White gold
On the label: White gold · Alloy
What it is
Gold alloyed with white metals (nickel, palladium, silver, zinc) to look silver-white, then usually plated with rhodium. Nickel white gold is the common US type and the one nickel-sensitive people react to; palladium white gold is the nickel-free alternative.
Alloys: Mixtures of metals used because pure gold and silver are too soft to wear; the other metals set the color and the hardness, and sometimes the allergy question.
Wikidata: Alloy of gold and at least one white metal, usually nickel, manganese or palladium. Q6582775 →
In the research
5 PubMed papers mention it with jewelry, allergy, eyewear or UV; the three most recent:
- Influence of Main Ocular Variables in #TheDress Perception: An Ophthalmic Survey · Perception, 2021
- GOLD: human exposure and update on toxic risks · Critical reviews in toxicology, 2018
- Testing in artificial sweat - Is less more? Comparison of metal release in two different artificial sweat solutions · Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP, 2016
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on one fabric or one filter says little about the piece in your hand.
Pieces whose listing names it
24 on the siteMatched from the words in the supplier's listing; the full material line is on each product page.
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Other alloys
Clasp & Lens describes materials from the public record and does not appraise, grade or test pieces; what a listing states is the supplier's statement. If a piece causes a rash, take it off; a reaction that spreads or blisters is a doctor's question, and sunglasses are no substitute for impact-rated eye protection where that is required.