Gold in its natural state is yellow. In order for white gold to appear white in colour, gold must be mixed (also known as alloyed) with a white metal(s) like nickel, palladium or silver which makes white gold a light grey colour. To give white gold its sought after sheen, it is then rhodium plated.
Typically, white gold is made of pure gold that has been mixed with nickel, silver, or palladium. When pure gold, which is yellow in color, is mixed with these white metals, it looks much more white.
White gold is achieved by blending 24kt gold (75%) and other white metals (25%), also known as alloys, like nickel, palladium or silver. These alloys makes white gold a light grey color. Even with the added metal alloys, white gold isn't white at all, but a light grey color.
Technically yes, it can be done but it is all a question of scale. Large gold refining companies do this on a daily basis. They are able to melt the gold at extremely high temperatures (around 1064°C) & then separate the pure gold from the other metals used to strengthen it using nitric acid.
Is yellow gold more expensive than white gold? Generally, the answer is no. More often than not, yellow gold and white gold with the same amount of pure gold will cost the exact same. If they're not, it's actually more likely that white gold will be more expensive due to its rhodium plating.
There is no price value difference between the actual gold in white and yellow gold jewellery, as long as it is hallmarked at the same carat weight.
Since white gold is a mixture of durable metals, it is much lower in price and more affordable than platinum." However, it's not all about up-front costs. While white gold may be more affordable to buy at first, keep in mind that it needs to be replated every five to 10 years to keep its color.
A knowledgeable jeweler can take your existing yellow gold ring and have it coated with rhodium, also called plating, so it looks like white gold. There are some drawbacks to doing this, however. Rhodium plating: May not thoroughly cover intricate or ornate designs, leaving some yellow showing.
For the most part, the two metals will be priced equally based on the same presence of pure gold. That means that 14k white gold will be comparable in cost to 14k yellow gold. In some instances, a jeweler may charge slightly more for white gold since it has the addition of rhodium plating.
How much does rhodium plating cost ? Typically the cost for rhodium plating can range from $60 – $120 for a fine engagement ring. The price may vary depending on the quality of the rhodium solution, the skill of the jeweller, turnaround time, and the finished effect.
White gold jewellery can become scratched, especially when worn on a daily basis. White gold's rhodium plating will wear away over time. You'll need to have it re-plated (called rhodium plating) to keep its 'white' colour however, this is a simple process.
When you see a yellowish tint in your white gold jewelry, it's not because of poor quality. Instead, you see the inner layer of gold alloy under the rhodium plating. Because rhodium is applied in such a thin layer, usually only a few microns thick, it can wear off over time.
White gold is usually an alloy containing about 75% gold and about 25% nickel and zinc. If stamped 18 karat, it would be 75% pure gold.
A common misconception is that rhodium plating only needs to be done once and is permanent. As it is a metal, like any other metal used in jewellery, it is susceptible to wear and tear through exposure. So most white gold pieces on average will need to be rhodium plated every 12-18 months.
Fortunately, applying a fresh coating of rhodium to your jewelry is something that most jewelers can do for you. The process is quick, taking around 90 minutes to complete.
Because of its purity, 18k gold is also one of the most expensive types of gold available. If you're trying to buy jewelry on a budget, this isn't a realistic option.
In the United States, gold is often alloyed with metals such as silver, copper, and zinc to strengthen it and make it more durable. These alloys can give the gold a more white or pale yellow appearance. However, in India, gold is often alloyed with copper and silver, which can give the gold a more yellow appearance.
Rose gold is an alloy made from a combination of pure gold and copper. The blend of the two metals changes the color of the final product and its karat. For example, the most common alloy of rose gold is 75 percent pure gold to 25 percent copper, which makes 18k rose gold.
At a retail store, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $120 to have your ring dipped, depending on the complexity of the setting and style.
It's normal for white gold to fade and sometimes yellow. Most white gold rings are flash plated with a very thin coating of rhodium (a pure white metal) to give them a more brilliant, pure white appearance. This rhodium plating will wear off over time and reveal the white gold ring underneath.
The gold quality is determined by the amount of pure gold in the piece. While white gold may seem like a cheaper option for the same look, it is actually a less strong metal than platinum. Platinum will scratch easier as it is a movable metal, but Platinum is stronger against breakage.
Since white gold features rhodium plating to lend it greater durability, the rhodium plating will add greater value. However, its value will decrease if the rhodium plating is in poor condition, as it does tend to wear down over time.
It is a white metal that is much more affordable than platinum and palladium. It is significantly more durable and scratch resistant than platinum and sterling silver, due to the lower gold content. It is an excellent choice for those who are in search of a bargain but who still want a beautiful piece of jewelry.
Unlike other precious metals, white gold doesn't tarnish. That said, its color can fade thanks to the habitual weathering that rubs away its rhodium coating. In this blog, we'll look at why this happens and some easy steps you can take to keep your white gold pieces shining.