An alloy of gold is called white gold. This indicates that it is composed of pure yellow gold mixed with alloy metals, such as palladium and silver, that have a silvery-white color.
Why does it contain alloy metals?
Pure gold must be combined with tougher metals in all gold jewelry to increase strength and durability. This is due to the fact that pure gold is a very soft metal by itself. Pure gold would easily bend out of shape without the harder alloy metals keeping it rigid, and that is bad for jewelry.
This is true whether the jewelry is made of yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold because the pure metal would be too soft in any of these variations.
Additionally, the silvery alloys in white gold contribute to the desired white color.
Why is rhodium used to coat it?
White gold jewelry is coated in a precious metal called rhodium in addition to the alloys that are combined with the pure gold. The same family of metals as platinum includes rhodium.
This makes it the perfect metal to coat and protect jewelry because it increases strength and durability and, more importantly, gives the surface a really lustrous white sheen.
What causes white gold to eventually take on a yellow hue?
Your white gold jewelry gradually loses its rhodium finish, exposing the yellow gold underneath.
Is this standard? Yes. All white gold jewelry eventually turns yellow over time. The pH of your skin and the household or personal care products the jewelry comes in contact with can both affect how quickly this occurs. Even the local environment, such as pollution levels, can affect how quickly the yellow gold starts to show through.
What can be done in this regard? Getting the jewelry periodically re-coated with rhodium will solve this issue quickly. The majority of jewelers make it simple to do this. An engagement ring can be restored for about $25.
White gold: Is it truly gold?
Yes. White gold is made from genuine, pure gold despite the addition of alloy metals. By examining the hallmark, you can determine whether the white gold jewelry you own is made of genuine gold.
In order to verify that jewelry contains the precise amount of the certified precious metal stated, all pieces weighing more than one gram in the UK must be hallmarked.
A hallmarking is a tiny symbol that is inked on a piece of jewelry’s interior to indicate that it has been certified and authenticated in accordance with The Government Assay Offices’ strict guidelines.
How do I determine the percentage of pure gold in my white gold jewelry?
The stones in full eternity rings are set in a continuous row around the band. They are consequently the most opulent and sparkling rings available. The diamonds in full eternity rings can catch on objects as you use your hands, so wearing one requires some caution. The amount of gold in any type of gold jewelry, including white, yellow, and rose gold, is expressed in “karats.”
The letter K is frequently used to represent karat. such as 9K or 18K gold.
Regardless of the gold color, all jewelry made of 9K gold contains 37.5 percent pure gold, while all jewelry made of 18K gold contains 75 percent pure gold. There is more gold present when the total karat weight is higher.
To sum up, there are the following benefits and drawbacks of white gold:
Advantages:
White gold is a lovely, priceless metal. It resembles both platinum and silver in appearance, but it costs less than platinum and is much more durable than silver.
For those who favor a white, silvery appearance over yellow gold, it is the ideal option.
All gemstones look their best in this setting because of its neutral color and durability. It has a lovely, timeless appearance that goes with any outfit and any occasion.
Disadvantages:
White gold will eventually require recoating to maintain its color because it is made from a combination of pure yellow gold and alloys and coated in rhodium.
Although most jewelers can perform this simple and reasonably priced procedure, you might need to go without your wedding or engagement ring for a few days while it is being done. It will eventually raise the price of your jewelry as a whole.
