White gold is an alloy made by combining pure gold with other metals, typically white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. The primary reason for creating white gold is to achieve a silver or white color, in contrast to the natural yellow color of pure gold. The steps involved in making white gold include:
Alloy Formation:
- Pure gold is mixed with other metals to create an alloy. The choice of metals in the alloy influences the final color and properties of the white gold.
Nickel or Palladium Addition:
- Nickel used to be a common alloying metal for white gold, but due to allergies that some people have to nickel, palladium is often used as a substitute. Palladium is a member of the platinum group metals and is hypoallergenic.
Silver or Zinc Addition:
- In addition to nickel or palladium, silver or zinc may also be added to the alloy to enhance its properties and appearance.
Melting and Mixing:
- The metals are melted together at high temperatures to form a homogenous mixture.
Casting or Forming:
- The molten alloy can then be cast into the desired shape, such as a ring or other jewelry items, or it can be further processed into sheets or wires.
Cooling and Solidification:
- The alloy is allowed to cool and solidify, taking on the desired shape.
Finishing:
- The finished white gold piece may undergo additional processes such as polishing or plating to achieve the desired final appearance.
It’s important to note that the term “white gold” can also refer to gold that has been plated with rhodium, a bright and reflective metal from the platinum group. Rhodium plating is often applied to white gold jewelry to enhance its whiteness and provide a protective layer. Over time, this plating may wear off, and re-plating may be required to maintain the jewelry’s appearance.
