18-carat white gold
18-carat white gold is widely used in jewelry, whether for rings, bracelets, medals, pendants, necklaces or earrings. The metal is highly appreciated for its clarity and the fact that it can be combined with all stones and colors. It is also an extremely resistant and noble metal. Both 750 thousandths white gold and platinum are highly prized for wedding and engagement rings.
WHAT IS white gold?
White gold is 18-carat yellow gold that has undergone a treatment called rhodium plating. The 750 thousandths yellow gold jewel is immersed in a rhodium bath. The bath deposits a thin layer of rhodium on the alloy. Rhodium plating is the final stage in the manufacture of 18 K white gold jewelry. This is what gives it its white color and brilliance.
18-carat white gold is an extremely resistant, high-quality metal used in jewelry. Jewelry made of 750-thousandths white gold resists corrosion. This solid metal is also rustproof. This is why jewelry made of 18K gold jewels are long-lasting and ideal for everyday or occasional wear. Engagement rings and wedding bands in 18-carat white gold have been popular since the dawn of time.
white gold or platinum?
The disadvantage of white gold is that it develops a patina over time. The rhodium layer will gradually fade, causing the jewel to lose its light and brilliant white color. When this happens, a rhodium bath can be repeated in the jewelry store. Rhodium plating only needs to be repeated after several decades.
Platinum is also a very noble metal, widely used in jewelry. It is 95% pure, but more expensive than 18-carat white gold because it is rarer. The advantage of platinum jewelry is that its white color will not fade over time.
Each metal has its advantages and disadvantages. Both are durable and of high quality, so you can't make a bad choice. However, you can combine the two metals and choose palladium-plated white gold, a blend of 18-carat white gold and platinum. It's a metal we use because it won't yellow over time and will keep its white color.
which stones to match with white gold?
White gold and its neutral color have stood the test of time and trends. White gold jewelry has the advantage of being compatible with all coloured stones.
White gold is particularly associated with blue stones such as aquamarine and sapphire, but also with violet gemstones such as tanzanite andamethyst, and green stones such as tsavorite,emerald and peridot. Of course, diamonds are perfect for setting in white gold, enhancing the brilliance of the precious metal.