Can white gold change its hue?
While white gold starts out looking bright and silvery, it may not stay pure white forever. Over time, you might notice your jewelry adopting a slight yellow tint. This change isn’t a sign of poor quality; it’s a natural effect of the metal’s wear and tear.
What Causes White Gold to Turn Yellow?
White gold is created by blending yellow gold with white metals like palladium, nickel, or silver to give it a silvery look. It's often coated with rhodium to enhance its bright white shine. However, over time, the rhodium layer can wear off, revealing the yellowish color of the natural gold underneath. Several factors can speed up this process:
Daily Wear:
Frequent contact with your skin or other surfaces can gradually wear away the rhodium layer, exposing the yellow gold beneath.
Exposure to Chemicals:
Substances such as lotions, perfumes, or chlorinated water can cause the rhodium coating to degrade more quickly.
Skin pH:
The natural acidity of your skin can also contribute to the faster wearing away of the rhodium layer.
Aging:
With time, the rhodium will inevitably wear off, even without much exposure to harsh elements.
Metals That Don’t Change Color
If you prefer jewelry that doesn't need constant maintenance and retains its color, consider these metals:
Platinum: Naturally white and maintains its appearance without the need for plating.
Palladium: Also naturally white and durable.
Titanium: Strong and resistant to tarnishing, making it a great option.
Platinum vs. White Gold: Which is Better?
When deciding between platinum and white gold, there are several factors to consider:
Appearance and Maintenance:
Platinum: The natural silvery-white shine remains over time and doesn’t require rhodium plating. This makes it low-maintenance and ideal for those who want jewelry that stays consistent in appearance without much upkeep.
White Gold: Initially plated with rhodium for a bright white finish, this coating can wear off, revealing the yellow gold underneath. Re-plating every few years is necessary to maintain its white appearance, adding to its lifetime cost.
Durability:
Platinum: More durable and less likely to scratch or bend due to its density. It can develop a patina, which many people find appealing, although it can be polished back to its original shine if desired.
White Gold: While strong, it's softer than platinum and more prone to scratches. It’s often alloyed with metals like nickel or palladium to increase strength, but it may require more frequent repairs and maintenance.
Cost:
Platinum: More expensive due to its rarity and density. It's typically around 95% pure, requiring more metal for the same amount of jewelry compared to white gold.
White Gold: More affordable than platinum but requires ongoing maintenance, such as rhodium plating and occasional repairs. It’s made with less pure gold (usually 75% or 18 karats), contributing to its lower cost.
How to Restore White Gold’s Shine
If your white gold jewelry starts to lose its shine, here are a few ways to bring it back to life:
Re-Rhodium Plating: A jeweler can apply a fresh rhodium layer, restoring the bright white finish. This is typically needed every 1-2 years based on wear.
Polishing: Professional cleaning can remove dirt or buildup that causes dullness.
Proper Storage: Store your jewelry in a soft pouch or lined box to avoid unnecessary damage.
Cost of Replating White Gold Jewelry
On average, replating a simple white gold ring will cost between $30 and $60. Larger or more intricate pieces may cost more, potentially reaching up to $100 or more.
Investing in regular maintenance, like rhodium replating, helps preserve the beauty and longevity of your white gold jewelry, ensuring it looks as stunning as the day you bought it.
