White gold earrings

White gold earrings: a contemporary clarity nestled in the ear

White doesn't shout, it defines. A pair of white gold earrings frames the face with a clarity sought after by women who appreciate understated jewelry. At Castafiore, we collect vintage and pre-owned pieces whose craftsmanship is impeccable: clean settings, secure fastenings, and carefully considered proportions. Luminous studs that rest on the ear, delicate or more substantial hoops, and architecturally designed drops: each pair has its own story and joins our collection for its timeless appeal. 18-karat white gold, often rhodium-plated, offers a cool, graphic finish that highlights diamonds. On certain pieces, it is combined with mother-of-pearl, sapphire, or baguette-cut stones for a more couture look.

The choice of metal is never insignificant. White gold accentuates the whiteness of diamonds and highlights the cut of the stone. On a stud, a brilliant-cut diamond concentrates the sparkle and remains easy to wear every day. On a hoop earring, a regular pavé setting of small diamonds creates a continuous line of light. On a drop earring, white gold plays it discreet and allows the design to unfold. Each listed pair specifies the metal, carat weight, dimensions, and price so you can easily compare several models from the collection.

A word about the symbolism. White gold has established itself as the metal of modern promises. Its clarity speaks of fidelity and precision. Giving white gold earrings is a way of saying "I love you" with restraint and poise.

On diamond studs, the purity of the metal highlights the cut and carat weight. On pavé hoops, it's perfect for a celebration. On delicate drop earrings, it marks a special occasion. White gold coordinates naturally with platinum wedding bands and white gold rings, and it complements both fair and golden skin tones. It's a sure choice for a declaration of love, a birth, or an anniversary, with a price clearly indicated based on the weight of the metal and the quality of the stones.

Understanding white gold: alloy, carats, rhodium plating… and choosing the right diamond

18-karat white gold is an alloy of gold and white metals. To even out the color and protect the surface, most pieces of jewelry are rhodium-plated, a thin layer of rhodium that enhances the white effect. Over time, this plating can wear off; occasional re-rhodium plating restores the piece to its original appearance. This technique explains the difference in appearance compared to rhodium-plated silver, which is softer, and steel, which is grayer. Knowing what you're wearing is already a step towards choosing quality.

When it comes to gemstones, a diamond earring is defined by its carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. The carat indicates the weight; in stud earrings, symmetry is achieved through two well-matched diamonds. The brilliant cut, very common, offers a vibrant effect, while the baguette or emerald cut creates a calmer light, ideal in white gold. A color close to colorless harmonizes perfectly with this metal; slightly ivory shades complement a rose gold setting if the piece is two-tone. Clarity reflects the presence of inclusions: near the face, a clean stone provides a clear image. We specify these criteria, including carat weight, on each product page and display a price consistent with the metal, craftsmanship, and era.

Finally, a word to distinguish between diamond and cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia offers immediate brilliance at an affordable price, but it lacks the hardness and durability of a diamond. In our selection, the term "diamond" signifies a controlled natural stone, cut to last, and incorporated into jewelry designed for the long term.

Styles and eras: flea earrings, hoop earrings, white gold drop earrings, from the Belle Époque to today

White gold was a staple throughout much of 20th-century jewelry. During the Belle Époque, it was used in airy pendants where small rose-cut diamonds sometimes mingled with fine pearls. Art Deco favored architectural forms: bars, chevrons, lozenges, and contrasting onyx and diamonds on white gold or platinum settings. The 1950s reinvented femininity with pavé-set bouquets, twisted ribbons, and voluminous clips. The 1970s and 80s introduced wider hoop earrings, snow settings, and minimalist silhouettes that white gold rendered more graphic.

It is along this path that one encounters motifs that have become rare and sought after: eight-pointed stars set with diamonds, stylized knots, geometric flowers, hoop earrings with invisible hinges, and "negligee" drop earrings where two unequal lines end with a stone. These pieces define an outfit and engage in a dialogue with contemporary pieces without being imitative. They are perfect for those who wish to wear a subtle nod to specific eras and create less conventional looks.

In our collection, you will also find more recent models in white gold where the diamond coexists with the blue sapphire, the white topaz or a line of modern pearls, when balance justifies it.

Choosing your white gold earrings at Castafiore: use, proportions, price, care

Start with how they're worn. White gold studs are suitable for any occasion: they make a subtle statement and adapt to the rhythm of everyday life. Hoop earrings are perfect for both the office and evening; a pavé setting of small diamonds subtly frames the face without adding bulk. Drop earrings add structure to an evening look, complementing a mandarin collar, a chignon, or a tailored garment. Next, consider proportions. Stud diameter, hoop width, drop length, setting height: it's the harmony between these dimensions and your features that defines elegance. We provide detailed information for each style so you can compare several pairs based on your preferences.

The same rigorous standards apply to our expertise. Before an item is added to our collection, we check the hallmarks, the condition of the settings, clasps, hinge pins, and posts. We indicate the origin when documented, the size and carat weight of the stones, and then we display a carefully considered price. You are buying a piece of fine jewelry, not just an accessory. For daily care, gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and drying with a microfiber cloth is sufficient. Avoid spraying perfumes or hairspray directly onto the clasps; regular checks of the settings prolong the life of the piece. If the rhodium plating on white gold wears off over the years, we can advise you on having it re-plated by a qualified workshop.

Our role is simple: to offer you a discerning collection where white gold enhances diamonds and precious stones, where every earring lives up to its promise, whether stud, hoop, or drop. This selection prioritizes both visible and hidden quality—the quality of the mechanisms and construction—so that the piece gains in practical value and, often, in heritage value.