White gold is no doubt one of the most highly sought after metals. It is highly resistant and has a bright white colour that is easy to wear on a daily basis. However, no matter how well you care for them, white gold rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings acquire a patina over time. Yet, there is no need to worry; it is not irreversible! Indeed, there is a way for your jewellery to regain its colour and brilliance, as if it were the first day. This process is called rhodium plating. Following is an explanation of the features of white gold and this method.
All about white gold
White gold is an alloy. While yellow gold is usually a mix of 75% gold, 12.5% silver and 12.5% copper, white gold has less copper and more silver, which gives it its white colouring. Rhodium is then used to adjust the colour. Rhodium plating gives a piece of white gold jewellery a particularly dazzling white hue. White gold is highly regarded because of its resistance to shocks and corrosion, as well as for its beauty and timelessness. However, over time, shocks and friction will eventually wear down the rhodium layer to reveal an egg white colour that is not as shiny.
What is rhodium plating?
Rhodium plating is a technique used on white gold and silver jewellery. The main purpose is to give the piece a dazzling white hue. Before a piece of jewellery is rhodium plated, the jeweller thoroughly polishes it to ensure that it is completely smooth, which is a very important step for the quality of the plating. Once this is done, rhodium plating begins. Rhodium plating starts with ultrasonic cleaning, which will remove any residue that has accumulated over time. Once the piece of jewellery is clean, it will be soaked in four baths in a row. It will be degreased, rinsed several times, and then dipped in the rhodium plating solution. This last step will give your white gold jewellery a second life, making it appear as if it were new. To ensure that your jewellery never loses its shine, we strongly advise that you have it rhodium-plated by a professional every two years or so. And of course to take care of your jewellery on a daily basis.
If you have any white gold jewellery in need of a cleaning or rhodium plating, make an appointment at our GENEVE jewellery shop!
