Are your white gold rings starting to look yellow?

Before you head out to enjoy a nice evening at Brea Downtown, you want to make sure your jewelry looks its best. If your white gold rings are turning yellow, you may not notice the change at first since it happens slowly over several months or even years. Eventually, your beautiful white gold ring takes on a yellowish shade and you notice that it lacks the beauty and shine it once had.

Luckily, the experts at Jeweler’s Touch have some insight into why this happens. Read on for helpful white gold maintenance tips and more.

Understanding Why White Gold Rings Turn Yellow

To understand why your white gold rings turn yellow, first you should know what white gold is, how it’s made, and the reasons it may lose luster over time.

What is white gold and how is it made?

White gold is an alloy of yellow gold mixed with white metals such as palladium or nickel. The final material undergoes a rhodium plating process that gives white gold its bright, white appearance. Rhodium is a tough white metal that is electroplated on top of the gold, causing the yellow to disappear. Almost all white gold jewelry is rhodium plated, which is what makes the jewelry a brighter, beautiful white color.

Why does white gold turn yellow over time?

What causes white gold discoloration? There are several reasons why your white gold jewelry could turn yellow over time and:

• Natural wear and tear and direct contact with your body's acids eventually cause the rhodium plating that gives it the white hue to weaken and become damaged or wear off.

• If your ring gets scratched, it removes the plating and exposes the yellow-gold alloy underneath.

• Environmental factors like abrasive cleaners, chemicals, and even the oils from your skin can accelerate discoloration and wear off the plating over time. 

How to Prevent Your White Gold Rings From Turning Yellow

Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect your white gold rings and prevent them from turning yellow. These maintenance tips apply to all jewelry types, not just white gold. 

Regular maintenance and cleaning

Clean your white gold jewelry using a mixture of lukewarm water and a few drops of a mild solution like a gentle, fragrance-free dish soap without any abrasives or harsh chemicals. Dip a soft microfiber cloth into the solution and gently wipe the jewelry when cleaning white gold rings. Once you’re done, air dry it or use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe it dry.

Avoid harmful chemicals

Many common substances can cause serious damage to the rhodium plating on your white gold jewelry. Avoid letting your jewelry come into contact with chlorine, hand sanitizers, lotions, rubbing alcohol, or harsh soaps. Remove your ring before participating in activities like swimming, heavy exercise, or house cleaning.

Engage in proper storage practices

Store your white gold jewelry in a soft pouch or a protective compartment of your jewelry box to prevent scratches. It’s also advised to keep your jewelry in a cool, dry place to prevent tarnishing when you’re not wearing it.

Restoring the Shine of White Gold Rings

Professional jewelers like the team at Jeweler’s Touch know how to fix yellowing white gold and how to restore white gold jewelry to bring back its brilliant shine. 

The role of rhodium plating

Replating your white gold jewelry with rhodium restores its bright white finish. We recommend getting your white gold jewelry professionally rhodium plated every one to two years to keep it looking shiny and new.

Professional jewelry services

Take your white gold rings to a professional jeweler who knows how to provide precise, thorough cleaning and maintenance. These skilled experts thoroughly inspect your jewelry and make necessary repairs to prolong the lifespan of your favorite pieces.

Find a trusted jeweler to perform all of your rhodium plating and other jewelry repairs so you have confidence and peace of mind. 

DIY cleaning vs professional restoration

It’s okay to clean your jewelry at home DIY using the steps mentioned above, but professional jewelry cleaning services have the tools and skills to restore it to a brilliant shine. Enlist professional services if you need to address issues like deep discoloration, severe scratches, or worn-off rhodium plating. 

Is White Gold Still a Good Choice for Rings?

If you own white gold jewelry, some yellowing is inevitable over time, but that doesn't mean this material is not a great choice for rings. Here are some of the pros and cons of white gold jewelry along with some possible alternatives. 

Pros and cons of white gold jewelry

• Pros: White gold is more affordable when compared to more expensive materials like solid gold or platinum. With its chic bright white appearance, it’s also versatile and elegant.

• Cons: Although beautiful, white gold requires regular maintenance since it’s vulnerable to turning yellow without the proper care. 

Alternatives to white gold

• Platinum is a beautiful alternative and more durable than white gold.

• Palladium has a similar color to white gold and requires less maintenance.

Despite its maintenance requirements, white gold is an enduring jewelry choice when cared for correctly.

Keep Your White Gold Rings Looking Their Best With Jeweler’s Touch

The expert goldsmiths at Jeweler’s Touch in Orange County are available to make sure that your favorite rings and other jewelry pieces remain pristine. We can also help you design custom pieces to turn your jewelry dream into a reality.

Schedule regular checkups, cleanings, and maintenance to protect your investment. With proper care, your favorite white gold rings will retain their beauty for many years to come. If you’d like to schedule a cleaning or repair for your white gold jewelry, contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for white gold to start looking yellow?

White gold can start turning yellow in a few months to a few years. How soon your white gold turns yellow depends on how often you wear it, how much wear and tear it endures, and whether you clean and store it properly. 

Is white gold a good choice for long-lasting jewelry?

Yes! Despite the possibility of turning yellow, white gold is an excellent choice for long-lasting jewelry thanks to its affordable price point, versatile look, and elegant bright white finish.