White gold jewelry is a popular choice for its sleek, modern appearance and versatile style. Here’s everything you should know about white gold, from its composition to its care:
1. What is White Gold?
White gold is an alloy, meaning it is made by combining pure gold with other white metals, such as palladium, silver, nickel, or zinc. The mixture results in a metal that has a white or silvery hue. Since pure gold is yellow, these additional metals help to achieve the white color while also strengthening the metal.
2. Rhodium Plating
Most white gold jewelry is coated with a layer of rhodium, a durable, reflective metal that enhances its brightness and gives it a shiny, polished finish. Rhodium is also resistant to tarnish and provides a protective layer that helps prevent scratches. However, rhodium plating can wear off over time, especially with regular use, so white gold jewelry …