In 2025, Indians bought 710.90 tonnes of gold, a large proportion of which was in the form of coins and bars.
With white gold prices on the rise, it will be interesting to see which factors will impact future price movements and whether white gold is a good investment in 2026, given the rally it experienced in the previous year.
White gold is an alloy made by mixing pure gold with white-colored metals such as:
Pure gold is naturally yellow and relatively soft. It is combined with these metals to increase its strength and make it appear white.
Also, most white gold jewellery is usually rhodium-plated, a precious metal that is rare and very reflective. It improves:
White gold purity is calculated in the same way as yellow gold, using karats:
Purity | Gold Content |
18K White Gold | 75% Gold |
14K White Gold | 58.5% Gold |
10K White Gold | 41.7% Gold |
The higher the gold content, the higher the value and white gold price of the jewellery.
White gold jewellery is priced broadly the same as other gold jewellery: the jeweller first calculates the gold value based on purity and weight, then adds making charges, stone charges (if any), and GST.
Since white gold is usually made by mixing pure gold with white metals such as palladium, silver, or nickel, and is often finished with rhodium plating for a brighter white appearance, the final price may differ slightly from that of yellow-gold jewellery of the same purity and weight, depending on the design, brand, and craftsmanship.
However, in retail billing, the cost of alloying or rhodium plating is often built into the overall jewellery price or making charges rather than always being shown as a separate line item.
Illustrative Formula
Price of white gold jewellery = Gold value based on purity + Making charges + Stone charges (if any) + GST
Assume the following:
Step 1: Calculate the gold-value component
18K gold contains 75% pure gold. So, the gold value in a 10-gram 18K ring would be:
Gold value = 10 × INR 10,000 × 75% = INR 75,000
Step 2: Add making charges
Suppose the jeweller charges INR 8,000 as making charges.
Subtotal = INR 75,000 + INR 8,000 = INR 83,000
Step 3: Add GST
If GST is applied at 3% on the jewellery value, then:
GST = INR 83,000 × 3% = INR 2,490
Final estimated price
Final price = INR 83,000 + INR 2,490 = INR 85,490
If your goal is to buy for style, both white gold and yellow gold are jewellery choices; if your goal is exposure to gold prices without physical possession, gold-backed bonds are a more investment-oriented option.
| Factor | White Gold | Yellow Gold | Gold-Backed Bonds |
| Primary use | Jewellery | Jewellery and gifting | Investment |
| Value driver | Gold purity, weight, making charges, rhodium finish | Gold purity, weight, making charges | Underlying gold price and bond terms |
| Appearance | Silver-white, modern look | Traditional gold look | No physical jewellery utility |
| Maintenance | Higher, may need replating | Lower | None |
| Liquidity | Medium, depends on resale market | Medium, depends on resale market | Generally higher than jewellery, subject to product structure |
| Resale value | Mainly metal value, design premium often not recovered | Mainly metal value, design premium often not recovered | Better suited to value tracking than jewellery resale |
| Investment suitability | Low to moderate | Low to moderate | Higher |
| Best for | Wearable jewellery buyers | Traditional jewellery buyers | Investors seeking gold exposure without physical storage |
Several factors influence the white gold rate today and future price trends.
1. Global Gold Prices
Gold remains the largest contributor to white gold value. According to the World Gold Council, purchases of gold by central banks exceeded 1,000 tonnes per year for three consecutive years, helping maintain gold prices around the globe.
2. Gold Purity
18K white gold is usually priced higher than 14K white gold because it contains a higher proportion of pure gold.
3. Rhodium Pricing
Rhodium is considered one of the costliest precious metals. Changes in rhodium prices can affect the prices of white gold jewellery.
4. Currencies Movements
Gold prices may be influenced by the following factors:
Wedding periods, festive seasons, and luxury buying trends may increase the prices of white gold jewellery.
Making Charges
The making charge will be higher for designer jewellery and branded collections.
White gold is primarily bought as jewellery rather than as a pure investment asset. While it does contain gold and may retain some intrinsic metal value, the resale value of white gold jewellery may not fully reflect the total amount you originally paid.
That is because the purchase price of white gold jewellery often includes components such as:
These costs may not always be recovered when the jewellery is resold, especially if the buyer values it mainly for its gold content rather than its design.
If you are buying gold mainly for jewellery and occasional value preservation, white gold can still make sense. But if your priority is investment returns, liquidity and portfolio allocation, it may be worth exploring gold-linked alternatives such as digital gold, gold ETFs or other market-linked opportunities available on Grip Invest, depending on your risk appetite, time horizon and overall financial goals.
White gold combines the value of gold with enhanced durability and a modern appearance, making it a popular choice for jewellery buyers. While its price is primarily influenced by gold rates, factors such as purity, rhodium plating, craftsmanship, and making charges also play an important role in determining the final cost. Understanding these factors can help you make a more informed purchase and better evaluate the value of white gold jewellery.
If your goal is to buy jewellery for personal use, white gold can be a worthwhile option. However, if you are looking to invest in gold for long term wealth creation, it is worth comparing other investment avenues that may offer better liquidity, lower costs, and greater portfolio flexibility.
Explore Grip Invest to learn about investment opportunities across bonds, fixed income products, and other market linked assets that can help you build a diversified investment portfolio.
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Author: Grip Invest Editorial Team The Grip Invest Editorial Team is a group of Chartered Accountants, MBA (Finance) graduates, and Qualified Research Analysts dedicated to helping you invest smarter. We dive deep into India's fixed income landscape to deliver content that is accurate, up-to-date, and easy to understand. Whether you're exploring bonds, fixed deposits, or other fixed income opportunities, our guides cut through the noise and give you the clarity to make better financial decisions. |
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