White gold - price per gram, fineness, composition,
Popular at the beginning of the 20th century in European countries, white gold was considered a special attribute of luxury in aristocratic circles. In Russia, white gold gained popularity not so long ago.
However, in the minds of Russians, products made from this precious alloy are not identified with the noble origin of their owner, and testify only to the person’s special taste and style. At the same time, the use of jewelry made of red and yellow gold is not at all considered today an indicator of low social status or bad taste.
White gold price
The price of 1 gram of 585 white gold today is approximately 2,700 rubles, although, depending on the specific alloy and jewelry, the price can vary widely, ranging from 2,100 to 3,500 rubles.
This takes into account not only the weight of the metal, but also the complexity of the product, as well as the presence of various additional inserts and elements that affect the overall cost of the jewelry.
We should also not forget that a significant increase in value is obtained if the white gold jewelry is made by a well-known brand. It is also necessary to take into account the markup of the jewelry store.
Accordingly, 18k white gold will cost even more. On average in Russia, the cost of one gram of such a 750-grade alloy in a product is a little more than 3,000 rubles.
Composition and properties of white gold
As mentioned in our other publications, white gold is produced by refineries by adding alloys such as zinc, nickel, silver, palladium and platinum to pure red metal.
- Moreover, the alloy may contain several such impurities at once, which ultimately determine the shade of white gold. It is the impurities that provide the yellow metal with a white tint, while increasing the hardness, wear resistance and durability of jewelry.
- If white gold contains platinum, it has ideal performance properties and excellent whiteness. It should not be forgotten that platinum is more expensive than gold, and its addition significantly increases the cost of one gram of white gold.
- In order to make white gold more affordable for fans, many manufacturers use an alloy of pure gold with silver, zinc and nickel to make jewelry.
- Also, sometimes palladium is added to gold instead of platinum, obtaining an excellent effect, but palladium also belongs to quite expensive metals.
White gold, produced by adding nickel as a master alloy, has a characteristic yellow tint and is therefore rhodium plated, a layer of rhodium that improves the reflective properties, performance and overall appeal of the jewellery.
Benefits of white gold
One of the most important advantages of jewelry made from white gold is its very high strength and wear resistance.
Rings, bracelets and earrings made of precious white alloy are very resistant to deformation, scratches, and retain their attractive appearance for a very long time. And all this is achieved by adding a harder alloy to the red metal.
Rhodium plating of white gold products deserves special attention, as it provides the alloy with additional hardness and excellent performance characteristics.
Source: https://ZolotoBlog.ru/beloe-zoloto-cena-svojstva.html
White gold: composition, hallmark, use and care
Gold jewelry is not only an expensive and desirable accessory, but also a profitable investment, because precious metals do not lose their value over time. The modern assortment of jewelry is huge, and on the shelves you can find jewelry in a wide variety of colors: red, pink, yellow, black and the most popular white. Why white gold is white, and what determines its color, cost and quality are important questions.
What is white gold
In its pure form, gold is yellow in color. However, in the jewelry industry, pure metal is not used due to its softness. Therefore, various additives from other metals (ligature) are added to gold, affecting its color. Various alloys are used to make gold jewelry.
White gold is very popular. Moreover, both among jewelers and among consumers. The composition of white gold can vary depending on the additives used to dilute the pure metal and give it the desired hue. In the jewelry industry, such gold is often used for jewelry with expensive precious stones. This use is due to the composition of white gold, which ensures its hardness in comparison with metals of other colors.
The popularity of the metal depends little on fashion, since it is used in most cases to make jewelry with diamonds, emphasizing the dignity of the stones and enhancing their shine. In addition, the use of white gold in combination with precious metals of other colors allows you to create more interesting jewelry.
White gold is universal. White gold jewelry suits almost everyone, regardless of skin, hair or eye color. You can wear such jewelry not only for special occasions, but also in everyday life, as they look modest and discreet.
White gold composition
Gold can be given a white color using various additives as alloys. Such additives directly determine the final color of the metal. It can have different shades.
The main metals used to create white gold are:
- manganese;
- nickel;
- palladium;
- silver;
- platinum.
Noble gold is white gold that contains platinum or nickel. Such alloys are the most expensive, as they have a high purity and are often used to make settings for precious stones.
An alloy of gold and nickel is considered an economical option. In addition, it provides the composition with hardness, shine and excellent polishing. At the same time, such an alloy has a significant drawback - it often causes allergic reactions, which is why the use of white gold with such an additive was prohibited in Europe.
The answer to the question why white gold is white is the alloy used to dilute pure gold. The best component for bleaching gold is platinum, which gives the metal incredible strength and a beautiful white color. At the same time, with such an additive the cost of jewelry increases significantly and the complexity of metal processing increases due to the refractoriness and high hardness of platinum.
Palladium is another metal that can impart a white color to gold, but with this addition the metal retains a slight yellow tint.
To make a gold product as white and shiny as possible, it is coated with rhodium, which is part of the platinum group metals. This coating protects the jewelry, gives it shine, makes it resistant to scratches and deformation, and also neutralizes the allergenicity of nickel, if it is present in the product.
What kind of sample is there?
The purity of white gold depends on the amount of alloy in the precious metal alloy. What does it mean? The more gold and platinum in white gold, the higher its purity.
The test is standard, regardless of the color of the metal. Since there are international standards according to which pure gold is diluted. The most common is 585 white gold. In this case, the metal itself contains slightly more than half of gold, and the remaining components are other metals. Products of this type are quite durable.
Gold purity means the quantitative content of precious metals in the alloy.
If the jewelry uses a 585 alloy, then about half of it is gold, the rest is platinum and silver. Such a product will delight the owner with its impeccable whiteness and durability.
The sample is often called a hallmark, and for the safe sale of precious metals, as well as control over their quality, the placement of such a hallmark in many countries is regulated at the state level.
The most common hallmarks of white gold are 585 and 750. The same hallmarks in European countries are marked with the hallmark 14K and 18K. 14K white gold contains 58.5% gold, with the remaining 41.5% containing nickel, palladium or silver. In 18-karat gold, the additives are precious silver and platinum, and the gold itself is approximately 75%.
Lower standards transfer the jewelry to the category of costume jewelry. And gold in its pure form is found exclusively in bank bullion. The hallmark indicates the quality of a precious metal product, but only if the mark is established under government control.
Differences between white gold and silver
When choosing white gold jewelry, the consumer is primarily concerned with how to distinguish this precious metal from cheaper silver.
First of all, you should pay attention to the sample of the product. In white gold it will be 585 or 750, while the hallmark on silver is always 925. Visually, these metals are also noticeably different, and even a layman can easily recognize gold. The luster of white gold is more intense than that of silver; the gold product has greater mass and is much harder than its silver counterpart.
In addition to visual assessment, jewelry industry experts often evaluate precious metals for compliance with the assay using special acids and reagents. Such a check in the absence of a hallmark is mandatory, since silver items are often coated with rhodium plated, which makes them indistinguishable from gold ones.
Rhodium plated
Rhodium plating of jewelry is a common procedure. This coating provides the products with the necessary shine and significantly increases their wear resistance.
Rhodium is a noble metal with a silvery-white hue. The cost of this metal is tens of times higher than the cost of gold, as it is considered quite rare. Rhodium is not suitable for making jewelry, despite all its value, as it is very fragile. But it is ideal as a coating for jewelry.
One of the reasons for adding rhodium to white gold jewelry is to make it more white and eliminate the yellowish tint. Rhodium coating, in addition to color, also provides reliable protection for the product, since it does not change its color, does not fade, and is quite resistant to abrasion and deformation. Rhodium-plated products withstand daily wear and intensive use.
Sometimes such a coating is also applied to platinum jewelry to enhance its shine and to silver jewelry to protect it.
Despite all the advantages of rhodium, the coating of this metal still wears off over time. In this case, the rhodium layer is reapplied.
Price
The price of white gold, or rather jewelry made from this jewelry alloy, is influenced by many factors. First of all, this is the standard of the metal - the higher the standard, the more expensive the jewelry.
Thus, a product made from an understated 300 or 385 standard, despite its white color, is essentially costume jewelry, so the low cost of the jewelry should certainly alert you. Especially if there is no mark on it. White 585-karat jewelry is always more affordable than 750-karat jewelry, since they contain less gold.
In addition to the sample, the cost of jewelry is also affected by the complexity of its manufacture and the presence of precious stones in the product.
Another factor influencing the cost of jewelry is its weight. The price of white gold, like any other, is set per gram and is regulated by an international exchange. The average cost of 1 g of white gold (585 samples) ranges from 2100 to 3500 rubles. Therefore, the heavier the jewelry, the more expensive it will cost.
White gold rings
Master jewelers can make any jewelry from white gold: chains, earrings, pendants, bracelets. However, the most common white gold jewelry is rings.
Such rings are often used as engagement rings, complemented with diamond inserts. Wedding rings made of precious white metal are also incredibly popular, especially in Europe. White gold in these products is used by all world-famous jewelry houses without exception, often supplementing it with elements of gold of other colors. This creates interesting jewelry designs.
White gold chains
White gold chains are very popular due to their versatility. You can wear all kinds of pendants and pendants on such chains. And not necessarily from a similar metal. Pendants made from combined gold elements look great on them. Pendants with precious stones and diamonds.
White gold can be used to make chains of any weave - both hand-made and machine-made. Such chains are often complemented with bracelets.
White gold diamond jewelry
The physical characteristics of white gold largely determine its popularity. After all, this metal is much harder than alloys of other colors. This is why white gold is used as a setting for precious stones. And especially diamonds. Even if the jewelry is made from a combination of gold elements of different colors, the stones will certainly be framed with white metal to prevent them from falling out.
In addition, white gold enhances the beauty of diamonds, significantly enhancing their shine and emphasizing the natural whiteness and beauty of an expensive stone. Most engagement rings with diamonds from the famous jewelry houses Tiffany, Cartier, and Chopard are made of white gold.
Rules for caring for jewelry
White gold jewelry requires careful handling and special care. If the item is rhodium plated, its owner will certainly be faced with the need to periodically transfer the jewelry to a jeweler to apply a new layer of rhodium. In addition, with everyday wear, white gold can tarnish and scratch, especially when in contact with cosmetics and chemicals, chlorinated tap water or salty sea water.
Mechanical cleaning of white gold jewelry is prohibited, as it will completely erase the protective rhodium coating. In jewelry workshops, such jewelry is cleaned in ultrasonic baths and treated with hot steam.
For home care, you can purchase special products that can be used to wipe and polish jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Despite the difficulties in care, reviews of white gold are always positive.
White gold is a noble precious metal that allows you to create jewelry of incredible beauty. Its advantage is its versatility and compatibility with any type of appearance and clothing style.
Source: https://FB.ru/article/40914/beloe-zoloto-sostav-kotorogo-vpechatlyaet
How white gold is obtained, composition and properties of the alloy
White gold jewelry has gained a strong foothold in the jewelry market. Jewelry made from such an alloy cannot be cheap; often the ligature contains elements of the platinum group or platinum itself. This precious alloy consists of several elements and is excellent for making fine jewelry. And even though the finished product is a mixture of elements, its price is high, sometimes several times more expensive than the precious metals themselves.
Precious nobility
Professionals call an alloy noble if its composition includes platinum and palladium. The mark will tell you which element is included in your jewelry.
If platinum is used to create the product, the shape of the mark applied to it will be rectangular.
Such jewelry belongs to the premium category; they can only be bought in large jewelry stores, the assortment of which is designed for a certain segment of society whose capabilities allow them to make such expensive purchases.
If the composition of the jewelry ligature includes nickel, zinc, silver and gold, its selling price will not differ from the price of products made of gold of the corresponding standard.
Composition of the ligature
To create an unusual shade of white gold, precious or some other white metal is added to the alloy. Which one can be determined by color. The composition is usually made with the addition of the following metals:
- Platinum. The most expensive and refractory of all additives. It bleaches gold better than other options, giving the jewelry durability and an unusual shade. At the same time, it increases its cost by several orders of magnitude.
- Palladium. They began to add it to the alloy at the beginning of the 20th century, thus trying to reduce the cost of jewelry and obtain a more ductile alloy.
- Silver. Another precious metal that can be included in the ligature. However, this additive has one drawback - its excessive amount is somewhat harmful to the appearance of the finished product. The higher the percentage of silver in the alloy, the more matte the jewelry will acquire.
- Nickel. Ideal in all respects, white gold can be easily obtained as a cheaper alloy for creating jewelry by introducing nickel into the composition. In terms of quality characteristics, products of this composition are more resistant, less susceptible to deformation and exposure to aggressive chemical elements. The negative aspect of introducing nickel into the ligature is that it is more likely than other substances to cause an allergic reaction in the owner. Among the positive aspects, it is worth noting that it has greater hardness and the ability to be polished well. It is alloys with nickel that are used to create unique design works with clearly defined lines in the design.
Source: https://kamen.guru/metall/kak-poluchaetsya-beloe-zoloto
Features of determining white gold samples
Such products are now at the peak of fashion
One of the most important criteria for assessing the quality of gold products is the metal alloy or sample used. The latter indicates the percentage of precious metal and alloy (impurities) in the composition. Let's try to figure out what types of tests there are. There are 2 systems in the world:
In Russia, the first one is traditionally used, indicating the amount of precious metal in 1000 parts of the alloy. precious metal in products in our country is strictly controlled at the legislative level with the help of GOST standards. According to their requirements, the hallmark of white gold has 5 types:
- 375 - the pure gold content is 37.5%, the rest is zinc, silver and nickel. A relatively inexpensive composition designed for the mass consumer, the products gradually fade when exposed to air.
- 500 - valuable metal makes up exactly half of the alloy, the other part consists of copper and silver. The low castability of the composition increases the labor intensity of the product processing process, so this type is not very common.
- 585 - the standard of white gold consists of 58.5% of the noble metal, to which copper, silver, palladium, and nickel are mixed. A widely used and popular alloy that produces strong, hard, low-oxygen products.
- 750 is an alloy consisting of 75% gold, the remaining 25% is silver, palladium, platinum, and sometimes nickel. An expensive composition used for especially valuable, filigree works.
- 958 is almost a golden absolute. It is very soft, so it is practically not used in jewelry, because products made from it are fragile, easily deformed and erased. However, it is used to make bank bullion.
Table of contents
- 1 Ligature in white gold
- 2 Features of white gold
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Ligature in white gold
It is not difficult to remember what standard a product is made of white, yellow, pink, red or black gold, because the metric system in Russia is the same for all gold varieties. 585 white and ordinary gold items contain an identical percentage of the precious metal. However, their costs may vary significantly. Why does this happen?
Stylish bracelet
The price of the product is influenced not only by the standard of white or yellow gold, but also by other factors. The quality of the ligature is of great importance. A wide variety of impurities can be added to a jewelry alloy:
- copper,
- cadmium,
- silver,
- palladium,
- nickel,
- bronze,
- platinum.
Some metals are precious, others are not. But not only the price of jewelry depends on the ligature, but also their properties. Thanks to silver, the alloy acquires special softness, the melting point decreases, and the color changes - from yellow-green to completely white. With the help of copper, the hardness of the composition increases, the reddish tints increase, but the anti-corrosion properties decrease. Palladium and platinum increase the melting point and color the composition a noble white color.
Professional jewelers select the appropriate composition for products. An ordinary buyer does not need to delve into all the details; it is enough to navigate through samples.
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Features of white gold
Jewelry for a businessman
White gold became widespread after 1920. Until that time, silver or platinum were considered the most suitable metals for cutting pearls and diamonds due to their ideal color combination. However, silver tends to oxidize quickly, so the product loses its original appearance.
Platinum is not only significantly more expensive, but also more difficult to process due to its refractoriness. The discovery of a method for bleaching yellow metal created an easy-to-use composition that was practically not inferior in external characteristics to platinum. They began to produce jewelry with complex shapes from white gold, which could not be created from platinum. Thus began a new era in the history of the precious metal.
White gold has a huge number of shades, but to obtain a noble whiteness similar to platinum, high-grade compositions (from 585 and above) are used. Low gold grades exhibit poorer color consistency and reflectivity when bleached.
Not very pure shades can be hidden under a rhodium coating, which gives the jewelry a cool blue color. This metal from the platinum group significantly reduces wear, increases hardness, protects against scratches, and gives products a bright shine.
However, the rhodium plating also needs to be renewed periodically, carrying out the procedure of repeated “metalization”. The following can be used to bleach gold:
- platinum,
- palladium,
- nickel.
Thanks to palladium, products acquire a white-steel tint. Platinum acts more intensely, painting the alloy an even white color. Nickel, being a base metal, still effectively bleaches gold, however, retains a subtle yellowness.
In addition, it has been statistically established that every 8th person may be allergic to nickel in the form of dermatitis. Therefore, since 2000, European countries have stopped using this metal in white gold jewelry. However, in other parts of the world, nickel is still actively used.
Therefore, if you are prone to allergic reactions, be sure to inquire about the composition of the product.
White gold alloys are actively used for inserts with precious stones, especially pearls and diamonds. It is generally accepted that such a frame reflects the shine of stones well, does not distort the color, and creates the illusion of additional lighting.
Compared to yellow gold, white gold has increased resistance to external influences. This is a fashionable and sophisticated material that is always popular with leading jewelers.
Source: https://grammzolota.ru/proby/beloe-ligatura.html
White gold composition, history and application
Some people believe that white gold is platinum, and some that it is a rare type of silver. It is actually an alloy of gold with some metals that give it a white color. Sometimes white gold is called electrum (electrum), a natural alloy of gold (from 16 to 69%) with silver.
In the jewelry industry, pure gold is never used. An item, such as a ring made of pure gold, would be so soft that even an ordinary handshake could cause it to deform. For this reason, all jewelry gold is mixed with other metals, maintaining certain proportions.
These “other metals” (ligature) determine the degree of strength and shade of the future decoration. Platinum, palladium, nickel, silver and zinc are used to produce white gold. The addition of nickel and silver to white gold is typical for jewelry in the lower price category. A more expensive option is an alloy of gold with platinum and palladium. Such jewelry can only be found in the most elite jewelry stores, since their prices are comparable to the cost of products made from platinum itself.
By adding 8% platinum, gold acquires an unfading white color and excellent performance properties, such as strength and resistance to the external environment. In 585 gold, the ligature can be up to 41.5%, so platinum is supplemented with another metal - for example, silver. This white gold is distinguished by its noble shine, ideal whiteness, and impeccable strength characteristics.
Platinum is the most expensive of the precious metals, but jewelry made from it has not become as popular as gold, and it is also too expensive. We can say that white gold imitates platinum, but is much cheaper.
White gold containing palladium has a steel-white tint, platinum gives the alloy a white color more intensely than palladium, nickel gives the alloy a subtle yellowish tint, and if there is a rhodium plating, the product gives off a cold blue color.
White gold produced using nickel is the most inexpensive and yet has a strong resemblance to platinum. But such similarity can only be achieved when using high-grade gold, and using gold of 585 and below does not give a good result.
WHITE GOLD - NOBLE AND INOBLE
Depending on the components of the jewelry alloy, white gold can be either “noble” or “base.” There are simply no precious metals in “base” white gold, except for the gold itself, of course. Nickel is most often used as an alloy.
Medical research in recent years has shown that nickel can cause allergic reactions upon contact with skin, so since January 2000, the European Union has introduced standards that limit its content in jewelry and coins. Increasingly, nickel in white gold is being replaced by palladium.
However, for many of its characteristics, nickel remains irreplaceable. Thus, it is much harder than palladium and polishes well. Therefore, its use allows you to create original jewelry with complex designs. The “ignobility” of white gold with nickel is also explained by the yellowish tint of the metal.
In “noble” white gold, in addition to the gold itself, the alloy contains palladium or platinum. Palladium costs about the same as gold and gives the alloy the necessary strength. Platinum is an ideal option for the production of white gold. It “bleaches” yellow gold better than others, giving the alloy strength and a pale shade of natural nobility. It is this white gold that has the highest cost and has the most impeccable characteristics.
COATING
Despite its name, white gold is not always white. Depending on the ligature, pale yellow, pale pink and even pale brown shades are found. To achieve a bright white color, the finished product is plated with rhodium. It has the purest white color and is very hard. That is why rhodium plating gives the product a pure whiteness and improves its durability.
Rhodium is a platinum group metal, which, like platinum, is noticeably more expensive than gold. Coating with it increases the hardness of jewelry, protects it from scratches and prevents the nickel contained in white gold from coming into contact with the skin, thereby eliminating allergic reactions.
It is recommended to protect jewelry made from precious metals in every possible way from frequent contact with water and aggressive chemical environments. White gold is so delicate that even bleach in tap water can harm it. Rhodium plating is resistant to various external influences, but also wears out, and therefore it is sometimes recommended to carry out the re-plating procedure.
The history of white gold
White gold began to be used in products about a hundred years ago, at the very beginning of the twentieth century. In order to best show the shine and shimmer of precious stones, a white frame is needed. Previously, silver and platinum were used as frames.
However, silver tends to oxidize quickly, and platinum, on the one hand, is a fairly expensive metal (more expensive than gold), and on the other hand, it is very refractory, which significantly complicates working with it. To replace them, a white gold alloy was developed.
White gold has a well-chosen composition and is not inferior in appearance to platinum, but it is cheaper, much more convenient to process, and therefore can be used to make jewelry with complex shapes.
Application
Depending on the alloy, the properties of white gold can be different and, accordingly, it can be used for different purposes: hard and durable ones are used for rings and pins, alloys with palladium are well suited for inserts with precious stones. Diamond jewelry is often made from white gold. It is believed that a frame made from it reflects the shine of these stones well, does not distort their color and creates the effect of additional lighting.
Over the past few years, white gold wedding rings have become extremely popular. They serve as an excellent setting not only for diamonds and sapphires, but also for less expensive stones. These wedding rings are not only unusual, but also very fashionable.
The number of earring models made of white gold is enormous. They pair best with clear or black diamonds, as well as dark blue sapphires. Earrings made of white gold with black pearls look rich; such jewelry will add zest to your style and emphasize your elegance.
White gold and diamond bracelets have become very popular recently. They are certain symbols of style, grace, wealth and also look original. Such bracelets are absolutely neutral and will suit most, which cannot be said about traditional precious metal. White gold suits everyone because it doesn’t stick out.
White gold is widely used in combination with other types of gold. Pendants and brooches, earrings and pendants in white with black or rose gold look great. White gold gives jewelers the opportunity to fantasize and embody their ideas in their works, creating masterpieces.
It finds its application in both strict classical and modern extraordinary jewelry design. The price of such products includes not only the cost of precious stones and materials, but also the work of designers and jewelers.
Therefore, their cost can reach truly exorbitant heights.
DIFFERENCE WHITE GOLD FROM SILVER
Externally, white gold is very similar to silver. Only the latter is several times cheaper. Many scammers often counterfeit white gold, replacing it with silver. There are several good ways to distinguish white gold from silver. Any product made of white gold or silver must have a hallmark. If it is 925, it is either silver or a fake.
White gold comes in 585 standard, or 750 if it is jewelry with stones. White gold shines much brighter, but if a silver item is plated with rhodium, then it is more difficult to distinguish them externally. Gold and silver differ from each other in density. You can determine the volume of the product by lowering it into a beaker and weighing it on an accurate scale. Calculate the density and compare with the “correct” densities of metals.
But this is if the product does not contain stones.
Silver is softer and can leave a mark if you drag it across paper. Gold is harder and its color is not as cold as the color of silver.
Gold is not afraid of acids and alkalis. Keep it in a glass of vinegar for some time. If the color remains the same, you have real gold, but if it changes or the liquid becomes cloudy, it is either a fake or there are too many impurities in the gold. You can test gold with other reagents.
The most accessible and safest is iodine. Apply it to the product; if the gold contains many impurities or is not real, the iodine will immediately react and color the product. Real gold should only be wiped and no trace of iodine will remain.
White gold products, like any other precious things, should never be purchased secondhand or on the market.
Source: https://mir-fin.ru/beloe_zoloto.html
White gold - what is it - a jewelry metal or a technical alloy?
The concept of white gold combines several alloys based on ordinary red gold. The alloy is declared to contain palladium and platinum, but it turns out there are compositions with nickel and silver.
Composition and main characteristics of the alloy
As you know, the value of jewelry is estimated in carats. For alloys conventionally combined into the concept of “white gold”, the Assay Board determines the value at 9, 12 and 14 carats.
At the same time, the pure gold content is 37.5 in 9 carat, 50% in 12 carat and 58.3% or 58.5% in 14 carat value. In the metric hallmark system, 14-carat white gold is more often used, with a specific share of the base metal of 58.5%.
But items of 583 standard also belong to this group of metals, since they have the same value - 14 carats.
A more detailed description of white gold, what kind of alloy it is, will help to reveal its physical and chemical properties. The composition of the alloy has different ingredients, which is why the final product - jewelry - has completely different qualities.
Most often, the alloy composition may include:
- Silver;
- Palladium;
- Zinc;
- Nickel;
- Copper;
- Platinum.
The metal acquires a deep white color by adding silver - 10% and palladium - 15%. A metal with a noble metallic luster is obtained with a composition of 23.7% copper and 18% palladium. There are many products produced before 2000 with nickel-zinc filling - 23.5% silver, 12.2% nickel; 6.0% zinc.
What does white gold look like?
Attention! Since 2000, the use of nickel in white gold has been prohibited in Europe - it causes allergies, therefore nickel-zinc alloys are not used in medical and jewelry products.
Most metals in this group do not cause a chemical reaction (except for nickel-containing ones), therefore white gold, the composition of which is used in jewelry, is considered safe.
Among the physical properties, it should be noted that white gold is perfectly forgable and does not lose its properties during drawing and casting. When polished, it does not lose its mass like ordinary yellow or red. When used as a setting for precious and semi-precious stones, it does not react chemically and has high mechanical properties.
Advantages and disadvantages
When assessing the pros and cons of this precious metal, you need to remember that the value is determined primarily by its fineness, and not by the degree of polishing and additional coating. Typically, 585-carat jewelry contains all the signs of both noble metal and highly artistic design.
Like regular 585 gold, white contains the same amount of pure gold. Impurities of other metals, especially if it is palladium, iridium or platinum, are quite comparable in price to the price of solid gold. So, when buying a product with an assay mark, you can rest assured that this alloy contains 58.5% pure gold.
The metal, unlike pure gold, is harder and more durable, it has high mechanical properties, it is difficult to leave scratches on it, and the polishing of products lasts a very long time.
There is no doubt about the nobility of the metal - it does not cause allergies, does not darken, and does not leave marks on clothes. The only exception is the alloy with nickel, but the percentage of allergic reactions here is only small - only 0.9-1.1% of all people who took it in the test.
White gold does not tarnish
It is also important to note the artistic component of metal. First of all, it is valuable due to the ability to obtain various shades - from deep “white” to noble yellowish in an alloy with platinum. It is also important to note that, compared to 750 standard, products made from 585 standard are much stronger and more durable. That is why white gold 58.5% composition is valued higher by jewelers when creating individual piece orders.
When machining white gold:
- Does not become covered with plaque;
- It has a pleasant natural shine; often jewelers do not polish products made from this material, leaving a natural shine;
- The setting for precious stones lasts much longer and does not require constant care and work from jewelers to additionally fix the stones;
- It is easier to match stones with metal jewelry compared to other types of metals. It looks natural with most metals in complex jewelry.
White gold and silver distinctive features
The question of how difficult it is to distinguish between white gold and silver should start with the cost. To do this, just look at the price tag of the product - gold will definitely be higher, several times higher. But as for the distinctive features, here you need to pay attention to the following points:
- In products that are not rhodium plated to improve shine, silver has an excellent cool matte appearance;
- White gold, even without treatment, has a shine;
- The color of silver is a smooth, uniform color;
- Gold has a yellowish or reddish tint characteristic of gold.
In terms of physical properties, despite the fact that silver and gold are approximately the same in mass, gold is harder due to the fact that white gold contains palladium and nickel.
It should also be noted that silver itself is prone to oxidation, especially if it does not have a radium coating. White metal darkens over time and a black coating appears. For gold, this problem does not exist; the chemical composition of elements other than nickel is not subject to oxidation and allergic reactions.
What stones are used in white gold jewelry?
The fact that white gold is suitable for most precious and semi-precious stones is a fact that does not require additional evidence. But the fact that there are list favorites and obvious preferences is worth talking about separately.
Fashion for jewelry and types of metals in frames is changeable. Until recently, rose gold was popular, replacing yellow gold at the peak of its glory. But white, unlike other types, always remains among the favorites.
This is due to the harmonious combination with the main precious stones that have a deep cut:
- Diamond
- Ruby
- Emerald
- Sapphire
White gold harmoniously combines with diamond
Products made of white gold and white and black diamonds are especially valued. This combination of stones and metal is considered the most exquisite. As for the more democratic segment of jewelry with semi-precious stones, topaz and cubic zirconia are the favorites here. But for the list to be complete, you must add pearls to it. White, black, large, medium, all this is in perfect harmony with white gold, emphasizing its nobility and restraint.
Features of product care
White gold products, according to most consumers, are the most practical and comfortable to wear. Durability allows it to be used for everyday wear, however, the products require more frequent cleaning and polishing.
It is recommended to use special jewelry care products for cleaning or promptly have them cleaned at a jewelry workshop. You have to constantly clean items that are constantly in contact with the skin - chains, earrings, bracelets and watches. Watches, and especially their bracelets, require periodic polishing, since despite the strength of the metal, it is wristwatches and bracelets that most often require additional polishing.
Source: https://1nerudnyi.ru/beloe-zoloto-chto-eto-01/
What properties does white gold have?
White gold - what is it, what metals is the alloy made from. Basic properties and characteristics of white gold. By what features can a precious metal be distinguished from silver? The use of white gold in magic, as well as for making amulets and talismans.
articles:
Properties of white gold
Precious alloy composition
The difference between white gold and silver
Precious metal in magic - amulets and talismans
People have been well acquainted with the precious “yellow metal” for many thousands of years. But its analogue - white gold - became popular much later, at the end of the 20th century. Jewelry made from this precious metal very quickly became fashionable and became another symbol of prestige and high social status. The alloy gets its characteristic white tint from the expensive platinum metals that make up its composition.
Properties of white gold
This material is mostly used to make jewelry, mainly those containing diamonds (cut diamonds). There is a myth that white gold is “nobler” than its yellow counterpart. In fact, the value of a precious metal is determined by its fineness. For example, at the price of one gram of white and yellow gold, the most common 585 standard, will be equivalent.
White gold jewelry can vary in shade due to the presence of impurities, which can vary in both composition and concentration. To achieve the highest possible whiteness, jewelers add platinum to the alloy. By the way, the price of jewelry ultimately depends not only on its color. The presence or absence of additional elements and decorative inserts is of great importance.
The advantages of white precious metal include wear resistance and high strength of the material. Bracelets, rings and earrings made from it are resistant to scratches and deformation, which makes them suitable for everyday wear.
Precious alloy composition
The composition of the alloy is not a special secret; the following components are used to make white gold:
- Nickel
- Zinc
- Platinum
- Silver
The presence of nickel in the alloy gives the material high strength. But jewelry containing this metal has one drawback - it can cause allergic reactions in some people. In European countries, it is prohibited to make jewelry that contains a large amount of nickel in its ligature. Instead, it is recommended to add palladium or platinum to the alloy.
Silver, as you know, is a noble metal that does not provoke allergies. But if there is too much silver in white gold, the material will become dull and lose its shine. However, in this case, the finished jewelry can be coated with a layer of rhodium. This procedure is called rhodium plating; it returns the aesthetic appeal of the product.
The difference between white gold and silver
These noble metals have a fairly high degree of external similarity, but there are characteristic features by which they can be distinguished. First of all, this is a test. Silver items are usually marked 925, while gold jewelry is 750 or 585.
Secondly, white gold has a more intense shine than silver. But do not forget about the possibility of applying decorative coating (rhodium plating). Lastly, gold jewelry is harder than its silver counterparts.
Precious metal in magic - amulets and talismans
Gold has been used in practical magic for a long time. It is believed that this precious metal attracts financial well-being and gives its owner authority and great weight in society.
In addition, gold amulets protect from the machinations of evil spirits, from envious people and ill-wishers. Suffice it to remember that wedding rings of spouses are most often made of gold.
In Ancient Egypt, “yellow metal” symbolized immortality and royal power, which was equated to divine power.
White gold can be used to make amulets. This alloy combines the magical properties of both metals (gold and silver). This means that a talisman made from it will have the following qualities:
- Attracting financial wealth
- Protection from damage, evil eye, evil spirits
- Sharpening intuitive perception
- Strengthening the qualities of a speaker and organizer
- Help in finding your “soul mate”
A white gold amulet will primarily be useful to a person holding a leadership position. It enhances its owner’s ability to self-control and sharpens analytical thinking. In addition, this precious metal inspires respect in others, which has a positive effect on the authority of the leader in the team.
Source: http://vse-talismany.ru/beloe-zoloto
Reasons for yellowing of white gold and how to care for it - Glitter Gem
11.02.2019
Many jewelry connoisseurs are interested in the questions of why white gold turns yellow during use, how to maintain its original appearance and restore the surface. The trend for jewelry made from a white alloy of precious metal occupies an honorable place on the pedestal of world jewelry fashion.
Alloy composition
Precious materials used in the manufacture of jewelry are distinguished by their qualitative characteristics and quantitative composition of ligature components.
Chemically pure gold, corresponding to 24 carats or 999.9 fineness, is yellow in color and soft. Therefore, the jewelry industry uses alloys of precious metals with other chemical elements.
Depending on the additives, the properties of the composition change. When silver is added, the alloy acquires a matte silver color. If nickel is used as an alloy, the material is distinguished by its yellowness, which is hidden in the product under a layer of rhodium. Palladium is used as a ligature in rare cases.
Some countries have abandoned the use of nickel as an alloy component. Metal can cause an allergic reaction. A film of platinum group metal gives the jewelry a snow-white color with a characteristic tint of a noble element and improves wear resistance.
Pure gold can be whitened by the alloy additive of 5% platinum, which gives the material excellent performance characteristics. Products made from an alloy of noble chemical elements do not deform, and the surface is resistant to mechanical damage.
White and yellow gold are hallmarked, so both subtypes of the alloy have the same value in terms of noble metal content.
The process of yellowing of products and restoration methods
Products made from white material are resistant to deformation and retain an attractive appearance thanks to the addition of a solid ligature.
For what reasons and why does white gold turn yellow? Jewelry made from different grades of material is coated with rhodium. The metal film provides the composition with additional wear resistance, hardness, and gives a silvery tint.
Many alloys contain silver, which reacts with oxygen. Over time, such a product darkens, so the surface of the product is plated with rhodium.
The essence of the method is the process of electrolysis under the influence of electric current. Jewelry coated in this way will retain its appearance for a long time.
Using the immersion method in a special solution is cheap and easy to implement. At the same time, the rhodium layer does not always cover the product evenly, and it also tends to wear off quickly.
In many cases, jewelry loses its former appearance during use, resulting in a yellowish layer of alloy being revealed under the coating. This can happen if you wear jewelry for a long time.
To ensure that jewelry remains white and maintains its original appearance for a long time, careful handling is required. When caring for products, it is not recommended to:
- use soda and aggressive substances for cleaning;
- grind and polish jewelry.
The greatest danger is perchloric acid, so it is better to take off your jewelry when going to the shower or swimming pool. This also applies to washing dishes and cleaning using detergents.
The effect of yellowing is observed on the surface of products made from a noble alloy with the addition of silver and copper. The presence of defects does not indicate a decrease in the value of the jewelry.
When storing jewelry, you need to adhere to basic rules and avoid close contact with other metals. It is not recommended to clean the tarnished surface yourself.
What to do if white gold turns yellow? To restore the previous appearance of products, it is better to contact a jewelry workshop. Experienced craftsmen restore the surface and re-treat it with rhodium.
Source: https://kabirski-store.ru/ukrasheniya/prichiny-pozhelteniya-belogo-zolota-i-pravila-uhoda-za-nim.html
White gold - what is it? White gold jewelry:
Modern knowledge about precious metals and the impeccable taste of specialists allow us to produce real masterpieces of jewelry. White precious metals are especially noble. For more than two decades now, the fashion for white gold has increased. At first glance, products made from it look like metal. It is very easy to confuse it with silver.
But one cannot fail to note the elegance, style and grace of white gold products. This alloy perfectly frames diamonds, emeralds, topazes, and sapphires. Its matte and discreet shade emphasizes the expressiveness of the stones and does not lose its brightness.
What are the signs of white gold, how to distinguish it from silver or platinum? We offer you an exciting journey into the world of white gold jewelry.
What is white gold?
Since ancient times, people have made friends with the alluring yellow metal. Gold has become a means of investment, as well as a material for making jewelry. Today there is yellow, pink, white and even green gold.
Such shades were achieved using alloys of gold with other metals. White gold - what is it? This question interests many readers. This is an alloy based on gold with the addition of some white metal. Palladium, nickel, and platinum are most often added.
Thanks to this mixing, white color is obtained.
If you don’t know what white gold is, then you will find the exact answer to your question below. The fact that this is an alloy is already clear. Why can it be more expensive or cheaper? It all depends on what metal is added to the alloy.
The cheapest option is to mix gold with nickel. This alloy has a yellowish tint. But since nickel can cause allergies in many people, it is replaced with palladium. This combination gives a matte shade with a bluish tint.
More expensive jewelry made of white gold with the addition of platinum.
It is worth noting that products made from white precious metal are universal. They are worn every day, worn for special occasions, work, and leisure. Rings, bracelets, and chains made of white gold look very elegant and sophisticated.
Nobility and price of white metal
There is an opinion that white gold is an alloy that is more noble than yellow. It is important to note that only the sample indicates the nobleness of the metal. A higher purity indicates a higher gold content in the alloy. Most often, jewelry is made in 750 and 585 samples. This means that the alloy consists of 75% or 58.5% gold, the rest being additives (palladium, zinc, silver, platinum). Naturally, the 750 alloy is more expensive and noble.
How much does a gram of white gold cost? The price for 585 samples ranges from 2800 rubles. up to 6500 rub. per gram. Please note that the price of the product includes not only weight, but also inserts and complexity of work. The cost of 750 samples is 4000 rubles. and higher per gram.
A rare guest on Russian jewelry counters is 375-carat white gold. But the British and Americans mostly only use such a sample. This alloy is very wear-resistant and durable. At the end, such products are also coated with rhodium, which gives them a special shine. Jewelry 375 is the most affordable. The cost of such low-grade metal in Russia ranges from 2000 to 3500 rubles. per gram. Often such products are inlaid with precious inserts.
Popularity of noble white metal
White gold became fashionable in some European countries at the beginning of the last century. One reason is that it is more durable than yellow. Many master jewelers use white alloy for diamond jewelry. Diamonds on white metal appear more expressive, transparent, without a yellow tint. Any precious stone is highlighted with the marvelous shine of white metal.
Many world jewelry designers prefer to work with white gold. Combinations with metals of other shades are practiced to create real masterpieces of jewelry. The combination of white alloy with black is all the rage. This option can be called royal.
White gold products are suitable for any clothing, any hair and eye color. They are not flashy, calm, as real jewelry should be. They have some kind of grandeur and coolness. If yellow metal has the radiance of the sun, then white metal has lunar nobility.
Differences from silver and platinum
Why is white metal more expensive than red or yellow? The fact is that silver is most often added to its production. It is more expensive than copper, which is mixed into the red or yellow alloy. Many people confuse white gold with silver or platinum.
What are the differences between these metals? Experts believe that it is incorrect to compare them with each other. Silver products, for example, are less shiny than gold ones. But if silver is plated with rhodium, which is often done, then it is very difficult to distinguish it from white gold.
The main difference is the price.
Experts distinguish gold from silver by density by weighing them on precise scales. Silver is softer and lighter.
What is special about platinum jewelry? Firstly, platinum is not an alloy, but a pure metal with a silver-gray tint. Platinum is stronger and more wear-resistant, but has special ductility. It does not warp as much as softer gold jewelry.
Today, platinum is three times more expensive than gold. This indicator was not always the case: in the last century it was valued cheaper even than silver. Even if you look at the hallmark of platinum jewelry, you will see the following indicators: 850, 900, 950. White gold cannot have such a hallmark.
White gold chains
Chains have long been a stylish and noble decoration. A white gold chain looks especially impressive on tanned skin. Thanks to the contrast and subtle play of silver tints, it has a magnetic appearance on the neck.
Chains made of white noble alloy are worn by both women and men. Women's products are distinguished by their sophistication and openwork weaving. Men's chains are denser and more massive, they do not have any elaborate frills.
White gold chains come in long and short, thin and wide, and in various weaves. For open cutouts, choose products up to 45-50 cm long. Long chains are worn over clothing. Elegant thin jewelry is suitable for fragile girls, voluminous jewelry is worn by women with curves. The chain that will be complemented by the pendant should be 2-3 times heavier than it.
It is not so difficult visually to distinguish a gold chain from a silver one. The silver product is more matte, while the gold product has a slight shine.
The benefits of white wedding rings
Rings are an essential attribute of any wedding ritual. Their modern range surprises with a variety of models. White gold wedding rings are especially popular today. These can be classic smooth models, as well as rings with engraving and inserts of diamonds or cubic zirconia. Combined models that combine red and white gold are distinguished by their originality.
Many young couples prefer textured products. Such rings can have a wavy, matte or pebbled surface. Designer wedding rings made of white gold are particularly original. There are models in the form of nuts, tires, crowns.
White gold crosses and pendants
Pendants, pendants and crosses made of white gold have long been in demand and popular. On the fashion pedestal are 585-carat jewelry. Small original pendants or crosses made of white gold will become an appropriate accessory even for office style.
Crosses generally have a deep and multifaceted meaning. There are many legends, stories, and traditions associated with them. Many people buy them not only for aesthetic, but also for spiritual purposes. Crosses made of white gold, inlaid with cubic zirconia, are a real work of jewelry craftsmanship.
Noble gold earrings
White gold earrings occupy a special place among jewelry. Such an acquisition is considered an indicator of the good taste and high status of its owner. Feminine and elegant, white alloy earrings effectively highlight the color of your eyes. Such products can be matched to the color of makeup or clothing, because this metal is beautifully inlaid with multi-colored stones. The catalogs contain white gold earrings of various styles and shapes.
Products with diamonds
The leader in veneration in the world is white gold with diamonds. This combination is a symbol of personal success and well-being. White alloy diamond jewelry is a wonderful calling card for any society. Precious stones are favorably set off by the soft shine of the noble metal. White gold very subtly reveals the play of light of diamonds.
Source: https://www.syl.ru/article/363438/beloe-zoloto---chto-eto-takoe-ukrasheniya-iz-belogo-zolota
White gold jewelry: types, use, cost, care, benefits
Jewelry made from white gold looks very elegant, is expensive and is always decorated with precious stones. White gold jewelry allows you to emphasize the social status and respectability of its owner.
This is an excellent investment in jewelry as this type of gold alloy is always used only for handmade jewelry.
This gold alloy has a luxurious appearance and, unlike ordinary yellow, rose or red gold, is quite durable. This is achieved through special alloys (additives) that are added to it.
Today, such a precious metal is very popular in the jewelry market. But most people have no idea that this type of gold alloy began to be used only in the 20s of the last century.
Before this, such a concept simply did not exist in jewelry production - white gold. It was replaced by platinum.
Use and cost
Due to its high cost, special physical characteristics of the alloy and attractive appearance, such gold is used only for the manufacture of luxury jewelry.
Like yellow gold, the white version of its alloy has 585 and 750 samples. Since it is too expensive, it is not used for industrial needs due to saving the production budget and the profitability of manufacturing ultra-precise high-tech products.
For industrial purposes, the cheaper yellow gold alloy is usually used.
The composition of metals that are added to regular gold provides a higher value for white gold rings, earrings, chains, necklaces and bracelets.
The high price of such jewelry is determined by specific parameters:
- the difficulty of processing a harder gold alloy, which has a white tint;
- the high cost of alloys, which increase the price of the gold alloy itself; • mandatory use of precious stones to decorate jewelry;
- brand fame, since such expensive material can only be used by famous jewelry companies;
- age and exclusivity of the decoration.
The use of platinum as an additive greatly increases the cost of jewelry. Traditionally, jewelry makers always decorate such white gold items with diamonds, emeralds and other rare precious stones.
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This also makes white precious metal jewelry items that only the very wealthy can purchase.
Jewelry of this type will always cost more than jewelry made of yellow or red gold. It is always distinguished by fine filigree finishing, an abundance of small details and a large number of precious stones.
Why are diamonds always used to decorate jewelry?
Due to the fact that white gold has a characteristic shine, it becomes an ideal background and frame for diamonds. They look better with this gold alloy than with red or yellow gold.
Cut diamonds appear clearer and cleaner when set against a white gold alloy.
In addition to colorless diamonds, artists often use black, yellow, pink and other diamonds that have a characteristic shade to decorate expensive rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
On a white background they play with special colors. Jewelry of this class belongs to real luxury or even to a work of applied art. Investing in such treasures becomes very profitable.
Over time, they will become even more valuable, making the investment profitable and reliable.
You may be interested in: What do men's gold rings say?
How should you care for jewelry made from white gold?
All jewelry made from white gold requires careful handling. To do this you need:
- Store such jewelry in special boxes or cases, upholstered on the inside with velvet or jewelry leather.
- Visit a specialist regularly to restore the rhodium protective coating. This should be done by a trusted jeweler.
- Always remove rings, earrings and bracelets when preparing for bathing or using cosmetics or chemicals.
Following the recommendations for storage and wearing will help keep such jewelry in perfect condition and ensure that its value increases over time. Experts recommend storing jewelry made in a single copy in safe deposit boxes. Such jewelry is worn only on very solemn and important occasions.
Source: http://VseoZolote.ru/yuvelirnye-ukrasheniya/obzor-ukrashenij-iz-belogo-zolota.html
Composition, advantages and disadvantages of white gold
White gold is an alloy of several elements that has characteristic properties and is used to make jewelry. Many people believe that jewelry made from this alloy has a higher value - this is partly true if the ligature contains platinum or elements of this group.
White gold ring with cubic zirconia
Products of this shade gained popularity at the beginning of the 20th century. It was at this time that the yellow color of the precious metal began to be considered vulgar, and cool-colored jewelry just appeared and immediately became fashionable. The presence of such jewelry was considered a sign of wealth and high position in society.
What does the alloy consist of?
The composition of white gold can be different; the ligature is prepared using several elements:
- Zinc.
- Nickel.
- Silver.
- Platinum.
In addition to yellow gold, base metals can be added to the alloy. In this case, the shade of the alloy will change and a cold shine will appear. Zinc and nickel can act as such elements.
As for nickel, this metal not only gives jewelry the desired shade, but also makes the alloy more durable and wear-resistant. But there is also a negative side: when adding nickel to the alloy, a person may develop an allergy to metals.
In Europe, the use of nickel is limited by law - if the ligature contains too much of this element, the jewelry will not be certified. The reason is that at the beginning of the 20th century in Europe, jewelry containing nickel was widely sold. As a result, many people experienced an allergic reaction to the metal and paid with their health.
Since 2000, the amount of nickel in the master alloy has been strictly regulated by law. And they decided to add platinum or palladium to the alloy instead of nickel.
Silver is another element in the alloy. If there is too much silver, the product will have a matte tint.
White gold as a material for making jewelry has unique properties. The metal is strong, ductile and wear-resistant, it tolerates moisture well and is not afraid of contact with reagents. The reason for the appearance of such properties is not only gold, but also platinum - this element is added to the ligature to give jewelry a cold tint and other chemical and physical properties.
Three colors of gold
If the ligature contains only silver, zinc and nickel, then the shade of the jewelry will be far from ideal. Products are usually coated with a layer of rhodium before being sold.
Rhodium plating is the application of a coating to jewelry made from an alloy of silver, gold and other base metals. Rhodium is used more often than other elements for this purpose.
Rhodium is a platinum group element and is mined during the development of ore deposits. The metal is very expensive and no more than 3 tons are mined per year all over the world. Rhodium plating gives jewelry a cool tint, shine and makes it durable, wear-resistant, resistant to environmental factors and mechanical damage.
Rhodium plating is often applied to jewelry made from yellow metal. Cover fasteners and places where stones are attached to strengthen the product and protect it from environmental factors.
So, what is called white gold:
- an alloy of nickel, zinc, silver and Au;
- an alloy of platinum, silver and Au.
By studying reviews, you can find information that the price per gram of white metal is higher than the cost of gold. Many people are interested in the question of why this happens.
White gold wedding rings
Au costs less than platinum - everyone knows this, so if the alloy contains platinum, the cost of the products will be higher. A stamp will help identify the element in jewelry. If the jewelry contains platinum, then a rectangular stamp is placed on it.
If jewelry is made of nickel, zinc, silver and Au, then their cost will not differ from products made of yellow metal of the corresponding standard.
What determines the cost of a product per gram:
- Weight of jewelry.
- Presence of stones.
- Sample and stamp.
Don’t forget that the price of jewelry depends on the manufacturer, and the retailer also places a markup on the product.
The cost of jewelry is determined depending on the weight of the product, as well as the percentage of precious metals in the alloy. For example, a ring or earrings of 585 standard will cost less than the same product of 750 standard.
The 585 sample of gold contains 58.5% of the precious element, and the 750 sample contains 75% Au. Naturally, this affects the cost of jewelry.
How to make white gold, which does not cause allergies:
- if the jewelry does not contain platinum, then the product is coated with rhodium;
- Rhodium can be present in the alloy as one of the elements; ruthenium can replace this metal.
Ruthenium is a platinum group element, but it is cheaper and more widely available.
If there is no platinum or elements of this group in the ligature, then the jewelry is coated with rhodium - this metal allows you to avoid allergies.
The cool shade is loved by jewelers, and for this reason, an alloy of this color is often used to make jewelry. In addition, the color of the metal goes well with precious stones.
What stones are suitable?
There are several stones that are invariably encrusted with jewelry made from this material. Most often, white gold is decorated with:
- diamonds;
- sapphires;
- emeralds;
- cubic zirconias.
Pairs perfectly with diamonds. The hint of gold helps give the stones color and shine. Jewelry inlaid with these stones looks very impressive. At the same time, the color of diamonds does not matter much. Jewelers use stones of any color and shade; black diamonds set in white gold look especially good.
Sapphires and emeralds also pair well with the shine of Au. The metal complements the natural shine of the stones and makes them more noticeable. In most cases, jewelers use large stones, so the cost of such jewelry is quite high.
Cubic zirconia can also be used as a supplement. These stones are used to decorate jewelry just like diamonds; naturally, the shine of such products is not as good, but the cost is quite reasonable.
Jewels are also inlaid with opal - the white color goes well with the color of the stone and complements its shine. Opal is one of those stones that is not very expensive, but can be used for inlaying white gold jewelry.
Other shades
In addition to white, you can find decorations in other shades:
- red or pink;
- green;
- black or blue.
Red or pink color can be obtained by adding copper to the ligature. This element will give the products a characteristic shade. The more copper in the alloy, the richer the color of the metal.
The green color is obtained if silver is present in the alloy. This element gives the products the desired shade. In addition to silver, other metals may also be included in the alloy.
Blue or black gold is obtained in a special way. Rhodium is also involved in the process, so the price for products of this shade is quite high.
White is a universal color for gold also because it goes perfectly with skin, hair and eyes of any shade. This means that jewelry made from this alloy is suitable for everyone.
Source: https://HochuZoloto.com/splavy/beloe-zoloto.html