White Gold
White gold is defined as an alloy made of pure gold, i.e.
yellow gold, but mixed with other metals such as silver, palladium and nickel,
and gold is mixed with these metals in order to increase its hardness, strength
and scratch resistance, because pure gold is a soft and easy to scratch metal,
and these added minerals give it The required beautiful white color, and white
gold is plated with rhodium metal to increase its strength and hardness, and to
give it a striking luster, which distinguishes it from other jewelry.[1]
It is also worth noting that the price of white gold is
higher than pure yellow gold in the markets, and its price in the market
depends mainly on the price of yellow gold being the main component of white
gold, meaning that the rise in the price of yellow gold leads to a rise in the
price of white gold, and the same applies to Decreased price of yellow gold.[2]
Properties of white gold
People prefer to choose white gold as jewelry, due to
several features that distinguish it from others, the most prominent of which
are the following:[1]
1.
The appearance of white gold is
beautiful, and it has the same appearance as platinum and silver, but its price
is lower than that of platinum, and it is more solid and lustrous than silver.
2.
White gold is the first choice for
those who prefer silvery white to yellow gold.
3.
Its distinctive color is suitable
for adding all kinds and shapes of gemstones.
Disadvantages of white gold
White gold appears in a number of defects that must be
taken into consideration before buying it, including the following:[2]
1.
White gold needs periodic
maintenance as it is plated with rhodium metal, which makes it susceptible to
corrosion, as a result of this layer’s interaction and friction with the oils that
are present on the surface of human skin, which reduces its luster over time.
2.
White gold sometimes causes
allergic reactions on human skin, due to the effect of other metals with which
white gold is mixed on the skin, and these metals include nickel, which is one
of the most common allergens when used in jewelry.
3.
White gold jewelry can be
scratched if used on a daily basis.[3]
How can white gold be distinguished from pure platinum?
There are several tests that can be applied to white gold
and platinum to differentiate between them, and these tests include the
following:
Heating test
A piece of white gold is heated to high degrees and
continues to heat, until the color of the alloy turns red, then the alloy is
left to cool, and if its color turns darker than the previous color, it is
white gold, but if the color remains as it is, this alloy is from Pure platinum.[4]
Scratch test
The scratch test is applied by following these steps: [5]
1.
The object to be examined is
passed over the surface of a black, rough stone, and applied pressure to the
ingot in order to create scratches on the metal.
2.
The sample to be examined is
distilled with a test solution intended for platinum and 18 and 14 karat white
gold.
3.
If the sample melts after 15
seconds, the metal is 14 karat white gold.
4.
If the color of the sample changes
after 3 minutes to a light bronze color, the metal is 18 karat white gold.
5.
If the color of the sample does
not change, the metal is pure platinum.
References
1. "What
Is White Gold?", thediamondstore,
Retrieved 17/7/2022. Edited.
2. "What Is White Gold Jewelry? Full Guide (Plus Pros & Cons)",
learningjewelry, Retrieved 17/7/2022.
Edited.
3. "WHITE
GOLD", qualitydiamonds., Retrieved 17/7/2022. Edited.
4. "Separating Platinum
from Gold During the Early Eighteenth Century", matthey, Retrieved
17/7/2022. Edited.
5. "Instructions for Scratch
Testing Gold, Platinum & Silver", ishor, Retrieved 17/7/2022.
Edited.
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