White 18kt gold is going to be our focus on this topic of discussion, (24k raw gold) does not naturally occur in white colour but white gold is derived from adding white based metals such as silver, palladium, nickel and sometimes zinc.
White gold is more durable than yellow gold though will still have a yellowish hue overtime, this does not mean your white gold is not authentic and should not dissuade your interest, it only means it needs maintenance.
This maintenance process is where a piece of metal will be coated in a Platinum based metal known as (Rhodium plating), we recommend our customers re-plate their white gold rings every couple of years. However, of you work with your hands or come in contact with different chemicals frequently (like cleaning products ), it may need to be done more frequently.
So, it really depends on how you take care of your white gold rings, the rhodium on other white gold jewelry does not wear down as quickly (since its not on the finger), so it can last longer before needing a re-plating if cared for properly.
HOW TO CARE FOR WHITE GOLD RINGS.
After learning about white gold, you might be thinking “this sounds like a lot of work” but do not be too alarmed , there are some simple steps that you can carry out to ensure your white gold lasts as long as possible:
-Remove any white gold jewelry before you carry out dirty or hands-on tasks.
-Do not swim while wearing white gold as the chemicals in the water (chlorine) can react with the plating.
-Remove white gold items when bathing and sleeping.
-Keep your white gold away from other metals, for example do not keep a yellow ring and white gold together as the plating may wear off quicker.
-Regularly clean your white gold with a jewelry dip.
