White gold: what kind of metal is it and what are its samples made of?
Today, white gold is one of the most commonly used materials among jewelers.
Its popularity is due to a number of reasons:
- it looks very attractive;
- has excellent performance characteristics;
- retains its original appearance much longer compared to ordinary gold.
This material became fashionable not too long ago - a little over a hundred years ago. He first came to Russia during the perestroika era, and immediately managed to gain wide popularity.
What is white gold?
Despite the fact that white gold is found almost everywhere today, not all people know what it is made from. To make it, ordinary gold is taken and combined in a molten state with palladium, nickel and platinum.
White gold in its pure form is a rather soft metal, subject to severe deformation, and it is also easy to scratch. Due to its physical characteristics, it is impossible to use it in its pure form.
If you compare white gold with platinum, its cost will be significantly lower. In addition, jewelers are very fond of this material due to its basic properties. The flexibility and pliability of the material make it possible to create very attractive jewelry from it.
Composition of 585 white gold and other samples
It is necessary to understand what 585 white gold is made of. So, this material is an alloy of traditional gold and various other metals. If silver and nickel are added to it, then it becomes much cheaper, and people with average incomes can afford it.
However, it should be remembered that nickel can cause allergic reactions. If certain irritations appear on the skin, then it is better to avoid using white gold altogether.
Gold alloyed with palladium and platinum will cost significantly more. Typically, such jewelry is purchased for themselves by people whose income is higher than average.
It is this composition that jewelers who produce only handmade products treat so favorably. However, palladium and platinum cannot cause an allergic reaction.
During the production process, white gold is coated with rhodium plating (rhodium plating technology). This not only affects the appearance of the jewelry - they become much lighter, but also its performance, since this technology helps prevent various types of mechanical damage.
Gradually, this coating will wear off, as a result of which the jewelry will need to be taken to a craftsman who will restore it.
Many people are interested in what elements are included in 585 white gold.
So, white gold alloy composition 585 includes the following elements:
- 58.5% pure gold;
- Copper – maximum 34%;
- Silver – no more than 7.5%.
Due to the fact that the product contains a fairly large percentage of precious metal, it will not fade during wear. Adding copper to gold makes it stronger and harder.
Manufacturers, by adding alloy metals, can create white gold with various shades. If you add a small amount of nickel or palladium, it will turn yellowish. However, in most cases, 14k white gold has a slight pinkish tint.
The composition of 18k white gold contains 75% of the gold itself, and the remaining 25% comes from various other metals, which may include copper, silver, nickel, platinum and so on.
Such alloys are quite strong, resistant to mechanical stress, but at the same time they are quite easy to process. When nickel is added, the metal begins to react to magnets.
By adding alloy metals, you can get gold of different colors - red, green, white or yellow:
- White gold is made from 7% silver, 4% nickel and 14% palladium;
- Material containing 15% silver and 10% copper acquires a yellow tint;
- Gold is colored red, containing 4% silver and 21% copper;
- Gold, which contains 25% silver, has a greenish tint.
If white gold contains an impurity in the form of nickel, which does not belong to the noble metals, then it will cost much less. Find out what the composition and purity of red gold is here.
What are the hallmarks of white gold?
There is still heated debate as to which grade of white gold is the best
You can find white gold on sale in one of the following hallmarks:
- 375 - such products are considered the lowest quality. The noble shade of this material is obtained largely due to the addition of various types of alloy elements to the alloy. There is not too much gold here - only 37.5%. The main advantage of this composition is its low price and good level of strength. Unfortunately, this white gold often contains a large amount of nickel, which, as mentioned above, can cause allergic reactions. European manufacturers have long abandoned the use of this element, but domestic jewelry factories still continue to use it.
- 500 sample is not very common. First of all, it contains copper and silver, which can negatively affect the final shade of the jewelry. Another negative quality is poor casting performance, so it is quite problematic for jewelry makers to work with such materials. Accordingly, creating elegant or complex products may not be so easy.
- 585 is one of the most commonly used materials , since such gold successfully combines an attractive appearance and various performance characteristics. Jewelry made from it is distinguished by its attractive appearance, good strength and long-term use. Depending on the required characteristics, the composition of the product may vary, but the gold itself always contains 58.5%.
- 750 - this material can be easily processed ; jewelers often use it to produce the most complex and beautiful jewelry. World famous jewelry manufacturers usually work with this material - Tiffany, Bulgari and many others. However, it must be remembered that 750 gold requires careful handling and also requires some care, since the high content of gold itself makes the product very vulnerable to various kinds of external influences. This standard is the highest for white gold - this should definitely be taken into account when choosing jewelry.
How is white gold made?
In industrial conditions, this material is obtained as follows:
- First, the gold itself is melted. This is not so difficult to do, since it has a low melting point.
- At the next stage, the ligature is prepared. All metals that will be added to gold are melted in a strict percentage ratio and thoroughly mixed with each other. This is done until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
- The molten ligature is maintained in this state until it is necessary to add it to gold. This is a rather complex technological process, consisting of a number of steps that must be followed to obtain high-quality jewelry material.
The durability and scratch resistance of white gold
Another important quality of white gold is its resistance to scratches and chips. This can be achieved by introducing harder materials into the alloy.
Another protective feature is the additional rhodium plating. This technology has one drawback - the coating can wear off over time, however, it can be restored in any jewelry workshop.
Cost of 1 gram of 585 white gold
The price of white gold can fluctuate quite a lot, for example:
- Earrings made of 14-carat white gold are priced in the range from 3,500 to 25,000 rubles.
- Industrial white gold , which has just been produced, costs much less - for one gram they can cost about 800-1500 rubles , depending on the sample. How many grams are in 1 carat of gold can be found here.
How to check the authenticity of white gold?
When purchasing white gold products, you need to make sure how authentic the product you like is.
You can check the authenticity of white gold in the following ways:
- It is imperative to check the sample label;
- It is necessary to determine whether this is really white gold, or whether unscrupulous sellers are trying to pass it off as silver. In appearance, these two materials are very similar to each other, however, there are still certain differences. White gold has warmer tones of color, while silver only has cooler tones. There is another way to distinguish silver from gold - to run a piece of jewelry across a sheet of paper. Silver is sure to leave a mark on it, but gold never;
- Check with vinegar. Real gold, if placed in vinegar for a while, will retain its original color;
- In former times, the authenticity of gold was checked with a magnet , since such waves are unable to attract it. Today, a small amount of nickel is added to white gold, which causes the appearance of certain magnetic characteristics, however, they are still quite weak, so real jewelry will not be instantly attracted;
- Also, the authenticity of white gold can be determined using ordinary iodine . To do this, you need to take a solution of this composition and drop a small amount of the product onto the product that you plan to test. Immediately after application, the drop is wiped off. If there are traces left on the surface of the material, this will indicate a fake;
- It is very easy to determine whether the gold in front of you is genuine or a fake product - using an ordinary lapis pencil , which can be found in any pharmacy. The product is moistened in water and drawn over it with a pencil. If the jewelry is real, then there will be no marks on it.
In order for white gold jewelry to retain its original appearance for as long as possible, it is necessary to properly care for it.
To remove dirt, you can only use a soft cloth, which is moistened in a solution of ammonia - one teaspoon per glass of water. If desired, you can add a small amount of gentle liquid soap to it. Jewelry products are placed in the solution for about an hour, after which it must be thoroughly wiped, removing the remnants of this mixture. It needs to be cleaned approximately once every six months. Date: 03/22/2017
Source: https://pro-kamni.com/ukrasheniya/beloe-zoloto.html
Composition of 585 white gold, its cost, use and care
White gold is a sought-after metal for jewelry making for women and men. From an aesthetic point of view, the metal is flawless and has good strength. The composition of 14 karat white gold contains 416 grams of impurities (ligatures) of other metals, which improve its properties.
White gold - what is it?
Many people wonder what white gold is. It is a noble metal with the addition of palladium, nickel and platinum.
White gold itself is a fairly soft metal that is easily deformed and scratched. Therefore, its use in its pure form is impossible.
Compared to platinum, white gold is less expensive, and jewelers love to work with it because of its qualities. Its malleability and flexibility allow you to create real works of art from this metal.
What is white gold made of?
14k white gold contains impurities of other metals. By adding nickel and silver, white gold becomes affordable to people with average incomes.
Nickel may cause allergic reactions. If they appear, you must stop wearing white gold jewelry.
More expensive additives are alloys of gold with palladium and platinum.
At the same time, the cost of jewelry increases and most often they are bought by people with above-average income.
This alloy is especially popular among jewelers who produce handmade items in single copies or in small batches.
The addition of palladium and platinum to white gold eliminates allergic reactions.
White gold is always plated with rhodium. This allows you to give it a lighter shade and protect it from mechanical damage. Rhodium plating is a good protector due to its hardness.
Over time, it wears off and then the jewelry must be taken to a workshop, where it will be re-plated with rhodium.
Where is white gold used?
This gold is mainly used for making jewelry. This is due to the beautiful appearance of the products, the characteristics of the metal and its cost.
Gold is not used in industry because it is replaced by yellow gold, which is somewhat cheaper.
What are the hallmarks of white gold?
White gold has the same hallmarks that are used for other alloys. The most common products are those with a purity of 585 and 750. The composition of such gold may include various additional metals, and the final cost will depend on this.
How much does this gold cost?
The cost of white gold jewelry varies. It consists of several points.
These include:
- complexity of metal processing;
- the presence of precious or semi-precious stones in the decoration;
- product brand;
- age of jewelry.
The more complex the design, which includes precious stones, the higher the price will be. The cost is also affected by impurities added to the metal. If the composition includes platinum, the cost increases.
On average, the cost of white gold in jewelry stores varies from 70 to 145 dollars, taking into account the fineness of gold. Often when buying jewelry, people compare whether white or yellow gold is more expensive. The second option is cheaper.
What stones can be used to decorate white gold?
Most often, white gold jewelry is encrusted with diamonds. This duet makes it a visually more advantageous acquisition.
Due to the pallor of this gold, the diamond becomes visually cleaner and more transparent. This combination of metal and stone will always be relevant and will not be very noticeable.
You may be interested in: White gold and silver: how to tell the difference?
Some jewelers decorate their jewelry with black or colored diamonds. This makes the jewelry unique and unforgettable. However, they are made for luxury lovers who like to be noticed by the people around them.
White gold emphasizes the beauty of any stone and gives it a special shine.
How to distinguish silver from white gold?
Some unscrupulous jewelers and sellers may pass off silver as gold. How to distinguish silver from white gold:
- First of all, when purchasing, you need to study the sample. If gold has a hallmark of 585 or 750, then silver jewelry is marked with 925.
- Silver is duller and darker. It does not have the bright shine that white gold has.
- White gold with ligatures is harder than silver. 925 sterling jewelry is more massive and does not have small lace elements.
If you carefully consider the choice of decoration, you can easily recognize the substitution.
How to care for white gold?
To maintain a beautiful appearance, jewelry must be periodically taken to the jewelry workshop. There, the rhodium coating will be restored to the product, which protects it from mechanical damage and loss of shine.
If possible, avoid contact of the product with chlorinated agents and aggressive substances of chemical origin.
By following these simple rules, you will protect your jewelry from damage and loss of appearance.
What is the difference between yellow and white gold?
Jewelers consider the main differences to be composition and cost.
- Compound. The main difference between these types of precious metal is their composition. The ligature included in the alloy varies in cost and quality. The value of both types is measured in carats.
- Price. Products made from yellow gold are inferior in price to white metal. This is due to the fact that the impurities in the yellow metal are cheaper and such jewelry does not require rhodium plating.
When choosing jewelry, it is necessary to take into account the ligature included in the alloy, since some elements can cause allergic reactions. As a rule, more expensive alloys are hypoallergenic.
This alloy became popular in the 1920s – 1930s. Before this, people didn’t even know what white gold was. At the peak of its popularity, this metal replaced expensive platinum. Since then, jewelers have considered white gold the most suitable for creating jewelry masterpieces.
Source: http://VseoZolote.ru/interesno/chto-takoe-beloe-zoloto-i-ego-sostav-585-i-750-proby.html
What is 585 white gold, the secret of its composition and price
21.10.2018
Not all lovers of expensive jewelry understand what 585 white gold is, what is its difference and special value. They began making jewelry from it about a century ago; their beauty and durability proved the justification for the high cost of the products. Externally, gold looks like steel, but it contains many expensive components that are significantly superior in quality and strength to the alloy of aurum and yellow copper that is familiar to the buyer.
Advantages and features of white metal
In jewelry stores of the 21st century you can find gold of various shades, but not all of these alloys are considered noble. The base of each is pure aurum, named by the Romans after the goddess Aurora because of the pinkish-yellow hue that sparkles in the sun.
Features of color, strength and visual appeal, which subsequently affect the price, depend on the alloy - additional metals and chemical elements that create a unique alloy.
Jewelry and any products gain strength in shape and do not lose their shine and color, thanks to materials such as:
- copper and silver;
- palladium and nickel;
- zinc and platinum.
The sample is an indicator of the composition and a kind of proof of its authenticity and the right to be highly valued. In fact, the sample number indicates the number of grams of pure aurum per 1 kilogram of ligature. The higher the number, the higher the price, but also the lower the strength. Therefore, it is important to know the best ratio of composition elements, which affects not only the durability, but also the appearance of the products.
Two types - two prices
Unlike its yellow counterpart, which has a red tint due to the admixture of copper, 14k white gold is made with the addition of metals of exceptionally light, steely tones, for example, platinum and silver in the most expensive version. Based on the marking number, we can conclude that the classic composition of 585 white gold contains:
- minimum 585 grams of aurum;
- 190−210 grams of silver;
- 200−220 grams of platinum, cadmium or nickel.
The ligature has a direct impact on the price of 1 gram of the product. The range of prices for white gold is quite wide precisely because of the difference in alloy elements. If nickel is present in the composition, then the price of the jewelry will be affordable.
It is important to know that nickel is a highly allergenic metal, prohibited for use in many European countries, so if a person has allergies, you should definitely check the composition of the product when purchasing. The main advantages of such raw materials with the addition of nickel are significant:
- low price;
- exceptional strength;
- ease of polishing;
- shiny surface.
The main disadvantage is the presence of a yellow tint , since nickel is unable to thoroughly whiten yellow gold. This can be solved by applying rhodium plating to rings, earrings and chains, which gives them additional strength and the ability to choose the nuances of the decor - matte or shiny. On the other hand, after five years you will have to renew this coating in a jewelry workshop. It will be important for allergy sufferers to know that rhodium coating will protect them from dermatitis.
Luxury Platinum
From an alloy with the addition of 585 platinum, jewelers make luxury jewelry, usually to order, since the platinum or palladium in the alloy significantly exceeds the cost of the gold itself. However, the price will largely depend on the proportion of elements added. Therefore, the stores have a fairly large selection to suit every budget.
In addition to the obvious strength, the incredible beauty of the shade of perfect whiteness is added to the advantages of the platinum alloy, which makes this metal a unique raw material for:
- any type of jewelry, especially in combination or contrast with other shades of gold;
- settings of precious stones, matching perfectly with diamonds and emphasizing the depth of all the colors of the rainbow;
- exclusive writing pens and cufflinks;
- glasses frames that are bright, durable and contrast with colored glasses.
The ability to hold firmly makes platinum and palladium an ideal alloy for gemstone inlay, even on the curves and spirals of earrings or the thin temples of eyeglasses. The cost of 1 gram starts from the range of 4-5 thousand rubles and can reach 10 thousand, depending on the complexity of the work and the composition of the material. Prices for the raw materials themselves are lower and start from 1500-2000 rubles per 1 gram.
Signs of a fake and difference from silver
It is no coincidence that silver lovers, when choosing gold jewelry, choose white gold - the composition of the 585 alloy is similar in color. However, for those ignorant of the jewelry business, such similarities can become a reason for deception, because they can be sold silver items under the guise of a noble metal, or gold items, but with an inflated percentage of argentum.
Visual differences
It is necessary to know the subtleties of differences by external signs in order not to be deceived. It is usually recommended to focus on price, since jewelry made from an alloy of precious metals cannot be cheap, but this is not always indicative, especially if you buy products in other countries where there is no strict control over product quality. There are visual differences from silver and other impurities that you can detect on your own:
- Dullness of the metal almost always indicates an excess of argentum. This does not affect the quality and beauty of the product, but such decoration cannot be expensive;
- The silver standard is 925, and even the presence of a 585 standard does not guarantee the presence of aurum in the product. It could have been delivered later to mislead the buyer;
- Gold with a platinum alloy will have a warmer sunny hue, and with the addition of palladium it will have a steely white;
- An alloy with nickel always has a visually noticeable yellow tint, and when plated with rhodium it becomes a rich gray;
- True white gold treated with rhodium has a bluish tint.
Self check
If you are about to buy a very expensive item or a whole batch of products, then it is better to play it safe and personally check the authenticity. To do this, you will need a jewelry loupe or magnifying glass and a few simple things - iodine, vinegar, a magnet, with which you can easily identify deception. If the seller has nothing to hide, he will not interfere with a thorough inspection of the proposed purchase. You need to do the following:
- Using a magnifying glass, carefully examine the sample for clarity of lines and the absence of abrasions around them, which may mean that it was placed on top of the previous one. The 750 hallmark is used for gold items with a low platinum content. Jewelry with such markings cannot be sold at a high price;
- Run the ring over a white sheet of paper. Gold will not leave a mark, but pressing with silver will create a gray line;
- Touch a piece of jewelry with a magnet - it does not react to gold, palladium and platinum, but the presence of nickel or iron in the composition will cause magnetic waves to slightly attract the jewelry, although a strong pull will not occur in any case;
- Put in vinegar for 10-15 minutes - this will not affect the shine and color of precious metals, but other alloys may become dull and stained. It is unlikely that it will be possible to carry out such an experiment in a store, but the test can be done at home and the product can be returned in case of a negative reaction;
- Drop iodine onto the surface and wipe off the drop after a couple of minutes. There should be no stain or trace left;
- Wet the jewelry with water and draw a line with a pharmaceutical lapis pencil. It contains silver nitrite, which will immediately detect foreign impurities.
Such different samples
The main guarantee of safety will be purchasing jewelry in jewelry stores with a good reputation and a well-known name. Their owners ensure careful quality control. They must also understand the meaning of hallmarks, because white gold can have not only 585 hallmarks with high levels of strength and external beauty, but also others:
- 375 - the quality is low, which is immediately reflected in the price. The gold content here is no more than 38%, and the alloy is represented by several simple metals, including nickel. It is added in large quantities, which can affect the health of people prone to allergies;
- 500 is a rather rare marking for jewelry products. This alloy contains a large percentage of copper, silver and zinc, which makes the metal difficult to melt and modify. It is mainly used for frames, watches and additional decoration. The color has a dull reddish tint;
- 750 is a high indicator of pure aurum, soft and pliable in nature, which allows craftsmen to create fancy design works of any level of complexity. Jewelers Tiffany and Roberto Bravo prefer to work with raw materials of this standard, however, jewelry made from such material requires special care; they do not have the strength guaranteed by 585 standard.
Care and cleaning rules
The habit of washing dishes or swimming in chlorinated pool water without removing jewelry can have a detrimental effect on its appearance over time. Despite the wear resistance of white gold, under constant exposure to detergents it can tarnish and change color to a dirty gray. The easiest way is to go to a jewelry workshop, where the jewelry will be polished again or the rhodium plating will be renewed.
However, you can clean them yourself at home. To do this, you need to prepare a solution of ammonia and creamy soap, foam it and put the jewelry there for several hours. After this, without rinsing with water, wipe dry with a velvet cloth.
Under no circumstances should items containing precious stones be immersed in such a solution. It is necessary to apply a mixture of ammonia and soap to a sponge or microfiber cloth and thoroughly wipe the metal surface without touching the stones or pearls.
Leave it like this for an hour, rinse in clean water and polish with a dry cloth.
If you know that the composition contains a large percentage of silver, then you can apply toothpaste to the metal, leave it overnight, and in the morning rinse and wipe dry. But you don’t have to worry about cracks and scratches - they simply cannot appear on such a durable alloy, regardless of the presence of affordable nickel or expensive platinum.
What is 585 white gold, the secret of its composition and price Link to main publication
Source: https://VseoMetallah.ru/zoloto/proba/beloe-585
585 white gold, what is it?
Gold is a very valuable noble metal, which humanity has used since ancient times to make the most exquisite jewelry. However, the purity of 999.9 is very soft, it is not without reason that it can be tested simply by the tooth - on top quality metal, a noticeable mark will remain. This property greatly reduces strength; products made of pure gold are easily deformed and quickly rubbed, losing their original shine.
To improve production characteristics, it is necessary to add other chemical elements - silver, copper, palladium, platinum, nickel, zinc. The sample depends on the amount of these additives, and the color of the resulting alloy depends on what metals are used.
Also, using this procedure, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost by reducing the required amount of pure gold. The approximate composition of the classic 585 red alloy: 58.5% gold, 8% silver, 32% copper (the saturation of the red color directly depends on its content).
Platinum, palladium, nickel are elements that can be used to obtain different shades of white. There are three types.
- : What is more expensive platinum or gold
Platinum
The most noble and expensive variety, widely used for setting diamonds. Gold with the hallmark 585 is practically not produced; most often it is a higher 750 standard. The cost of such an alloy is much higher, but this is a price to pay for the excellent quality of the white color.
Palladium
Gold with the addition of palladium is becoming increasingly popular. Its color is quite a bit grayer than its platinum counterpart; 585 standard is used quite often for the production of products.
Nickel
Substituting nickel and more expensive platinum and palladium makes it possible to significantly reduce the cost of jewelry. However, the color of the 585 nickel alloy can rather be considered not snow-white, but gray, sometimes with a yellowish tint.
Unlike more expensive alloys, this one has increased hardness and wear resistance, and therefore retains its original shine much longer. A serious caution when choosing such products is the possible presence of an allergy to nickel, which causes serious irritation.
Recently, the EU has introduced a ban on the use of nickel in jewelry production.
- This is important: Why does the skin on the finger under the gold ring turn black?
The problem of allergic reactions was successfully solved by using rhodium plating technology. Coating jewelry with hypoallergenic rhodium improves shine and the product acquires a unique color. However, not only precious metal is rhodium-plated, but also silver; in this case, they can only be distinguished if they have the stamp of the State Chamber; visually they look the same.
In the jewelry industry, 585 white gold and other grades are very often used to make not the entire piece of jewelry, but only its parts. Such elements go well with transparent stones, so a common type of product is two-tone, with white alloy overlays and diamonds set in them. This combination looks amazing, which is why it is very popular.
The fashion for white gold appeared in our country relatively recently and came from the West. Thrifty Europeans use it as a more affordable replacement for very expensive platinum. This alloy was not used at all in the jewelry industry of the Soviet Union. White jewelry was made from silver, palladium or platinum.
What types of white gold are there?
A large number of similar products are of foreign origin. Quite often, instead of the usual numbers 585 or 750, you can find unfamiliar and obscure inscriptions: 10 K, 14 K, 18 K. The fact is that almost the entire world has adopted the metric system for determining the sample.
8 - 10K - corresponds to 375 standard - the metal is of the lowest quality, to obtain a beautiful color it is necessary to apply galvanic coating, it has increased fragility. Used for the production of budget jewelry.
14K is an analogue of 585 , the most widely used alloy in jewelry production. The vast majority of rings, earrings, pendants, chains and bracelets that can be found on the shelves of our stores are made from this gold. This is, so to speak, the middle class of jewelry. Inserts, in most cases, are synthetic, sometimes natural precious or semi-precious stones.
18K – corresponds to 750 standard – the highest class of jewelry, used for exclusive jewelry with diamonds. Almost always it is platinum or palladium white gold.
Price
When precious metals such as platinum and palladium are added to the alloy, the cost increases significantly. The price of such products is significantly influenced by the fact that precious stones are almost always attached to them - these are elite jewelry.
The cost of 585 white gold with nickel, which is used for mass production, is exactly the same as for red or yellow metal of the same standard.
Source: https://999proba.com/beloe-zoloto-585-proby-chto-eto-takoe/
Composition, characteristics and application of 585 white gold
Every jewelry connoisseur is offered a wide selection of gold products of different shades, which are obtained by adding other metals to the aurum.
One of the favorite varieties of precious metal alloys among buyers is 585 white gold. Products made from such raw materials bear little resemblance to classic gold, but all thanks to their steely shine.
For this reason, many people consider white gold to be a separate type of precious metal, which is incorrect. But how is such an alloy obtained and what are its features?
White gold ring with diamonds
How is the alloy made?
Any jewelry gold is not a pure precious metal, because the physical and chemical properties of aurum do not allow it to be used as a raw material for the manufacture of jewelry without any impurities. If jewelers ignored this rule, then gold jewelry would not only be very expensive, but also prone to deformation and mechanical damage.
However, combining aurum with stronger metals makes it possible to increase its wear resistance. Without exception, all jewelry offered in jewelry stores contains not only “solar” metal, but also other components - silver, copper, palladium, zinc, platinum and others.
To assess the gold content of raw materials, a measure such as a sample is used, demonstrating the number of grams of the noble metal in a thousand grams, or kilograms of the alloy.
14k white gold is an alloy of precious metals that contains at least 585 grams of pure aurum and 415 grams of impurities (ligatures). This raw material differs from all other varieties of aurum alloys in that it does not contain copper, which gives the jewelry a reddish tint. The peculiarity of the white gold ligature is that it is composed exclusively of metals that have a white color and a steely luster.
The composition of 585 white gold is as follows:
- 585 grams - pure aurum;
- 200 grams - silver;
- 215 grams - platinum (palladium) or nickel.
White gold of the same standard can have different prices, because the composition of the alloy will affect the price of one gram of a product made from such an alloy. The least expensive raw materials are those containing nickel.
However, many jewelry connoisseurs are in no hurry to purchase jewelry made from an alloy that contains nickel. The thing is that this metal, upon contact with skin, can cause a severe allergic reaction.
For this reason, 17 years ago, restrictions were introduced in the European Union on the use of nickel in the jewelry industry and in the production of coins.
Despite the negative impact of nickel on human health, it is still used as a component of white gold alloy, because this metal is incredibly durable. In addition, products containing nickel are highly polished.
The most expensive will be gold with a steel tint, which is combined in an alloy with palladium or platinum. The cost of these precious metals exceeds the cost of aurum, which will explain the high price of those jewelry that contain these impurities. White gold with platinum (palladium) has many advantages - the metal is not only very durable and wear-resistant, but also incredibly beautiful.
As for the price of one gram of alloy, in Russia it ranges from 2-3.5 thousand rubles. The price per gram depends entirely on the brand under which the product is sold, as well as the degree of complexity of the jeweler's work. If the white gold is 750 purity, then its cost will be several thousand rubles higher.
Features of jewelry
White gold is a raw material from which any type of jewelry can be made. The alloy, which contains nickel, is used as a raw material for the manufacture of brooches, rings and pendants. Such jewelry is durable, but they still have one significant drawback - nickel does not “bleach” aurum well, so the resulting alloy has a yellowish tint.
However, jewelry craftsmen have learned to cope with this problem by applying a thin layer of rhodium to the jewelry, which gives the accessories not only aesthetic appeal, but also durability.
It is worth considering that over time, the rhodium coating wears out, and the owner of jewelry with such coating has to contact the master once every 5-7 years and pay money for the service of updating the rhodium layer.
If white gold contains platinum or palladium, then it does not need additional “whitening”, since the alloy is already incredibly beautiful and wear-resistant. Raw material combining aurum, silver, palladium or platinum is used as a material for the manufacture of fixatives (mounts) for precious stones.
The strength of the alloy ensures reliable attachment of stones to the product, but this is not the only advantage of white aurum. Metal with a steel tint emphasizes the radiance and purity of precious stones, regardless of their color scheme. Still, the most popular white gold jewelry is considered to be those set with diamonds.
In many jewelry stores you can be impressed by the rich selection of models of magnificent bracelets, rings, rings, earrings, pendants, pendants, chains and wedding rings made from this aurum alloy. Jewelry in which white gold is combined with other alloys of the precious metal looks especially respectable.
Caring for such products is not difficult, but it is important to avoid the use of substances that can spoil the appearance of white gold. First of all, this applies to products coated with rhodium.
The coating wears out over time under the influence of mechanical factors, so it is recommended to protect products from scratches, contact with other metals, etc.
In order for jewelry to retain its ideal appearance for a long time, it is important to avoid exposure to cosmetics, aggressive household chemicals and acids. It is enough to wash accessories once a month in soapy water or rub them with suede (or microfiber).
You need to be especially careful with jewelry containing precious stones. Improper care of such products can hopelessly damage them or lead to them falling out of the frame. It is recommended to entrust the care of especially valuable jewelry to a professional.
Beware: fake!
The external features of white gold make it look like silver. But do not forget that the difference in value between these two metals is significant, which is what scammers take advantage of by offering silver products at the price of gold.
To distinguish a genuine precious metal from a fake, first of all you should pay attention to the hallmark. If the product is marked as 925, then it is certainly not made of gold, since such markings are not included in the metric aurum hallmark system.
925 hallmark exists only for high-quality silver.
How not to confuse silver and gold:
- You can take the product and try to scratch it with a metal object. Silver, because the metal is softer than gold, will scratch.
- If you apply a drop of “Whiteness” to a piece of silver jewelry, a dark mark will remain on the surface of the metal, while the genuine aurum will remain unharmed.
- At home, you can distinguish silver from gold and still get a reliable result, guided by Archimedes' law. For the test you will need a container of water, thread and high-precision scales. Also, to verify the authenticity of white gold, you need to know the densities of aurum and silver. The density of gold is 13 grams per centimeter, while for silver this figure is 10-10.5. The check begins by weighing the product. After this, the decoration is tied to a thread, a container of water is placed on the scales, and the scales themselves are reset to zero. Then the product is immersed in water, but so that it is in the water column, without touching the bottom and walls. The mass of the product should then be divided by its mass together with water. If the result of the calculation is a number close to 10, then this means that the jewelry is made of silver, and a value from 12 to 13 will have gold.
It is recommended to buy any white gold products only in large jewelry stores, where the likelihood of purchasing a fake is minimal.
Source: https://HochuZoloto.com/proby/beloe-zoloto-585.html
White gold alloy composition
Since time immemorial, people have encountered the beautiful yellow metal. They worshiped him, idolized him, because of him they went on campaigns and started wars. Gold is ideal for processing and investment. White gold contains expensive platinum metals, giving it a high value.
Types of gold
In its pure form, this metal has a yellow color, but with the help of impurities, gold can be given different shades. Pure gold is not used in jewelry, only alloys. Gold purity means the quantitative content of precious metals in the alloy.
Pure gold
You can only find gold in its pure form in the laboratory where it is obtained. In nature, metal is found with impurities of silver or copper. 999 gold is considered the purest. Sometimes it is called bank or red.
White gold
It is an alloy of gold and another white metal that can give gold a white color. What the alloy called “white gold” is made of can be understood by its color. Ligatures for white gold can be: manganese, nickel, palladium. This alloy began to gain popularity at the beginning of the twentieth century. They began to use it instead of expensive and refractory platinum.
Shades of gold range from white to green.
Red gold
It is an alloy of gold and copper. The color determines the amount of the latter. Red gold contains almost the same ratio of two metals. Red gold began to be actively used at the beginning of the 19th century.
In European countries, this type of precious metal is treated quite dismissively. Despite this, due to its composition it has greater hardness than yellow, due to which it wears off less.
Because of these properties, red gold can be safely used to make delicate openwork jewelry.
Yellow gold
This is the classic and most common type. Gained popularity several centuries ago. To give strength to pure gold, silver and copper are added to the alloy. They help improve the strength characteristics of the metal. The most popular alloys are 585 and 750 yellow gold.
Yellow gold is most popular in Russia.
Green gold
This alloy contains silver. The greater the proportion of silver in the alloy, the lighter it is. Also, green gold alloy is obtained by combining gold and rubidium. Green gold is very beautiful, but has low strength.
Black gold
In order for the alloy to have a black color, the surface of the product is coated with black rhodium or ruthenium, or an alloy is made of gold, cobalt and chromium, the surface of which is oxidized artificially.
There are fierce debates about which alloy is more noble: white or yellow? Each type of gold has unique characteristics and unique value. The use of both is subject to fashion: in different centuries it turned to different colors and shades.
Yellow metal goes well with dark skin, it is more noticeable and has a characteristic shine, however, white metal goes much better with diamonds, which is why (if we omit the physical characteristics of the alloy) it is mainly used to make settings for precious stones. However, we should not forget that the value and nobleness of a metal is determined by its breakdown. Therefore, yellow and white gold of the same purity will have the same value.
White gold looks very attractive with diamonds.
Alloys contain not only gold; much depends on the content of impurities. Nickel is added to white gold as an alloy, which causes an allergic reaction more often than other precious metals.
Because of this property of the white gold ligature, its use was limited in Europe. They tried to replace nickel with palladium, however, many of the characteristics of nickel remain irreplaceable. Thus, it has great hardness and is highly polished. This allows the use of alloys containing nickel to create original jewelry with complex designs.
It is simply not possible to create such straight and clear shapes from soft metal.
White gold is considered noble if the alloy contains metals such as platinum or palladium.
Platinum is one of the best options for “whitening” yellow gold. It is this that gives the precious alloy strength and a beautiful shade.
The popularity of white gold largely depends on fashion, but there are things that do not lend themselves to its trends. Jewelers who work with diamonds prefer white gold to yellow gold, as the resulting jewelry is more refined and pure. Its color highlights the advantages of a diamond, while yellow gold can hide some flaws.
Jewelry designers generally prefer white gold, primarily because it can easily be combined with metals of other colors. Jewelry made from metals of different colors allows you to create new, unexpected solutions, when single-color jewelry provides much less room for imagination.
Jewelry masterpieces are made from gold of various shades.
White gold is almost universal. Jewelry made from this alloy is surprisingly easy to combine with any color of hair, eyes and even skin. Traditional yellow gold is more difficult to wear every day; jewelry made from it is brighter and more catchy. White gold does not stand out, it is modest and not vulgar. Although, this is just a matter of taste.
Why isn't pure gold used in the jewelry industry?
The physical properties of pure gold are amazing: it is very easy to forge, is an excellent conductor of electricity, and helps focus mirrors that operate in the far infrared range.
In industry, there are many uses for pure, pure gold, however, this precious metal also has its drawbacks:
- It is very easy to forge. For jewelry, this is the biggest drawback;
- It wears out and bends easily;
- Pure gold jewelry quickly gets scratched and loses its shine and beauty.
How to distinguish white gold from silver?
These two precious metals are very similar in appearance, but silver is much cheaper than white gold, in addition, silver is only a ligature for expensive white gold. How to recognize silver?
First of all, you should pay attention to the standard: gold jewelry uses 585 or 750 standard, silver 925. White gold has a brighter shine than silver. In addition, it is harder than silver.
What difficulties will the owner of white gold have to face?
The capricious alloy of white gold must be carefully monitored: periodically take the product to a jeweler in order to correct the rhodium layer, if any. White gold can become damaged during everyday wear if it comes into contact with harsh chemicals or if it comes into frequent contact with tap water, which may contain bleach.
Source: http://golden-inform.ru/proby/sostav-belogo-zolota/
Chemical composition of 14k white gold
Gold, in our understanding, is always associated with the color of the sun. It was for this color that it was considered equal to the daylight. The unique shine and inertness to many chemical reagents also served their purpose.
All the more incredible is the mention of white, pink, green, purple and even black gold. People who are far from the jewelry business believe that all of the above are alternative precious metals. For example, white is platinum, and black is osmium. In fact, these are nothing more than misconceptions.
585 white gold contains the same number of carats of aurum as yellow gold of the same standard.
Historical reference
The opinion that white gold is a different metal did not arise out of nowhere. In the beginning, when platinum was not so well known and popular, it was actually called white gold. And they even replaced it with the real thing in jewelry and coins.
Platinum came to the Old World from America. The ancient civilizations of the Incas and Mayans have been processing the precious metal since time immemorial. Its refractoriness, inertness and high density were valued at the level of gold. However, these properties were not immediately noted. The metal was even disparagingly called “silver” (in Spanish, plata - silver) due to its color similarity to argentum.
The first deliveries of platinum were simply drowned in rivers and the ocean. The Spanish monarch issued a decree prohibiting its import into the territory of his country. Only 40 years later the new chemical substance was rehabilitated. The king's descendants began to counterfeit gold coins with his help. Platinum had a higher specific gravity than silver, and therefore the fact of falsification was not immediately discovered. The color of the new connection was revealed to the greedy rulers.
Even with 8–10% platinum alloy, the coins became white and resembled silver.
The second case in history when platinum was mistakenly called white gold happened during the development of the Ural mines. The new "Siberian metal", discovered in veins and impurities of gold ore, differed from previously known chemical elements. Having highly appreciated its properties, Russia began its production on an industrial scale. Within a couple of years, a method was invented to make platinum forgeable.
Popularity of white gold
The very first composition of white gold included platinum as a ligature. Such a connection was refractory, difficult to forge, and was not immediately noticed by jewelers. And even after the invention of new processing methods, products made from it came out massive and rough. The lack of filigree and high specific gravity were also the reasons for the lack of demand for jewelry made from this metal among buyers.
The situation began to change with the advent of elegant sets inlaid with stones. Many ordinary people have noticed that it is white gold that favorably sets off cold-glow minerals. Sapphires, rubies, and diamonds acquired additional aristocratic charm when framed in a new jewelry alloy.
Even stones of medium hardness began to be perceived differently in rings and necklaces made of white metal. The minerals, transparent as a tear, showed their inimitable and unique charm in jewelry. This feature caused a lot of admiration and attracted many buyers.
Sales growth was also stimulated by the increased price of platinum.
The peak of demand occurred in the 20–30s of the 20th century. The ladies flaunted their new jewelry with all their might. Showing up at a social event in sunny gold was considered bad manners. The cold stiffness, severity and versatility of white conquered continents and countries.
Ligatures for white gold
As the cost of the new compound increased, the circle of people who could afford to buy such jewelry narrowed. This fact did not please the jewelers at all. In addition, platinum production in Russia, the largest exporter of this metal at the time, declined due to political turmoil. A kind of collapse was brewing. Consumers wanted elegant products in their private collections, and workshops could not satisfy their demand.
The easiest way to satisfy the need of its customers for original jewelry turned out to be to replace the ligature. Instead of platinum, jewelers began to select another metal that brightens the aurum. Attempts to dilute the alloy with silver were unsuccessful.
For the compound to turn white, the percentage of argentum had to be greater than half. Otherwise, the products had a yellow-green or olive color.
The value of such an alloy was small, since with constant wearing, rings and earrings quickly lost their attractiveness due to the appearance of a black patina.
The next metal destined to replace platinum was nickel. Au-Ni, Au-Ag-Ni, Au-Cu-Ni alloys turned out to be strong and hard. They were suitable for making not only decorative accessories, but could also serve purely practical purposes.
Brooches, cufflinks, elegant pins, and filigree rings began to be made from the new compounds. Many fashionistas of that time adorned their fingers with exquisite white gold rings.
But unfortunately, despite all the positive properties of the nickel ligature, its negative impact on humans was discovered.
Approximately 10–12% of the world's population suffers from allergies to compounds whose chemical composition includes this metal. Therefore, since 2000 in Europe, nickel has been officially banned from being used in the manufacture of jewelry and costume jewelry.
Zinc and manganese are secondary brighteners, so they are used in small proportions to the main Au-Cu or Au-Ag alloys. Considering the toxicity of these metals, jewelry made from them is not recommended to be worn constantly.
Use of platinum metals
Having tried cheap analogues as alloys for white gold, chemists turned their attention to other representatives of the platinum group. Palladium became the ideal replacement. Its inertness, plasticity and high bleaching properties were positively noted by jewelers. So, to give a unique white color to the alloy, it is enough to add only 1% palladium to pure gold. In addition to the alloy of two metals Au-Pd, there are jewelry made from Au-Ag-Pd and Au-Pt-Pd compounds.
Ruthenium and rhodium also did not stand aside. Although they are not used as a ligature, they take part in the creation of white gold. Jewelry acquires a beautiful silver color by spraying. A thin layer of platinum metal is applied to the finished product using the galvanic method. During use, the jewelry wears out and after a while the base metal begins to show through the coating. In this case, it is recommended to renew the surface layer in a jewelry workshop.
The bright shine of rhodium-plated jewelry immediately attracts the attention of buyers. Sometimes unscrupulous jewelers take advantage of this by electroplating low-grade gold or silver items. To avoid such situations, when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the accompanying documents and tag:
- For gold items, the seal is made in the form of a spatula, and for silver items, it is in the shape of a barrel;
- Silver jewelry has a standard of at least 925, gold jewelry is marked with 585, 750 or 800 standard.
Even if the jewelry itself was made abroad, when undergoing certification in Russia, they are required to be sealed.
Officially recognized chemical compositions of white gold
The interstate standard, described in GOST 6835–2002, clearly defines the proportions of officially accepted compounds of gold with other metals. There are only 37 of them. The table below shows only white gold compositions:
Sample Gold, % Platinum, % Palladium, % Nickel, % Impurities, no more than %| 950 | 94,5–95,5 | — | — | Ost | 0,11 |
| 930 | 92,6–93,4 | 6,6–7,4 | — | — | 0,11 |
| 900 | 89,6–90,4 | 9,6–10,4 | — | — | 0,11 |
| 840 | 83,5–84,5 | — | 15,5–16,5 | — | 0,13 |
| 800 | 79,5–80,5 | — | 19,5–20,5 | — | 0,13 |
| 600 | 59,5–60,5 | — | 39,5–40,5 | — | 0,13 |
| 600 | 59,4–60,6 | 9,5–10,5 | 29,5–30,5 | — | 0,18 |
This classification is followed by 10 countries of the post-Soviet space:
- Armenia
- Belarus
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Moldova
- Russia
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Ukraine
Chemical compositions of white gold not included in the standard
Our fellow citizens purchase some of their jewelry abroad. In other countries, they adhere to different proportions when creating jewelry. As a result, the noble metal does not lose its properties. But owners may have difficulty selling such jewelry or obtaining a loan for them at a pawnshop. Below are the most common chemical compositions of white gold.
Sample Gold, % Silver, % Palladium, % Copper, % Nickel, % Zinc, %| 583 | 58,3 | 23,7 | 18,0 | — | — | — |
| 583 | 58,3 | — | — | 23,5 | 12,2 | 6,0 |
| 750 | 75 | 5 | — | — | 20 | — |
| 585 | 58,5 | 25,5 | — | — | 16,5 | — |
| 750 | 75 | 5 | 20 | — | — | — |
Determination of metal sample
The owner of gold items made of yellow metal is accustomed to trusting his eyesight and often determines the sample “by eye”. White gold jewelry does not allow this to be done upon external inspection. In jewelry workshops and pawn shops, for such cases they use a special reagent - “chlorine gold”. A small drop on a fresh cut will tell an experienced appraiser the chemical composition of the alloy.
Initial color of the product Color of the gold chloride stain Tested metal| White | Dark green | High sterling silver |
| White | Yellow, gas is released, gradually turns black | Aluminum |
| White | Black | Tin |
| Grayish white | No changes | Platinum |
| Grey | Dirty yellow | Lead |
| White | Beige, gold or orange | White gold 583, 585, 750 |
| White | Brown | Gold below 500 standard |
| White | Dark brown or black | Fake |
Source: https://ProDragmetally.ru/o-zolote/tipy/himicheskij-sostav-belogo.html
All about white gold
The popularity of light-colored gold has led to the fact that unscrupulous sellers of jewelry stores offer their clients a silver product under the guise of a white precious metal or even a fake that does not contain any precious metals in its composition.
What does real white gold look like? A distinctive feature of products made from it is its pronounced shine. Sometimes you may be offered jewelry in light colors, but matte rather than shiny. This is quite possible if the master increases the silver content in the alloy master alloy. A matte surface is not a sign of poor quality; white 585 test can be matte - this compound is usually used to give the product a special originality.
You can recognize a fake by carefully studying the prices in a jewelry store. White gold will cost more than regular gold - yellow or red. Its price depends on the composition of the alloy: copper added to a regular yellow precious metal alloy is cheaper than silver, palladium, and especially platinum.
White gold items may cost differently, but have the same shade. You will not be able to distinguish the sample of the jewelry in the photo. In this case, you need to inquire about the composition of the alloy: a light-colored compound with nickel will cost less than a metal of the same shade, where the alloy contains platinum.
When purchasing jewelry made of white precious metal, pay attention to the color and shine of the product. Palladium gives the metal a steely tint, nickel leaves some yellowish sheen, and platinum makes the alloy very pale. Rhodium plating provides the ring with a bluish shine in a cool color range.
585 white gold is difficult to distinguish from a photo from an alloy of a different composition. How to verify the authenticity of a product in practice? You can start checking with the sample itself.
The marking of a piece of jewelry must consist of an hallmark, a manufacturer's mark, and an assay inspection mark.
If there is no hallmark on a white gold ring with diamonds, and the seller refuses to provide the necessary supporting certificates, then you have the right to doubt not only the authenticity of the precious metal, but also the value of the stones in the setting.
Do not forget that scammers can quite easily buy equipment and stamp the jewelry themselves, so it is necessary to evaluate the precious product according to other parameters. Look at the color and shine of the metal; white gold, no matter how light it is, will differ from silver in a warm tint. As the concentration of silver in the alloy increases, its color will turn gray.
You can run the ring across a blank sheet of paper; genuine jewelry, unlike silver, will not leave any mark. For accuracy, you can also test with acetic acid or iodine. Drop a little iodine onto the surface of the jewelry: if you wipe off a drop, then there should be no trace left on the gold. White gold jewelry placed in vinegar will not change its color, which cannot be said about products made from raw materials that have a different composition - the results of the experiment are visible even in the photo.
A SIMPLE CHECK WITH A MAGNET TO RECOGNIZE AN OBVIOUS FAKE. IF THE DECORATION IS ATTRACTED TO IT, THEN YOU ARE IN FRONT OF ORDINARY STEEL, THE SURFACE OF WHICH IS COATED WITH PRECIOUS METAL. REAL WHITE GOLD WILL NOT ATTRACT TO A MAGNET.
The purchase of precious jewelry is always considered as a type of investment. This type of investment has its own characteristics. A white alloy fashion item may lose its value over time unless it has other artistic or historical value.
White gold jewelry with diamonds is valued above others. Jewelers agree that the two elements are meant for each other. Diamonds fully reveal their beauty against a pale light background, and the alloy with platinum is considered the most valuable, belonging to the elite class.
A product made of light precious metal is unlikely to be suitable as an investment item, especially since after some time scratches and chips will appear on the surface of the jewelry itself and the stones. White gold is most often considered as an object of jewelry that carries aesthetic value.
Source: http://www.999gold.ru/news/view/477
Composition and features of white gold
White gold has a huge number of fans, and all because it has a noble and elegant look. This metal is used to make jewelry. This gold became popular among aristocrats almost 100 years ago. The metal perfectly emphasized the beauty of precious stones and pearls, which could not be said about red and yellow gold.
Since then, white gold has been used to make jewelry: bracelets, earrings, chains, rings, including wedding rings.
In most cases, white gold is mistakenly called platinum or a type of silver. In fact, white gold is an alloy, which, in addition to gold, includes other metals (ligature).
To understand what this type of gold is, you should analyze its composition and assay characteristics.
articles
- Metal composition
- How to distinguish from silver?
- Does gold spoil?
Metal composition
An alloy called white gold contains precious metals that “bleach” the pure gold. We are talking about palladium, platinum, nickel. The composition of white gold will be determined by its sample, which shows the number of grams of gold in one kilogram of the alloy.
- 375 standard: gold is the lowest quality, since in this alloy it is only 37.5%, the remaining 62.5% comes from other metals - nickel, silver or zinc. It is worth considering that products containing nickel can be harmful to health, since this metal provokes allergies. It has been noted that products made from low-grade gold tend to tarnish when exposed to air.
- 500 standard: this kind of white gold is not found in jewelry stores, since the alloy contains silver and copper, which give the products an unpleasant yellow tint. In addition, it is difficult for jewelers to work with such an alloy.
- 585 standard: this white gold can be called the most sought after, since products made from it have an excellent appearance, which is preserved for many years. The alloy often includes nickel, palladium, copper and often platinum.
- 750 standard: 750 white gold contains 75% of the base, and the remaining 25% is the ligature. The plasticity of metal allows you to create masterpieces in the form of jewelry. Products made of 750-carat white gold are sold in elite jewelry houses.
Every person should know that real white gold cannot have a purity higher than 750. The thing is that part of the gold in the alloy, exceeding 75%, cannot be “bleached” with a ligature, which means the gold will not be white. To obtain such a shade, it is necessary that the percentage of alloy in the alloy exceeds 18.
Some jewelry sellers offer .925 white gold to buyers, although in reality this hallmark only applies to silver.
White gold does not always have a pure color, because the shade of the alloy is determined by the alloy, so it can have slight pinkish, brown and yellowish shades.
To correct color, jewelry is coated with rhodium, a platinum group metal. In addition, the rhodium layer gives the jewelry strength and protects the products from damage and scratches. In addition, rhodium prevents skin contact with nickel, which reduces the risk of allergies to zero.
Despite its strength, the rhodium layer tends to wear off and be destroyed over time by aggressive chemicals used, for example, in everyday life. Therefore, the rhodium layer covering white gold jewelry should be periodically renewed: this procedure is called plating.
How to distinguish from silver?
White gold is very similar in appearance to silver, so without an expert assessment it is almost impossible to distinguish one metal from another. Still, there are some tricks to tell the difference between white gold and silver:
- silver has a cooler tint and dullness, while white gold has a metallic sheen;
- if you run a silver item across a sheet of paper, it will leave a mark on it;
- if you apply two drops of iodine to gold, the metal will not change its color, and the iodine will be easily wiped off (silver or counterfeit gold can most likely turn yellow);
- if a white gold product is placed in a glass of vinegar, then, unlike silver, it will not change its color;
- You can also carry out a test with acid, but it should be noted that after such a test, a trace of the reagent may remain on the product.
When purchasing a white gold product, you should pay attention to the sample size and shape of the mark on the product. All gold products have a mark that resembles a spatula. At the same time, the mark on a silver product has the shape of a barrel.
Still, the most reliable way to verify the authenticity of white gold is to contact a specialist who will accurately determine the type of precious metal.
Does gold spoil?
Many owners of white gold items wonder why gold takes on an unattractive yellow tint? A high-quality precious metal will not change its color or tarnish if it is properly cared for: at least once every two months, washed in soapy water and gently brushed. When working with household chemicals, you should protect jewelry from contact with it.
It is worth considering that manual labor (cleaning, washing), contact of jewelry with aggressive detergents contribute to damage to the rhodium plating, which is why white gold appears to turn yellow. The thing is that rhodium, compared to white gold, has a lighter shade, so the violation of the integrity of the outer layer makes the difference between the shades of both metals noticeable.
The rhodium layer can be restored; to do this, just contact a jeweler. During the process, the worn layer of rhodium is removed and a new coating is applied in its place. If the product has high-quality rhodium plating, then it can be renewed at least once every 5–10 years.
You should purchase gold products in specialized stores, whose employees can demonstrate the necessary documentation for the product being offered. You should not buy jewelry second-hand, as there is a high risk of buying a fake.
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Source: https://DedPodaril.com/zoloto/tipy/beloe-zoloto.html
