What is white gold

What is white gold - price, hallmarks, products, care, how to distinguish it from silver and platinum

From this article you can get clear and reliable information about this metal, its differences from silver and platinum.

Unlike platinum, white gold is not a pure expensive element, but an alloy of this noble metal with a ligature, which gives the products an aristocratic snow-white color.

Often this precious material contains one or more of the following elements:

• zinc;
• silver is the most popular of alloy metals;
• palladium is a rare and expensive element;
• platinum – gives perfect whiteness, but significantly increases the cost of jewelry;
• nickel - gives the product a yellow tint and allergies of some of their owners.

Often such products are plated with rhodium, which belongs to the platinum group of metals and costs more than pure gold.

Rhodium plating gives the product useful qualities:

• resistance to scratching and deformation;
• reducing the harmful effects of natural and chemical factors;
• in jewelry with nickel, a barrier layer is created that protects against allergic reactions.

Markings

The following samples of this metal exist.

375 sample has the following composition:

• 37.5% gold;
• 62.5% alloy, which most often contains silver, zinc or nickel.

Advantages:

• relatively low cost;
• high strength.

Flaws:

• low content of pure precious metal;
• frequent allergic reactions caused by nickel (it is most often used in 375 standard).

585 sample, contains:

• 58.5% gold;
• 41.5% alloy elements (silver, copper, palladium and platinum).

Advantages:

• high and durable luster and brightness;
• good strength;
• optimal content of noble metal;
• excellent price-quality ratio.

Disadvantages: relatively low content of pure precious element.

750 sample, consists of:

• 75% gold;
• 25% silver, palladium or platinum.

Advantages:

• prestige;
• high artistic value.

Flaws:

• softness and plasticity;
• requires special care and storage;
• vulnerability to external influences.

Applications of white gold

The most widespread use of this metal is in jewelry. It makes excellent rings (including wedding rings), bracelets, brooches and pins, earrings and many other types of jewelry.

This type of precious metal has become very popular, it has been chosen by most designers since the twentieth century, there are several reasons for this:

• this material perfectly highlights precious stones, especially diamonds;
• goes well with other gold colors, especially black (the latest in fashion);
• products made from this metal are universal, they suit any outfit.

This is also a good option for investing monetary resources, because the cost of gold is growing every year.

In certain circles, it is believed that gold items have healing properties, calm and give confidence to their owners.

Prices

The cost of products made from this material depends on:

• processing difficulties;
• markings;
• brand awareness;
• age of decoration;
• presence and type of precious stones;
• from the country in which the jewelry is purchased;
• places of purchase (pawn shops lower prices, antique shops raise prices).

On average, one gram of this noble metal costs from 80 to 150 dollars.

How to distinguish white gold from silver

Visually, these metals are difficult to distinguish from each other, but you should know some features of white gold:

• Non-rhodium has a more golden hue compared to silver;
• Products are harder than silver;
• Not afraid of acids and alkalis (immerse the jewelry in a glass of vinegar, the transparency of the vinegar and the unchanged appearance of the product will be evidence of authenticity. Or drop iodine on it, gold will not react to it in any way);
• Check the 925 hallmark - this is the designation of silver products; 375, 585 and 750 hallmarks are typical for white gold;
• The hallmarks for these metals are of different shapes (gold has it in the form of a spatula, and silver has it in the shape of a barrel);
• Silver also leaves a noticeable mark on white paper when rubbed.

How to distinguish white gold from platinum

These noble metals can be distinguished by the following characteristics:

• white gold gains yellowness over time, but does not tarnish, but with platinum the opposite is true;
• platinum is heavier and stronger;
• samples of platinum 850, 900, 950, gold - 375, 585, 750;
• The shape of the assay seal for gold is in the form of a spatula, for platinum it is an oblong octagon.

To avoid troubles with the authenticity of the purchase, it is better to make it in an official store and keep the receipt for a long time.

But if you have any doubts about the composition of the jewelry, it is recommended to contact a specialist who will help you accurately determine the material of the product.

Advantages and disadvantages

This noble metal compares favorably with other non-ferrous gold and silver because it has a number of positive features:

• Prestige – This noble metal is highly valued by jewelry connoisseurs as well as jewelers;
• The cost is much lower compared to platinum (products made from these materials are visually little different);
• Relatively high strength - second only to platinum jewelry;
• Wide artistic choice - often all famous jewelry houses use only white gold;
• Versatility in the selection of matching outfits (suitable for both evening outings and home gatherings);
• Resistance to aggressive compounds (it does not turn black, like silver, for example).

But along with the advantages, it is worth noting several disadvantages:

• Allergic reactions - in our country, nickel is often added to the ligature, which causes allergies in every eighth owner of white gold;
• Erasing the rhodium plating.

Caring for white gold jewelry

Over time, jewelry made from this noble metal loses its original appearance, this is due to:

• intensity of wear;
• improper care;
• untimely cleaning.

Basic rules of care:

• periodic simple cleaning of the product (a couple of times a month);
• use of non-aggressive cleaning products;
• renewal of the rhodium layer once every six months;
• timely check of the strength of fastening of stones.

You can regularly care for white gold items at home yourself.

To do this you need to prepare:

• glass of water;
• plain soap;
• ammonia;
• soft piece of fabric.

Next comes the cleaning process itself:

• you need to make a soap solution;
• add a few drops of ammonia to it;
• place the product in a glass for fifteen minutes;
• drain the water;
• wipe the jewelry with a cloth.

There is another way, you need to have it in the house:

• soda;
• metal container;
• two pieces of fabric.

Next, the following actions are performed:

• a metal vessel is covered with fabric folded in a couple of layers;
• pour water and add a few teaspoons of soda;
• the contents are brought to a boil;
• the products are placed and boiled for five to ten minutes;
• take out, rinse and wipe with soft textiles.

To restore the shine of jewelry made from this metal you will need:

• 250 ml. water;
• 2 tablespoons sugar;
• glass container.

Next, you need to place the products in the resulting solution for twelve hours, then rinse and wipe with a cloth.

If desired, you can entrust the jewelry cleaning procedure to a master who will do it professionally and with a guarantee.

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Source: https://vashkamen.com/metall/beloe-zoloto.html

What is 585 white gold

White gold is one of the most sought-after and popular metals in jewelry production, and this is not surprising: white gold is impeccable from an aesthetic point of view and has good strength and durability characteristics. But what is white gold? A separate type of noble metal or a unique alloy? We will talk about this and much more in detail in this article.

White gold ring

In Russia, white gold became popular quite recently - during the years of perestroika, while in Europe, jewelry made from this magnificent metal came into fashion at the dawn of the 20th century. Aristocrats preferred to wear jewelry made from this unique alloy (white gold is not a natural jewelry material), who considered ordinary gold ignoble and ugly.

In terms of density and external characteristics, white gold is not inferior to the king of precious metals - platinum, but is much cheaper, and in addition, jewelers value this alloy for its flexibility and ease of working with metal in the process of making the most complex jewelry masterpieces.

Ring with stones

What metals are most often included in the white gold alloy? And how does the addition of a particular metal affect the composition of the final alloy?

A few words about the composition of the most popular jewelry alloy.

Most often, the white gold alloy includes the following metals:

• zinc;
• palladium;
• nickel;
• platinum;
• silver.

The percentage of added metals in the composition depends on many factors, including what the final sample of the manufactured alloy will be. Platinum gives the final product ideal whiteness and density - gold acquires a beautiful white tint and extraordinary strength, but at the same time the price per gram of the finished gold alloy increases sharply, because platinum itself is not a cheap material.

Ring with topaz

Most often, manufacturers make white gold alloy with the addition of less expensive materials, adding nickel, silver, and zinc to its composition. Palladium is used a little less frequently - a rare and therefore expensive metal - in this case, the price per gram of the alloy will also differ significantly from the price of a gram of white precious metal smelted with the addition of cheaper materials.

The use of nickel in the final product will require the manufacturer to undergo an additional rhodium plating procedure because nickel imparts a yellowish tint to gold.

By the way, people prone to allergic reactions should refrain from purchasing jewelry containing nickel. Nickel can cause various types of allergic irritations and therefore is practically not used by European jewelers.

Combinations of the precious metal with palladium, silver and platinum received the most positive reviews from consumers.

Gold jewelry made from various combinations of gold and metals can be seen in the photo.

What are the hallmarks of white gold alloy?

This gold alloy has the same hallmarks as other alloys. The most common are 585 and 750 samples, as they are the most popular for jewelry. The composition of 14k white gold can also contain a variety of additional metals, and its final cost will depend on this.

What is the market value of one gram of light gold compound?

The price per gram of this type of gold in finished jewelry will depend on several factors, which include: bank quotes for gold, complexity of the work, price per gram of the finished composition of the manufacturer, promotion of the jewelry brand. And, of course, from the markup set on the product by the store itself.

Diamonds and white gold – the most beautiful jewelry tandem

Most modern jewelry stores offer consumers diamond jewelry made from light gold composition. What is the reason for this trend in jewelry?

According to reviews from professional craftsmen, this particular type of gold material is ideal for framing precious and semi-precious stones, since due to its increased strength and hardness it is a good base for setting the stone. In the case of diamonds, the light gold composition enhances the natural radiance of the stones, multiplies their splendor and allows you to create products of rare beauty.

Advantages of this gold alloy over others

A clear advantage of this composition is its increased strength: it is almost impossible to scratch jewelry made of white alloy, they do not fade for a long time and do not lose their visual appeal.

How not to confuse the alloy of gold precious metal with silver?

Unfortunately, recently there has been an increase in negative reviews on the Internet that some unscrupulous sellers are trying to sell consumers, instead of jewelry made from light and expensive precious metals, ordinary silver, which is many times cheaper, and thereby profit from the jewelry illiteracy of the majority. How to avoid getting into such an unpleasant situation and learn to distinguish between these two different metals?

Silver is not a very flexible metal, so the creation of thin and openwork jewelry from silver is very rare. Most often, rings, bracelets and earrings made of this precious metal are much more massive than gold.

Silver darkens and tarnishes over time. Moreover, the oxidation process of silver occurs many times faster than that of gold.

When buying a piece of jewelry, carefully study the hallmarks and marks on it. Silver has its own hallmarks and designations, which you can read about on the Internet. Even the shape of the sample differs - on silver products it always has a shape that resembles a small barrel.

The most effective way to distinguish a fake is to conduct an analysis. Elite stores and pawnshops always have their own laboratory, in which performing an analysis of the test is a matter of a few minutes. Authenticity analysis is performed using a special acid. Before the actual procedure, the laboratory technician must warn you that the acid may leave marks on the product that cannot be removed in the future.

Source: http://zolotoigid.ru/beloe-zoloto-585-proby

White gold: what is it, what is the alloy composition and how is it made?

A new unusual product appeared during the years of perestroika in domestic jewelry stores - white gold. It fascinated with its unusualness, mysterious brilliance and quickly gained fans. Some considered it platinum, others improved silver. What is it and how to distinguish white gold from other metals?

Composition and properties

What is called white gold is an alloy of traditional yellow gold with other metals. Such additives are called ligatures. They paint the base metal white. White gold is classified as noble if it contains platinum or palladium, and as usual - with impurities of zinc, nickel, and silver.

It is often stated that white gold is the second name for platinum. However, platinum is an independent chemical element, and white gold is a jewelry alloy. Platinum is found in its composition, but rarely, since even a small amount of it increases the cost of the product many times over. But the alloy of gold and platinum will have a noble hue and high strength.

The difference between the usual yellow gold and white gold is in the ligatures. Yellow gold contains silver and copper, while white gold contains nickel or palladium instead of copper.

The more silver, the less shiny the alloy, the more matte. An admixture of nickel is recognized by its dull luster. It, together with palladium, adds a subtle yellowness.

To obtain a flawlessly pure white shade, the product is coated with rhodium – this is a silver-white noble metal of the platinum group, which is more expensive than gold. Jewelry with such a “shield” is not afraid of scratches, abrasion, and other deformations.

Ambiguous situation with jewelry nickel. It is irreplaceable due to its great hardness and excellent polishability. Therefore, it is used in jewelry with intricate designs or very thin, delicate items. Even palladium could not replace it.

But nickel imparts a slight yellowness to the alloy and causes allergies in some people. Every eighth inhabitant of the planet has an individual intolerance to nickel (most often in the form of skin dermatitis). Therefore, in Europe, the alloy white gold plus nickel is used in jewelry or coins to a limited extent. Sometimes the alloy with nickel is coated with a protective layer of rhodium, and on occasion it is replaced with palladium.

How to distinguish white gold from other metals?

White gold competes well with traditional yellow. It became popular in Europe at the beginning of the twentieth century, replacing expensive platinum. Russians appreciated it in the late 80s - early 90s of the last century.

Just as white, called universal, goes with all colors, white gold looks sophisticated with stones or metals of any shade. If yellow metal is more in harmony with dark skin and is more appropriate in festive or evening wear, then white has no such restrictions: it suits everyone, everywhere and always. Ideally combined with diamonds and black pearls, it looks discreet in outfits, but elegant and expensive.

White gold samples do not differ in numbers from ordinary ones. The most popular are 585 and 750. The lower the standard, that is, the less noble soft metal, the stronger the product.

Therefore, for wedding rings worn constantly, 375 or 500 are used. Most often, affordable nickel, silver, and zinc are added to such white gold. Less commonly, it is palladium, a rare and expensive metal.

From 750, an alloy of gold and platinum, masterpieces of jewelry are created, intended more for aesthetic pleasure. They do not darken, do not rust and are always relevant. White gold is popular among jewelers because it is cheaper than platinum, but just as noble in appearance. It is more flexible and allows you to implement the most incredible designs of designers.

White gold can easily be confused with silver, so many people are wondering how to tell the difference. It is harder than silver and shines brighter. But if both samples are not in front of your eyes at once, it is almost impossible for an ordinary person to determine this. Therefore, first of all, we look at the standard: silver is almost always 925, gold is 585 or 750.

A few more ways to identify white gold:

1. Buy a lapis pencil at the pharmacy and draw a line with it: there will be no traces left on gold moistened with water.
2. Run test samples on clean paper: the trace will remain only of silver.
3. Drop some iodine and then wipe it off: the gold will be pure.
4. Place in vinegar (not essence): only the silver will darken.
5. If the jewelry is purchased in a reputable store, the authenticity is checked on the spot: such establishments are usually equipped with everything necessary.
6. You can take the jewelry to the state Assay Supervision Inspectorate.

How to care for white gold?

White gold jewelry is plated with rhodium. Thanks to this, they shine and have a noble silver tint. Rhodium protects the alloy containing silver from oxidation and darkening. Despite the fact that such electroplating itself is quite durable, over time it wears out and the main golden metal comes to the surface. This kind of trouble happens for several reasons:

1. It is worn constantly without taking it off, and sweat gradually corrodes the rhodium layer.
2. The rhodium layer imperceptibly, over time, becomes thinner simply from friction against the body (usually it lasts about five years).
3. The decoration breaks, becomes deformed, or experiences other mechanical damage.
4. Jewelry was cleaned with inappropriate substances.

Can yellowed white gold be restored? Yes. Yellowness is an inevitable cosmetic defect. But you cannot sand, polish or try to repair the jewelry yourself, because you can erase the protective layer. It is better to take the jewelry to a jeweler who will restore the rhodium plating.

White gold, just like regular gold, can turn black. Superstitious people immediately say: damage or illness. In fact, everything is simpler.

Gold in jewelry is not 100% pure (its amount is shown by the sample). The lower it is, the more impurities there are, and it is they that turn black. Darkening means that the metals that make up the alloy have begun to oxidize under the influence of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and moisture.

If the jewelry is worn without taking it off, this process may begin due to contact with sweat. In such cases, the skin under the jewelry also turns black.

Therefore, during sports training, physical or emotional stress that causes profuse sweating, it is better to remove jewelry. Even low-quality cosmetics containing mercury can damage the gold alloy.

How to check its availability? A sign will be not only darkening of the metal, but also irritation on the skin. In this case, it will most likely not be possible to restore the original color.

White gold, due to the specific composition, requires not only proper wearing, but also careful care. It does not tolerate physical impact and aggressive chemical environments. Even simple tap water is harmful to it due to its chlorine content. Therefore, it is better to remove jewelry in the shower, swimming pool, while doing housework, even washing dishes. They also need to be protected from close contact with others with metals.

If possible, take dirty jewelry to a jeweler for cleaning. Especially if they have stones or are damaged (broken hooks, clasps). If you are determined to test gold at home, there are a few things to consider. You can use ammonia or substances containing it, but do not leave them on the metal for a long time - the coating may be damaged. Do not use soda, concentrated acids or substances containing them, toothpaste, or strong vinegar.

In any case, white gold is worthy of respect and care. Noble metal will make the owner or owner happier, increase their self-esteem, and give them a feeling of being chosen.

If you properly care for white gold jewelry, it will delight its owners for a long time with its brilliance and beauty.

Source: https://gems-and-jewels.ru/beloe-zoloto.html

What is white gold? | CITY GOLD Magazine

Have you always thought that gold only comes in yellow and its shades? And then you suddenly heard about gold, which is called white. And in order not to seem like an ignorant person, you quickly decided to turn to search engines.

If you recognize yourself in these lines, then you have definitely come to the right address. In this article you will learn what white gold is, how there are hallmarks of white gold, what its advantages are and how not to confuse it with silver.

White gold is

When you heard this for the first time, the whole world had long turned on this precious metal; white gold is almost the most popular metal in jewelry. Durable and durable, its durability can be compared to a metal such as platinum, which is much cheaper in comparison.

Due to its properties, the white gold alloy has excellent flexibility and ease of manufacture of jewelry, for which it has received its recognition among jewelers around the world. The most common metals in the alloy are silver, platinum, nickel, zinc and palladium.

White gold got its name due to its color; due to the addition of elements such as palladium or nickel to the silver alloy, the color of the product acquires dazzling silvery colors, which are usually called white. one or the other metal depends on the sample of the alloy being manufactured, more on this later.

White gold samples

White gold has exactly the same standards as regular gold, the most popular, like regular gold, are 585 and 750 samples. The price of each alloy also depends on the different metal added, pay attention when purchasing jewelry.

Benefits of white gold

The main advantages of this metal are, of course, its irresistible appearance, which can surprise even a sophisticated lover of gold products, as well as its high strength.

Due to their durability, white gold items remain pristine for a long time, are very difficult to scratch, and have a low tendency to tarnish. So if you are looking for a truly durable piece, white gold is a good choice.