Many are interested in what samples of white gold exist. This information is needed to select a quality decoration. White gold is becoming increasingly popular, successfully competing with the yellow "brother", silver and platinum. Jewelry made of this metal has an exquisite design and looks expensive.
Kinds
Samples of white gold are identical to yellow. They are similar, only impurities differ. The sample contains information on the amount of impurities in the precious metal, which are called ligature. Additives provide the strength of the finished product, you can not do without them.
Therefore, it is so important to know what samples are, how a high-quality accessory made of white gold looks like. When buying, you need to carefully look at the markings of the jewelry.
The number on each item made of precious metal allows you to find out what kind of alloy it is. If the number 585 is indicated on the surface of the jewelry, this means that it contains 58.5 real white gold, the remainder is impurities. Nickel with palladium predominates in the white variety of gold, and copper in yellow. From this information, it becomes clear that jewelry with an identical sample can have a different color. In our country, there are 5 samples of this metal.
375 and 500
The 375th alloy is considered the most base of all that are allowed in our country. It is not appreciated by the masters of jewelry, despite the fact that it is quite strong and durable. Such jewelry contains 37.5% white gold, the rest is ligature. Due to impurities, the products acquire a specific white color, more precisely, it resembles gray.
Jewelry 375 is prone to rapid oxidation in the air and loss of luster.
Earrings, rings, bracelets from it are often equated with jewelry, although they are more expensive. In Russia, preference is given to other options, but in England and America, the attitude towards this alloy is loyal. There are even lower varieties, for example, the 250th. Affordable wedding rings are often made from this alloy abroad. Jewelery of an intricate shape is not made from it, but the rings are resistant to change in shape, immune to scratches.
The 500 sample is also not too demanded, although it meets all the requirements. Jewelers do not like it because of the low casting qualities. Connoisseurs of white gold products reject it because of the presence of a yellow tint. Such jewelry is not shiny enough, oxidized by contact with air. All this limits the scope of use of this alloy, making it not popular enough. Although it was used very successfully in assay control.
585
In Russia, 585 samples are most in demand. Since Soviet times, it has been used for the production of jewelry. In products from this series, democratic value is combined with acceptable quality.
Earrings, chains and rings made of this alloy, more durable in comparison with the 750 analogue, last longer. They do not lose their shine, are resistant to rust and the appearance of a dark coating.
Jewelry accessories of 585 samples contain 58.5% of natural gold, and 41.5% are accounted for by ligature. The purchase of bracelets, chains and other accessories from this alloy seems to many a tempting idea, but we must not forget that quite a lot of nickel is added - it can provoke an allergy. In recent years, the use of this component has begun to be limited and palladium added more.
Such an alloy becomes a wonderful cut for precious stones, they are often framed with pearls. You don’t have to worry that a diamond, garnet or emerald will fall out. In addition, the radiance of stones becomes multifaceted, and the depth of color gives a special charm.
750
The most popular worldwide is 750 alloy. It is 75% gold and 25% ligature. Precious metals serve as impurities, which increases the prestige of this type of jewelry.
Jewelry from this series is especially in demand in the West, but in our country many people choose it.
Openwork products are obtained from this variety of gold. It is quite solid and resistant to deformation, while being flexible and flexible, which makes it possible to create unusual patterns and elements that are distinguished by elegance. Pure platinum is added exclusively to jewelry with 750 stamps, which positively affects their appearance. The surface acquires a lighter color, shines stronger, but the cost increases significantly.
In most cases, they sell gold rhodium-plated jewelry. This metal is also referred to as a series of precious, it has a bluish tint. Application of rhodium provides shine, protects from scratches, but over time, the coating disappears. There is a need to contact the jewelry workshop for its re-creation.
Earrings, rings, bracelets with a 750 brand require careful handling. For everyday wear, you should look for other options. Insufficient strength is associated with a low content of impurities in the composition. But such jewelry has an elegant design. The people who wear them show their good taste.
958
There is also a 958 alloy, but is rarely used for jewelry. This sample contains 95.8% of the noble metal. Products from it are quickly erased, prone to deformation. Such a metal has a yellow tint, extremely close to the genuine natural color of gold.
Japanese jewelers make jewelry almost pure gold. Such earrings and rings are worn exclusively for special occasions, mostly they are carefully stored in caskets.
925 test in accordance with the requirements of domestic law becomes exclusively on silver products.
Which is better to choose?
When choosing white gold jewelry, they look not only at the design, but also at the test; many buyers are wondering what it should be. The highest quality products are considered with 750 brands, but they need careful handling, otherwise they are quickly erased, covered with scratches. The main advantage of such accessories is a sophisticated look.
When choosing jewelry, be guided by the features of their wearing. For everyday wear, 585 samples are more suitable. Accessories with the stigma 500 and 375 are the most budget options, more like jewelry.
How to distinguish white gold from silver?
Silver is so similar to white gold that it is often confused. The difference between the shades is almost imperceptible, but still it is and you need to understand what it consists of. The most correct way to understand which metal jewelry is offered in the store is to study the stamp applied to it. To regulate the composition of alloys in the Russian Federation, GOST 30649-99 is used.
Silver jewelry is adorned with a stigma representing a barrel where the number 925 stands. On white gold products - a rectangular emblem or resembling a shoulder blade, supplemented by the number 585 or 750.
It is difficult for a non-professional to distinguish a white variety of gold from silver in order to verify the authenticity of the product; it would be useful to ask the seller for certificates.
The difference is also determined by the hardness of the alloys. Silver is softer than gold. To determine the type of metal, you can test: hold on a paper sheet with decoration, with little effort. Gold will not leave a trace, but it will be from silver, but weak.
Silver accessories are more susceptible to acidic environments, easy to oxidize, lose their luster, change their shade, becoming darker. Sterling silver jewelry requires regular maintenance - cleaning and polishing helps to restore their “salable” appearance. For the next test you will need a glass of water in which vinegar is added. Proportions should be equal. The decoration is briefly immersed in a glass, if the shade of the product becomes grayish - this is silver. The white variety of gold does not change color in an acidic environment.
Another experiment at home can be done with iodine. It is applied to the surface of the jewelry. With white gold, halogen is easily erased with a dry cloth. Upon contact with silver, iodine reacts, and a trace remains of it.
Understanding how the samples of white gold differ, will allow you to choose and purchase high-quality jewelry from this metal.
For what samples of white gold are, see the next video.
