White gold has emerged as a reliable alternative to its traditional version when it comes to engagement or wedding jewelery. Only slightly more expensive than yellow gold, it has become the go-to choice for wedding jewelery.
Quality of White Gold
First things first, to answer this question, ‘does white gold tarnish?’ - it’s going to be a ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Technically, it does not tarnish. It changes colors over a period of time.
Let us take a look at the quality of white gold, what changes its colors, and how to prevent it.
White gold is made from mixing pure yellow with white metals — silver, platinum, and palladium. Over time, it simply reverts to its original state. Everyday wear combined with exposure to sweat and chemicals (perfumes) makes its protective rhodium plating wear off. Hence, you will notice a change in color after some time.
Does White Gold Turn Yellow?
One of the most common colors white gold reverts to is yellow, as it happens to be gold’s original hue. It turns yellow as the rhodium plating starts to wear off with time.
White Gold Tarnishing Black
It might also turn black with time. This could be due to corrosion or a response to chemicals. The cosmetics you use play a significant role in turning your jewelery black.
Does White Gold Turn Your Finger Green?
If you are looking for an answer to this question ‘does white gold tarnish or not?’ — the bigger question should be about the effects of discolouration on your finger.
Metal rings are often known to cause discolouration of the skin by turning green beneath the ring. However, it has a protective rhodium coating that prevents this. The rhodium coating is meant to reduce reaction with outside chemicals and slow down the ring’s own discolouration as well.
14k vs. 18k
There is hardly any visible difference between 14k and 18k engagement or wedding rings. The distinction lies in their composition. 14k jewellery comprises 58% gold and the rest alloys, whereas 18k contains 75% gold and only 25% other alloys.
18k gold is a richer, finer metal, whereas 14k is a more durable, cost-effective option. They look nearly identical, it depends on what you choose. At Hanno Stockholm, we offer only 18k gold rings to suit every price range and style.
Concerning tarnishing, the answer for both, 14k and 18k, is no. Just like regular white gold, it may lose its colour after some time. The 18k option may lose its color faster than its 14k alternative, as it has more pure yellow gold and less of milky alloy but since in Sweden we use 16% palladium so the color wont change much.
How to Protect Your White Gold Jewelery?
How quickly your jewelery turns yellow depends on the rate at which its rhodium coating wears off. The speed of the rhodium coating wearing off depends on two aspects: how thick it is; the wear and tear.
Here are a few tips to ensure everlasting shine of your jewelery:
Re-coat it
The easiest way to keep your jewellery shining bright is to reline it from time to time. The rhodium coating may deplete in a matter of weeks, months, or even years, depending on your usage. As soon as it does or whenever necessary, get it re-coated.
The process involves placing a new layer of rhodium on the ring, restoring its original shine. The cost of re-coating depends on the damage the ring has endured over time, as well as how thick the coat will be. A thicker coat will, in turn, take longer to deplete.
Note: Avoid polishing your ring. Many people opt to get their rings polished if they have many scratches on them. It will remove a layer of your ring and make it more yellow. Re-coating is the better option.
Clean it
You should clean your jewelery over time to maintain its color and shine. All you need is mild dish soap, baking soda, and a scrubber. Here are a few useful steps:
- Mix soap with lukewarm water
- Soak the jewelery for about 20 minutes
- Make a paste of baking soda
- Take out the ring, gently scrub some baking soda paste over it
- Wash in running water
- Dry with a damp cloth
How often the jewelery should be cleaned depends on your usage. On average, cleaning your rings once a month should work fine.
Take care of it
It’s admittedly hard to take care of rings as they are worn on the most active parts of our bodies. However, you might still be able to slow their fading by taking some easy precautions. Doing simple things like avoiding getting it wet or dirty will go a long way in preserving its shine.
For example, the chlorine present in a swimming pool’s water eats away at the rhodium plating of a ring. Similarly, rigorous outdoor activities like biking or bungee jumping deeply risk scratching your rings as well. Indeed, the smart thing would be to take your ring off when you go swimming or biking.
Moreover, keeping your jewelery separate from other items also helps in keeping its shine intact.
Choosing the Perfect Ring For You
There are a plethora of options when it comes to choosing the right ring for you. White gold jewelery has proven to be an excellent alternative to traditional jewelery and the more expensive platinum jewelery.
As far as the question, ‘does white gold tarnish or not?’ is concerned, we know that it does not. It only reverts to its original yellow hue. It can always be re-coated to retain its lustrous shine, is cost-effective - making it an excellent choice for engagement bands.
Take a look at Hanno Stockholm’s premium collection of white gold rings to make your pick today.
