What is White Gold, How is White Gold Made

White gold is not a naturally occurring metal like yellow gold; instead, it is an alloy primarily used in jewelry, particularly for its modern, sleek appearance that complements diamonds and other gemstones. Often mistaken for platinum or silver due to its bright, silvery appearance. But what exactly is white gold, and how is it crafted?

What is White Gold

White gold is an alloy made primarily of gold and other white metals, such as palladium, nickel, or silver, to give it a lighter color.  Pure gold (24 karat gold) is naturally yellow, so to create white gold, gold is mixed with white metals like palladium, silver, nickel, or platinum. The color and properties of white gold can vary depending on the specific metals used in the alloy and their proportions. White gold is commonly used in jewelry, especially for settings in engagement rings and other fine pieces.

How White Gold is Made

White gold, a popular choice for jewelry due to its elegant, silvery hue, starts its life as pure, yellow gold. The transformation into white gold involves a meticulous process of alloying and finishing:

Alloying with Precision

The first step involves melting pure gold with other white metals. The choice of these metals is crucial for both the color and durability of the final product. Common alloys include:

• Palladium: Known for its non-tarnishing properties and the natural white color it imparts to gold.
• Nickel: Historically favored for its strength and color, though its use has declined due to potential allergic reactions.
• Silver: Occasionally used, but its tendency to tarnish makes it less desirable for long-term wear.
• Zinc or Copper: These are added in minor amounts to enhance durability, slightly altering the color.

The proportions of these metals are carefully measured to achieve the desired shade and hardness. For example:

• 18k White Gold: Comprises 75% gold and 25% other metals.
• 14k White Gold: Contains 58.3% gold with 41.7% other metals.

Melting and Forming the Alloy

This mixture is then heated to around 1,064°C (1,947°F) in a furnace, where the metals melt and combine into a uniform alloy. Once melted, this alloy is poured into molds or cast into ingots, cooling to solidify into what we recognize as white gold.

Achieving the Desired Color

The initial alloy, even with white metals, often retains a slight yellowish tint or a grayish hue. To achieve the brilliant white finish typical of white gold jewelry:

Rhodium Plating is applied. Rhodium, a shiny, silver-white metal, not only enhances the whiteness but also adds a protective layer against scratches and tarnishing. However, this layer can wear off over time, requiring re-plating to maintain the white appearance.

Crafting the Jewelry

The white gold alloy is then crafted into various pieces of jewelry. This involves:

• Shaping: Techniques like casting, stamping, or handcrafting are used to form the jewelry.
• Polishing: The final step involves polishing the piece to a high shine, especially if it's been rhodium-plated, ensuring a lustrous, reflective surface.

Maintenance Over Time

Over time, the rhodium plating on white gold jewelry may wear off, revealing the underlying alloy's color. To keep white gold looking its best, periodic re-plating is necessary. This maintenance step ensures the jewelry retains its bright, white luster, making it a timeless choice for those who appreciate its elegant simplicity.

This journey from yellow gold to the sophisticated white gold we see in jewelry showcases the blend of artistry and metallurgy, ensuring each piece not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time.

Properties of White Gold

Durability: White gold is generally harder and more durable than yellow gold, especially when nickel is used in the alloy.

Color: While white gold is not naturally white, the rhodium plating makes it appear very similar to platinum or silver.

Maintenance: Over time, the rhodium plating can wear off, revealing the slightly yellowish tint of the white gold alloy beneath. This can be restored by reapplying the rhodium plating.

Hypoallergenic Considerations: Some white gold alloys, especially those containing nickel, can cause allergic reactions in some people. Palladium-based white gold is a more hypoallergenic option.

Price: White gold can be less expensive than platinum but more costly than yellow gold due to the additional metals used in the alloy. The price also depends on the type of metal used in the alloy and the karat of the gold.

White Gold vs. Yellow gold

White Gold vs. Yellow Gold

White gold and yellow gold differ primarily in their composition and appearance. Yellow gold is made by mixing pure gold with alloy metals like copper and zinc, resulting in a warm, traditional yellow hue. White gold, on the other hand, is created by blending gold with white metals such as palladium or nickel and is often plated with rhodium to give it a bright, silvery-white finish.

In terms of durability, yellow gold is softer and more prone to scratches, especially in higher karats, but it’s easier to repair. White gold is more durable due to the alloyed metals and rhodium plating, though it may require re-plating over time to maintain its appearance.

Maintenance needs also differ. Yellow gold requires occasional polishing but generally doesn’t need much upkeep beyond that. White gold, however, needs periodic re-plating to keep its bright white finish intact.

When it comes to skin sensitivity, yellow gold is usually hypoallergenic, especially in higher karats, making it a safer choice for those with sensitive skin. White gold can cause allergic reactions if it contains nickel, although the rhodium plating typically prevents direct contact with the skin.

Yellow gold's warm color often appeals to those who prefer traditional or vintage aesthetics, and it's making a comeback in modern jewelry for its rich color. White gold is favored for its modern, sleek look, often preferred in engagement rings or minimalist designs. The white color can also make diamonds or other gemstones appear brighter.

Read also:
Where Does Gold Come From?
What Types of Rocks Contain Gold