How to Care for White Gold Jewelry

White gold jewelry is gaining popularity over yellow gold, particularly for wedding and engagement rings. Women, in particular, value the versatility of white gold and its tendency to emphasize a diamond's brilliance. Here's how to care for white gold jewelry to maximize its durability and beauty.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Have white gold jewelry rhodium plated as necessary. All gold is naturally yellow so most white gold is plated with a thin layer of rhodium, a white and very durable metal. Frequently worn jewelry like a wedding ring can require rhodium plating up to twice per year.

2. Clean white gold with a product specifically designed for gold jewelry, as the wrong cleaner can cause damage. To be perfectly safe, clean your jewelry with soap, water and a dull, soft toothbrush.

3. Remove white gold when swimming or working with household chemicals. White gold is sensitive to harsh chemicals which can cause pitting and discoloration. Failure to properly care for your white gold jewelry can cause irreparable damage.

4. Store pieces of white gold separately in cloth jewelry bags or in boxes. Proper storage will reduce scratches.

Tips & Warnings

• About 20 percent of the population has an allergy to nickel, a metal alloyed with yellow gold to create white gold. Symptoms of nickel allergy include itching, skin discoloration and swelling.

• White gold offers the look of platinum at a fraction of the cost. If you strongly prefer platinum, but are on a budget, consider adding platinum plating to your white gold jewelry. It's more expensive than rhodium plating, but still far cheaper than pure platinum jewelry.

• White gold is more durable than yellow gold and generally suffers fewer scratches if cared for properly.