How is White Gold Created?
45152
Reference & Education > Science > Astronomy
Sep 4, 2007
chiron99
How is White Gold Created?
While it is popular, most people don't realize that there is no such thing as "white gold!" White gold is a man-made substance and here is a brief guide to the process that creates this sought-after jewelry metal. White gold is an alloy containing gold -- which is yellow -- along with nickel, palladium and other whiter metals to make the alloy appear white. Since there is gold in the alloy it will always appear yellowish. The more gold in the alloy, the more yellowish it will appear. The karat grade will always indicate the amount of gold in the alloy. For example, if you have a gold item that is 18K then there is 75% pure gold. So for 18K, this only leaves 25% of the alloy for other metals to make it whiter. This is why 18K white gold is more yellowish than 14K white gold. White gold is almost always rhodium plated. Rhodium is a silver-white metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion, and is extremely reflective. It is used as a finish for jewelry, mirrors, and search lights. It is also used in electric connections and is alloyed with platinum for aircraft turbine engines. Another use of rhodium is manufacturing of nitric acid and used in hydrogenation of organic compounds. Rhodium usage is dominated by autocatalyst applications where it is used together with platinum and palladium to control exhaust emissions. It is a common practice in the jewelry trade to put a rhodium plate on white gold jewelry. Platinum can also be rhodium plated but sometimes it is left in it's natural state. Rhodium is very white, reflective, extremely hard and virtually tarnish proof. Platinum on the other hand normally appears to be a more grayish white and not as bright. This is why it is sometimes plated, unless it has a good amount of palladium in the alloy. When the plating on platinum begins to wear thin you don't notice it as much, but you do on white gold because the alloy is yellowish. This is why it's recommended that you purchase wedding bands. It's much more expensive in platinum, but it is worth it in the long run. The plating will probably wear off with 1-5 year's wear, depending on how rough you are on the rings, and how much rhodium plating is on the ring. Gold jewelry requires maintenance to keep it looking brand new. To have a gold ring rhodium plated, it'll probably cost at least $20-30 for about 0.25-0.50 microns. If it is a two-tone ring, it has to be applied by hand with a brush rather than immersing the whole ring in the electroplating tank. Two tone rings will cost more to maintain their appearance. If you want to make a white gold wedding band very durable, you can get it plated with a layer of platinum or palladium of 1.0-1.5 micron thickness. That's followed by a good 2.5-3.0 micron thickness of rhodium plating. This will cost approximately $100. Almost all white gold fashion jewelry from Italy is rhodium plated. For example, most ladies bracelets are rhodium plated. This is why they look so shiny and white.
Authorized distributor of beautiful pandora bracelets and beads.
send email to chiron99
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
Humankind has long been fascinated by the beauty of gold and since the earliest days of civilization gold has been used to adorn us in the form of jewelry. Let's take a look at how gold jewelry has been used in the various parts of the world during the la
Category:
Once you have decided to embark on a student travel experience a well-designed promotional program for parents and students is the key step in making it a reality. All too frequently a trip is cancelled due to lack of interest and low enrollment. Not only
Category:
You've seen the countless infomercials in the middle of the night, boasting this piece of exercise equipment and that toning apparatus. They usually get a famous retired athlete like Joe Montana to endorse it and swear by it.
Category:
Chlorinated paraffins are excellent stamping lubricants. They protect the tooling during deep draws and allow the formation of the part to take place without weakening the metal. The problem arises when these waxy lubricants need to be removed from the pa
Category:
Students and teachers looking for a distinctive trip would be wise to put the Yucatan on their wish list, its unique combination of archeological, geological and natural biology translating into a rich educational experience, among them the Mayan pyramids
Category:
Pearls are highly treasured gems and require proper care in order to ensure a beauty and luster to last a lifetime. Here are some tips for identifying pearls and for taking care of them. Identifying Imitation Pearls
Category:
A sexy pair of legs moseys its way down a soft, vacuumed carpet, around a bend, and through a long, narrow aisle. Suddenly, these shapely stems, which are encased in bright spandex, dissolve into a jungle of many others.
Category:
Manufacturers and plant managers face a difficult challenge when choosing a surface cleaner. There are many options on the market, ranging from aqueous or semi-aqueous solutions, to flammable hydrocarbon solvents, or to fluorinated/brominated solvents.
Category:
Silver is a precious metal that has been used by humans since the dawn of civilization. In this first part of a two part series we will look at the early history of silver.
Category:
There are those who like to imbibe an occasional glass of beer, wine or another alcoholic drink. Sometimes these people choose to get behind the wheel of a car and drive. It's no secret that drunk driving or driving under the influence is illegal in every
Category:
You have planned a school trip and want all of the eligible students to participate. This is a common goal and many school sponsors are using fundraising as a means of achieving it. I recommend you select a reputable fundraising company with a proven trac
Category:
Platinum is a rare precious metal that is used to create fine jewelry. Its heavy weight and durability make it a metal that will not wear away with constant use. When used as prongs and other setting components, platinum holds fine gemstones firmly in pla
Category:
Are you ready for the ultimate student group travel science trip? Then consider exploring the islands of the Galapagos, and let your students see for themselves the place where Charles Darwin formulated his theories of evolution.
Category:
A custom-built parts washer takes from 14 to 22 weeks to build and costs a significant amount of money. When a manufacturing company needs a new parts washer, but is unable or unwilling to purchase a brand new machine there is an alternative. If a company
Category:
In the early 1950's a Cleveland disc jockey named Alan Freed coined the term rock and roll and a new musical and cultural movement started. It is fitting that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame now thrives in Cleveland, offering visitors and students a chance
Category:
The morale of this story is that rock climbing is one of the most physically challenging exercises you could possible take on. After all, there has to be a reason why professional rock climbers are so lean and healthy.
Category:
What are the favorite honeymoon destinations worldwide? When one of the biggest bride magazines published the results of its travel agent poll, these were the places agents named as best for honeymoon couples. They appear in order of popularity. Search an
Category:
Chicago has museums which are educational and cultural landmarks. If you are planning a student outing or field trip in Chicago, then these great museums should be on your list of places to visit.
Category:
It has got to be the most commonly asked question about starting a new lawn. Anybody who has ever contemplated starting a new lawn has pondered this question. Sod or seeds? Ordering topsoil and seeds is cheaper ...
Category:
Arguably one of the most distinctive places to visit while in Washington, D.C., is the White House, the official residence of the president of the United States and the seat of executive power for the nation.
Category:
Other links at Reference & Education > Science > Astronomy
These helpfull tips can help you to maintain one of your greatest investments that can be passed on from generation to generation
Category:
When the temperatures begin to cool down, the world of jewelry will continue to heat up. We all expect to see warm tones in jewelry designs as the year nears its conclusion, but what may surprise many jewelry lovers is that some of the old favorite jewel
Category:
Follow these tips for the best results when selling your precious stones.
Category:
A genuine topaz is transparent in its natural state, but can be treated to showcase a variety of colors. Of all the shades, blue remains one of the most popular and highly sought after among jewelry lovers.
Category:
Do You Know that Sterling Silver Jewelry is Popular in Native American Culture? You Are About to Find Out with this Article Revealing the Full Details...
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68222
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
