How to Pick White Gold
White gold was developed in the 1920s as an alternative to the more expensive platinum. It is an alloy (mixture) of gold and other metals, such as silver, nickel, zinc or palladium. It is rated in karats, according to the amount of gold versus the other metals. Some white gold also has platinum added to the mix, providing durability.
Explore the Variety of White Gold Jewelry
Step
1
Look at the alloy used with gold before you make your purchase. White gold made with a nickel alloy is considered to be strong enough for jewelry, such as rings. Palladium alloys are more pliable and are used more for gemstone settings.
Step
2
Pick white gold jewelry coated in rhodium or platinum and palladium for a piece with a brilliant shine. The coating is used to prevent oxidation and to add luster.
Step
3
Look at the craftsmanship of the entire piece of white gold jewelry. Pick only the designs and styles that are well crafted. When ordering online, examine the return policy carefully. You should be able to return any purchase if the quality of the design doesn't match with the product description.
Step
4
Pick a necklace in 14k white gold, with a diamond pendant, for a shimmering, eye-catching design. The brilliance of the diamonds is reflected in the luster of the white gold.
Step
5
Take your pick of white gold jewelry to wear with your black dress or blouse. The contrast of white gold on black highlights the brilliance of the white gold.
Step
6
Find white gold jewelry that is assayed and hallmarked. Some countries require an official hallmark to identify the metal's fineness and the manufacturer. These marks are stamped into the metal by the assayer.
Step
7
Select white gold made with nickel for a more brilliant white. Palladium whites have a more subdued or warm appearance.
Step
8
Choose white gold for your jewelry when you want the color of the piece to be seen. Yellow gold tends to be a dominant color while white gold allows the colors in the adorning stones to be noticed.
Tips & Warnings
If the white gold jewelry you're wearing turns yellow, it is likely that the rhodium plating is wearing down, exposing the natural yellow tones of the gold. Ask your local jeweler to re-plate the rhodium to restore the color to white gold.
Avoid irritation. If you are allergic to nickel, read the content of alloy metals to determine whether the white gold piece of interest contains nickel.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2095329_pick-white-gold.html
White gold was developed in the 1920s as an alternative to the more expensive platinum. It is an alloy (mixture) of gold and other metals, such as silver, nickel, zinc or palladium. It is rated in karats, according to the amount of gold versus the other metals. Some white gold also has platinum added to the mix, providing durability.
Explore the Variety of White Gold Jewelry
Step
1
Look at the alloy used with gold before you make your purchase. White gold made with a nickel alloy is considered to be strong enough for jewelry, such as rings. Palladium alloys are more pliable and are used more for gemstone settings.
Step
2
Pick white gold jewelry coated in rhodium or platinum and palladium for a piece with a brilliant shine. The coating is used to prevent oxidation and to add luster.
Step
3
Look at the craftsmanship of the entire piece of white gold jewelry. Pick only the designs and styles that are well crafted. When ordering online, examine the return policy carefully. You should be able to return any purchase if the quality of the design doesn't match with the product description.
Step
4
Pick a necklace in 14k white gold, with a diamond pendant, for a shimmering, eye-catching design. The brilliance of the diamonds is reflected in the luster of the white gold.
Step
5
Take your pick of white gold jewelry to wear with your black dress or blouse. The contrast of white gold on black highlights the brilliance of the white gold.
Step
6
Find white gold jewelry that is assayed and hallmarked. Some countries require an official hallmark to identify the metal's fineness and the manufacturer. These marks are stamped into the metal by the assayer.
Step
7
Select white gold made with nickel for a more brilliant white. Palladium whites have a more subdued or warm appearance.
Step
8
Choose white gold for your jewelry when you want the color of the piece to be seen. Yellow gold tends to be a dominant color while white gold allows the colors in the adorning stones to be noticed.
Tips & Warnings
If the white gold jewelry you're wearing turns yellow, it is likely that the rhodium plating is wearing down, exposing the natural yellow tones of the gold. Ask your local jeweler to re-plate the rhodium to restore the color to white gold.
Avoid irritation. If you are allergic to nickel, read the content of alloy metals to determine whether the white gold piece of interest contains nickel.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2095329_pick-white-gold.html
