White Gold Jewellery

White gold jewellery refers to gold jewellery that is combined with other metals to change the gold to an elegant, cooler and pale white gold. To get this white gold, different metals are mixed and this white gold is made of 21k gold or 18k, 14k and 8k gold. Ordinarily in an 18k white gold item around 75% gold is mixed with 25% of other material. White gold jewellery can be obtained in different colours and this is achieved by mixing platinum or silver with the gold. This mixing is done in varying amounts to get these different shades. White gold was first developed in the 1920's so that it could substitute platinum which was more expensive.

Metals used in white gold

The price of white gold jewellery depends on the metals that are used to make the white gold. Platinum cannot be easily used in making white gold because the melting point of platinum is quite high. On the other hand, alloyed white gold can be used to create white gold jewellery and expensive stones such as diamonds can be beautifully set in such a piece of jewellery. The expensive stones can be securely held in such a setting. Expensive white gold can be developed by alloying it along with metals such as silver, palladium, copper and even platinum. Such a combination can create brilliant white gold jewellery pieces and this jewellery does not need to be plated with rhodium.

Traditional white gold jewellery on the other hand is less expensive as it has a mix of gold along with nickel, copper and zinc. For this jewellery, a coating of rhodium is also added so that the off white colour appears white. This kind of jewellery ordinarily needs re-plating with rhodium so that the white colour is maintained. As the rhodium wears off, the colour of this jewellery may turn yellow. Knowledge of metals used in the white gold jewellery is essential so that you can determine whether the item is correctly priced. Likewise, it is advisable to know the metals used in the jewellery, particularly if you are allergic to any metals such as zinc or rhodium.

Popular white gold jewellery items

White gold jewellery items are created depending on the kind of material used. For e.g.: Where nickel is used, the resultant material becomes quite hard and strong which means it can be used for jewellery items like pins and rings. White gold rings are particularly popular because they look extremely beautiful and sophisticated and are ideal for a symbol of commitment of the marital vows. Since white gold is durable, it is the popular choice of metal as far as shopping for wedding rings and bands are concerned. When palladium is used, the resultant white alloy is relatively softer and much more flexible which means it can be used for the setting of diamonds and other gemstones. A delicate white gold jewellery necklace with intricate design and encrusted with precious and semi precious stones can look really beautiful.

Gorgeous white gold jewellery wedding bands and bracelets are also quite popular. In fact white gold jewellery is particularly popular for weddings. Many people choose to get engagement rings and eternity rings made from white gold. These jewellery items have a kind of universal appeal. White gold jewellery has an extremely stylish and sophisticated feel to it which means even professionals can wear white gold items on a daily basis. A beautifully designed pendant with a lovely solitaire and earrings in white gold to match the ensemble can look extremely elegant. The popularity of this jewellery is because the cool white colour compliments the skin tones beautifully well and it also looks very contemporary.

White gold jewellery also has a certain brand or class associated with it. Owning these jewellery items can give you a sense of pride. White gold jewellery items like studs, chandeliers, hoops, dangles and droplets can match any wardrobe item and every event.

White gold jewellery can be chosen based on the kind of clothing you wear. There are plenty of styles and designs from which you can choose your desired jewellery items. In case you decide to buy white gold items with diamonds then the price will also depend on the diamond cut and clarity. More and more women want to veer away from the traditional jewellery choices and white gold jewellery has become popular because of its modernistic look, simplicity and the timeless elegance it offers.

Caring for white gold jewellery

Most white gold jewellery is coated with rhodium which gives it the white colour. However the rhodium plating tends to wear away with time and so re-plating of the jewellery is required to be done around every 12 months or so.

Re-plating of white gold jewellery items can be easily done and is relatively inexpensive. The amount of time required for the re-plating will depend on the extent of rhodium present in the jewellery item and also how harshly the item was treated.

To keep your white gold jewellery clean you can soak it in some warm water solution mixed with detergent free soap. Scrub the jewellery item gently with a brush that has soft bristles. While storing your jewellery keep each individual piece separately in a soft cloth pouch. This will protect it from brushing against other items of jewellery.

Buying white gold jewellery

There are plenty of websites offering white gold jewellery. Before buying the jewellery caratage should be checked. Caratage is the amount of real gold in the jewellery piece and the carat mark along with the jeweler’s hallmark is engraved on the jewellery item. However you should take special care and exercise great caution when buying online to make sure you are getting a genuine item as consumers have often been burnt when buying jewellery online as it is not physically seen before purchasing.

White gold jewellery is less expensive and which can allow you to invest more money in getting gemstones and better quality diamonds in case you want your jewellery encrusted or studded with gemstones and diamonds. Compared to platinum and some other expensive metals, white gold is relatively cheaper. You can also gift white gold items to your loved ones on special occasions.