In this article, we want to explain comprehensively what white gold is and what the difference between platinum and yellow gold is. We have also written for you how you can distinguish white gold from silver. We have also introduced the properties and applications of white gold.
What is White Gold?
White gold is the same as yellow gold, which is combined with other metals such as palladium, zinc, copper, nickel, manganese and silver. Of course, a layer of rhodium is also applied on it to make it look whiter and shinier. Rhodium plating also makes jewelry stronger and harder. If palladium is used in white gold, there is no need for rhodium plating because palladium gives gold a gray color.
White gold is generally very durable and stable. But its strength depends on its grade; That is, the lower the gold grade, the longer it will last. In contrast, high-grade gold, because it consumes more pure gold, may not be as strong. Because gold is a soft metal that must be combined with other metals that can be used to make jewelry.
We do not have white gold in nature. This means that this type of gold cannot be extracted and is made by human hands. We also mentioned above that white gold is an alloy of gold that is obtained by combining it with at least one white metal. The properties of white gold also vary depending on the type of metal used. For example, if nickel is used in the manufacture of white gold, because the nickel is hard, the final product has a hard sex and is more suitable for making rings, pins, clamps and chains.
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What is White Gold Alloy?
We said that white gold is obtained by combining yellow gold with other metals. Currently, the most common compounds used to make white gold are:
1. Gold-Palladium-Silver Alloy: 750 units of yellow gold are added to 200 units of palladium and 50 units of silver.
2. Gold-nickel-copper-zinc alloy: 750 units of yellow gold + 135 units of nickel + 85 units of copper + 35 units of zinc. Nickel is used to increase strength, copper to increase malleability, and zinc to prevent copper from rusting. This alloy is less expensive than the high alloy and may cause skin allergies and pimples.
3. Gold-aluminum alloy: Composed of 78.49 gold and the rest of aluminum. This compound is used to make purple gold.
4. Gold-Indium Alloy: This is how they combine 46.17 units of gold and 53.83 units of indium to make blue gold.
What is the difference between white gold and yellow gold?
Nickel metal is used to make white gold. Therefore, it may cause skin allergies. But yellow gold is less likely to cause allergies. However, yellow gold is easier to scratch than white gold and has a softer material. Because white gold is used to make stronger metals.
Because gold is a soft metal, copper is commonly used to strengthen yellow gold. But for white gold, silver is used.
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Properties and characteristics of white gold
The properties of white gold depend on the amount of metals used in it. For example, white gold nickel alloy is heavy and very strong and is used to make rings and chains. This is while the palladium alloy of white gold is soft and flexible and as a result is used to produce jewelry with delicate jewels.
Applications of white gold
White gold is mostly used to make jewelry and engagement and wedding rings. Because this color is made of gold with a variety of colors of precious stones. For example, diamonds show much more and better on white gold than on yellow or rose gold. That is why this gold alloy is used for all kinds of services and wedding rings. White gold is generally more popular than yellow gold.
What is the carat of white gold?
The highest grade of white gold available in Iran is 18. 18 by 24 carat (750 by 1000) means 18 parts of gold and 6 parts of other metals make up the white gold alloy. Of course, white gold with 14 and 12 carats is also available in world markets (except Iran). These golds are stronger, less polished and lower in price than 18-carat white gold. But you should know that buying and selling gold under 18 carats is not legal in Iran.
What is the difference between platinum and white gold?
Although white gold and platinum are both white, they differ in appearance. This difference becomes more apparent over time. Platinum is very prone to scratches and rust. As a result, it loses its radiance over time and acquires a matte color with a shade of green. To restore radiance and shine to platinum, you need to polish it. White gold does not rust, but its rhodium plating wears off over time. As a result, the yellow color of gold comes out from under it. To restore the shine and clarity of white gold, you need to extend the rhodium plating.
Platinum is also allergenic: it never irritates or itches the skin. But in white gold alloy, too much nickel may be used, which can cause itching, redness or irritation of the skin. Of course, if gold is coated with rhodium, it prevents nickel from coming into contact with the skin. In these cases, care should be taken to extend the rhodium coating.
Artifacts made with platinum are heavier than those made with white gold. So, before you buy, consider whether you are going to use the white gold or platinum piece of your choice every day or only for special occasions! Certainly a heavy product is not a good option for daily use.
Note that in slang, platinum is sometimes referred to as white gold, while platinum is a different metal and is more durable, rarer, and brighter in color than white gold.
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How to distinguish white gold from silver?
White gold and silver, like platinum and white gold, are very similar in appearance. But in fact, there are many differences with each other, which we have written for you below:
- White gold is an alloy obtained by combining several metals with gold. But silver is a pure element.
- The price and value of white gold is higher than silver.
- White gold is more resistant to scratches and rust than silver.
- Silver is inherently white, but a layer of rhodium plating is added to whiten white gold.
- The malleability and flexibility of white gold is greater than that of silver.
- White gold is produced and supplied in different grades, but silver has only one fixed grade.
- Silver jewelry can be up to 99.9% pure. But the highest purity of white gold is 75% or 18 carats.
The best way to distinguish silver jewelry from white gold is the number and code engraved on it. Silver products are generally made to the sterling standard. Therefore, the letter S is engraved on them next to the carat number. For example, on silver coins you see the code "925" or "S925". But gold products are also stamped with the code K. Therefore, on white gold, we see the 18K stigma next to its manufacturer code.
What is the price of white gold?
The price of white gold is no different from yellow gold. In fact, the color of gold has no effect on its price or value, but it is the grade of gold that determines its value. That is, the price of an 18-carat white gold piece is the same as the same 18-carat yellow gold piece. The valuation of different types of gold does not depend on its color, but depends on the grade of gold.
Things to know about white gold
- When the white gold rhodium plating disappears, a yellowish gold tint appears beneath it.
- The properties of white gold depend on the amount of metals and the proportions used in it.
- The rhodium plating on white gold wears off in 12 to 18 months and needs to be renewed.
- If you have white skin, we suggest using white gold instead of yellow gold because it has more effect on your skin.
- In white gold, nickel is used as the main alloy, which is very sensitive.