White gold is a popular choice for jewelry production. By reading this article you will discover everything you need to know about this precious metal: how it is made, what exactly it is and how it differs from yellow gold.
What is white gold?
White gold is an alloy of gold. It consists of pure gold mixed with other metals that have a silvery white color, such as silver or palladium. In the manufacture of all gold jewelry, the former is used in combination with the latter to make it more sturdy. In its natural state, pure gold is very soft and malleable. Without the harder metals that give gold strength and stiffness, jewelry would become misshapen. In addition, these additional metals are also used to give white gold its characteristic color.
Why is white gold plated with rhodium?
White gold is not only an alloy of pure gold and other metals, it is also plated with rhodium, which is in the same metal family as platinum. Rhodium adds strength and durability and, most importantly, gives a special shine to the jewelry, making it the ideal coating choice.
Over time, the rhodium layer wears away, revealing the layer of yellow gold underneath. This is completely normal, as most white gold jewelry eventually takes on a yellowish tint. Fortunately, Valmand offers you high-quality rhodium repair services at competitive prices, especially if the jewelry was purchased from us.
Is white gold really gold?
Yes, white gold is indeed real gold. Although it also contains an alloy of other metals, white gold consists of real, pure gold. The certificate of authenticity of the jewelry, together with the stamp, must confirm this. The amount of gold a piece of jewelry contains, whether it is white, yellow or pink gold, is measured in carats. 9K gold jewelry contains 37% pure gold, while 18K gold jewelry contains 75% pure gold, regardless of the gold color. The higher the number of carats, the greater the amount of pure gold involved.
White gold is popular in jewelry making and resembles platinum and silver. It is affordable and the neutral color makes it the perfect setting for all gemstones.
