Why does my white gold look yellow?
By Robert UnderhillWhat is white gold?
Pure gold is mixed with many metals to create the 14KT and 18KT metals that are used in jewelry making. These metals are alloyed with pure gold to enhance the color and durability of precious metals worn in jewelry. White gold is made by melting pure gold with copper, nickel, zinc, and in some cases palladium. The combination of metals used varies depending on the manufacturing procedures and the type of jewelry that it is used in.
Traditional White Gold Alloys |
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Pure Gold by % of Weight |
Copper by % |
Nickel by % |
Zinc by % |
18Kt |
75% |
8.50% |
13.50% |
3% |
14KT |
58.50% |
22% |
12% |
7.50% |
The white gold used in your jewelry contains more pure gold than any other metal. Pure 24 karat gold is deep yellow in nature, consequently when it is alloyed with other metals the outcome is slightly off white with a trace of yellow. To offset the color white gold jewelry is plated with a very precious pure white metal called rhodium. Rhodium is considerably more valuable than gold or platinum and is known for its toughness and highly reflective properties. It is for this reason that rhodium plating white gold jewelry has become the accepted standard.
With the popularity of white gold on the rise over the past decade there is increasing number of people who are now seeing yellow tints showing through on their jewelry. Since rhodium is a thin micron plating, overtime it will wear through. Areas of your jewelry that are exposed to wear and tear will wear more readily than those that are not in contact with hard surfaces. Therefore it is only natural that rings and bracelets will wear thin more quickly than earrings and necklaces.
How do I make my white gold white again?
You can bring your white gold jewelry to the Jewelry Designs Service Center and we will re-instate your rhodium finish while you wait. There is a nominal fee for this procedure.
