Have you ever asked yourself how white gold for jewelry is made? You may not be aware of the manufacturing process of this precious metal that adorns your rings, bracelets and necklaces. Well, today we’re going to explain it to you! You will learn how white gold is made, from its origin to its finish. We will also explore in detail the key differences between white and yellow gold. Let’s reveal the secret!
Manufacturing process of white gold
When we talk about white gold, we are referring to a metal which isn’t pure. It is an alloy of yellow gold with other white metals such as palladium, silver and nickel. These metals modify the yellow color of the gold and its properties, thereby creating so-called white gold which has a greyish or silver tone. The color can vary slightly depending on the proportion and type of metal added to the yellow gold. To gain a better understanding of how white gold is made for jewelry, let’s take a more in-depth look at the manufacturing process.
- Melting the yellow gold
The first step in obtaining white gold is to melt the metals. Pure yellow gold is selected as a base and melted to 1000 degrees. This obtains a malleable and liquid gold, which can be mixed with other metals.
- Creating an alloy with white metals
Step two is key in making white gold as it will determine the exact color of the metal. This is where the white metals are added in different proportions depending on the desired result. If you want to obtain a lighter and shinier gold, more palladium or platinum will be used. However, if we are looking for a more robust and affordable white gold, more nickel or silver will be added to the yellow gold. Remember that the type of metal and quantity used in the alloy affects both the color and durability of the gold. The proportion of gold and other metals is usually expressed in carats, which indicate the purity of the gold. The most common type of gold used in jewelry is 18 carat, in other words, it consists of 75% gold and 25% other metals.
- Shaping the white gold
After creating the alloy, the metal returns to a solid state, now in the form of white gold, and is shaped to obtain beautiful jewelry. Afterwards, the white gold jewelry is polished to guarantee a shiny finish. In some cases, these pieces are covered with a thin layer of rhodium to protect the metal from oxidation.
Difference between white and yellow gold
Now you know the secret, we’re going to explain the key differences between white gold and yellow gold.
- COMPOSITION: We have already learned that white gold and yellow gold differ in terms of their composition. White gold is an alloy made of yellow gold and white metals.
- DURABILITY: Thanks to the composition, white gold tends to be more durable and scratch resistant than yellow gold. It doesn’t deform or break easily, and it retains its shine and color for a long time. For that reason, white gold is a good option for jewelry you will wear every day.
- VERSATILITY: In the world of jewelry, white gold is the most versatile option. It has a more neutral and sophisticated color which goes well with any skin type, clothing and occasion. It is perfect for designing both modern and classic jewelry, adapting to all styles.
Looking after white gold jewelry
Knowing how white gold is made is all very well, but if you have this type of jewelry at home, you should also know how to look after it so it lasts a lifetime.
Cleaning your jewelry regularly is key. For an optimum result, use a cleaner specifically for white gold and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have any to hand, at least clean your jewelry with a soft cloth and warm water to remove the dust regularly. If you don’t wear it every day, store it in a dry and aired place. Ideally, you should store your white gold jewelry in a case or separate bag so it doesn’t get scratched. Also remember not to expose it to chemical products, this could damage the rhodium that coats the jewelry and it may lose its shine over time.
Look after your white gold jewelry so it will look brand new every time you wear it. If you don’t yet have a piece of this precious material in your collection, explore the TOUS jewelry section to find the piece to match your style. Discover elegant bracelets with diamonds, shiny hoop earrings and stunning white gold wedding rings. You will love them!