White gold

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"White gold" is also a nickname for cocaine. For the novel White Gold Wielder, see The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever.

Image:White Gold Ring.jpg

White gold is an alloy of gold and at least one white metal, such as silver or palladium. Like yellow gold, white gold is measured in carats.

Its properties vary depending on the metals and proportions used. As a result, white gold alloys can be used for different purposes; while a nickel alloy is hard, strong and therefore good for rings and pins, white gold-palladium alloys are soft, pliable and great for white gold gemstone settings.

1 Luster
2 Skin irritation
3 External links
4 References
- 4.1 Health risks

[edit] Luster

White gold rings are frequently coated with rhodium. Rhodium is similar to platinum and shares many of its properties, including its white color. Because the natural color of white gold is light grey, rhodium plating makes white gold whiter. Plating increases luster in greyer jewelry, and prevents oxidation. Since rhodium eventually wears away, white gold should be replated with rhodium every 12 to 18 months. However, palladium and silver alloys are of a higher quality than nickel and are sometimes not coated with rhodium. Unlike silver, white gold does not tarnish.

[edit] Skin irritation

Although nickel was traditionally used in white gold, it can cause skin reactions. Now white gold is commonly made with other white metals. Some people (about 12.5%)^{[citation needed]} are sensitive or allergic to white gold. This occurs because of reaction to nickel found in some white gold alloys. Reactions are mild and only involve skin rashes.