How is White Gold Made? Read Now!

White gold, known for its elegance and sophisticated shine, is a popular choice for jewelry, especially engagement rings and wedding bands. However, few understand how this precious metal is manufactured and how it acquires its characteristic silvery color. This special article from Ricca Jewelry offers a detailed look at the white gold manufacturing process, the common alloys used, and the methods for achieving its distinctive coloration.

What is White Gold?

Before we explore its manufacturing process, it's essential to understand what white gold is. Contrary to popular belief, white gold isn't found naturally. It's an alloy of yellow gold combined with other white metals to achieve its desired color and increase its durability and strength.

White Gold Manufacturing Process

1. Metal Selection and Mixing : The process begins with the careful selection of metals to be alloyed with pure gold, which is naturally yellow and relatively soft. Pure gold, or 24-karat gold, is usually mixed with white metals such as palladium, silver, nickel, or platinum. The choice of metals depends on the desired properties of the final alloy, such as malleability, hardness, and color.

2. Alloying : After the metals are selected, they are carefully weighed and melted together in specific proportions. For white gold jewelry, pure gold typically makes up 75% of the alloy, corresponding to 18 karats. The remaining 25% is composed of the additional metals.

3. Color Refinement : Freshly cast white gold still has a slightly yellowish or grayish tint due to the presence of pure gold. To achieve the desired silvery shine, white gold jewelry is often coated with a metal called rhodium. This coating not only enhances the appearance of white gold, making it brighter and silverier, but also adds a layer of protection against scratches and wear.

4. Forming and Finishing : Once the white gold alloy is created and plated, it can be molded into various shapes to create rings, necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry. The finishing process includes polishing and, if necessary, repairs to the rhodium plating to ensure each piece has a perfect finish.

White gold is a fascinating material in jewelry, offering an elegant alternative to yellow gold. Understanding how white gold is made enriches one's appreciation of this beautiful metal.