the manufacturer of your piece, go to Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America; the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, or the International Gemological Institute.