The modern jewelry market is very vast and diverse. Connoisseurs of precious stones and precious metals can easily choose everything that only their heart desires. In addition, the professionalism of jewelers has now reached the highest degree of mastery, which allows them to create custom-made jewelry and take into account all the preferences of their client. It all depends on the financial capabilities of the buyer and his desire.
White Gold Feature
Plunging into an abundance of jewelry choices, the question always arises of which precious metal to choose. In order to know a clear answer to this question, you need to broaden your horizons and form at least a general idea of the type of metal that you would like to give preference to.
If choices and opportunities point to one of the most expensive and luxurious types of metal, then you need to keep in mind that the gold in question has several types of color: yellow, white and even red. Most often confused yellow and white gold. Let's try to figure out what their differences are and which of the two options is better to choose. Let's start with the characteristics of white gold.
White gold - This is an alloy of precious metal, which in our time is wildly popular. This is explained quite simply - by external signs it is very easy to confuse it with platinum, although the cost of platinum is much more expensive.
A win-win combination is the inlay of such a noble metal of white shades with natural pearls or diamonds.
As additional elements for white gold can use:
- platinum;
- palladium;
- silver;
- zinc;
- nickel.
Platinum - a component of white gold 750, which does not have any comments, because it is hypoallergenic, has increased strength and a dazzling gloss.
One significant minus is the price, since platinum is a very expensive precious metal.
Palladium - a safe element in the composition of white gold 585, but it has a lower level of strength and is poorly polished.
In this case, the decorations are covered with a layer of rhodium.
Cheaper and affordable for most consumers is considered an alloy with the addition of nickel - an element that is not a precious metal. However, it is considered a strong allergen, therefore it is banned in a number of countries. If, however, the choice falls on white gold 375, which may include nickel, it is better to consult with the seller in this regard.
Touching this metal with the skin may cause irritation or rash.
Zinc also does not apply to precious metal, and therefore the products in which it is present are distinguished by a characteristic shade of gray colors and an increased tendency to rapid oxidation.
The same effect can be obtained by jewelry 375 samples, in which silver is present.
White gold rightfully belongs to a number of advantages, among which several are worth highlighting.
- Status upgrade the owner of the jewelry in the eyes of society, because many will think that it is made of real platinum.
- The uniqueness and originality of the product. With this kind of gold, the embodiment of even the most intricate design ideas is possible, and the originality of the forms will add charm and grace.
- Squeak of fashion. The fair sex, who decided to purchase white gold, demonstrate their knowledge of fashion trends: currently, such gold is in the greatest demand, and white products are considered one of the most fashionable jewelry.
- Universal color alloy. White gold is in better harmony with all kinds of precious stones with which it can be inlaid, and is also ideal for any clothes.
Features yellow metal
Yellow gold - a traditional noble metal in the understanding of most jewelry connoisseurs. It can have both a very light (closer to lemon) hue and a more saturated yellow color.
The basis of the yellow version of the precious metal is 585 or 750 gold, and the remaining parts are replaced by copper and silver.
Silver should prevail over copper in order to muffle its shade of reddish tones.
We list the main advantages that yellow gold has.
- Color scheme. The yellow hue is inherent only to real gold.
- The best option for any skin color. This metal is in perfect harmony with any skin tone and becomes a beautiful tandem with its owner.
- Variety of variations. All yellow jewels look great. Ideal look as simple products focused on minimalism of execution, as well as sophisticated designer jewelry trimmed with precious and semiprecious stones.
- Availability. As a part of such jewelry (without additional inclusions and additions) there are no expensive elements, and therefore anyone who wants can buy a product from yellow gold, even without special financial capabilities.
Yellow gold, which has a light shade, has a lower percentage of gold in its composition, therefore it is considered more resistant to adverse environmental effects. Its strength and "captivates" many lovers of jewelry.
However, the product from such a “useful” feature is much lower.
What is the difference?
White gold differs from yellow only in alloy compositionbased on which different metals can be used. Additional elements are: palladium, zinc, manganese and others.
It is worth considering the fact that each species has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- White gold, for example, is now in fashion. Yellow is considered a more traditional and universal metal. You won’t surprise anyone anymore.
- Yellow gold is cheaper because it does not contain platinum impurities, which are very expensive. In addition, it is softer than white, so it can become very deformed over time. It is also easier to scratch. On the contrary, white gold has an increased level of strength (thanks to the platinum, which is part of it).
- Each of these noble metals is beautiful and unique in its own way. And which one is better to choose - it's up to the buyer. Sometimes the choice, of course, depends not only on one’s own preferences, but also largely on financial capabilities.
If it is difficult to make a choice in favor of any one of the two precious metals, it makes sense to compromise and find a piece of jewelry where yellow and white gold will be together.
Is it possible to melt yellow gold into white?
White gold has either palladium or nickel in its composition, due to which a characteristic white hue appears.
It is quite possible to make white gold from yellow gold. For this, a very corrosion-resistant metal, rhodium, is used. It covers the surface of yellow gold, which takes on a shade of white.
Only a jeweler in his workshop can carry out professional processing of yellow gold jewelry with rhodium.
True, this will require additional cash costs. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of the success of the planned transformation, since it is not known how long rhodium will be retained on the surface of the product, and how evenly and qualitatively it will cover the jewelry. To implement this type of processing, you need to know exactly which alloy the material to be converted consists of. The success of the metallization process depends on this.
You can learn about how to care for gold jewelry in the next video.
