White gold is an alloy which consists of the following proportions

• Gold/palladium alloy with 65–80% gold (Au), or
• Gold/nickel alloy with 33.3-75% gold (Au) and some copper (Cu), zinc (Zn)

See also The color range of 18 carat gold

White gold was developed in Pforzheim in the years 1912/13 as a cost-effective and hallmark capable platinum substitute for jewelry and introduced with commercial success under this name.