Precious Metals in Wedding Bands: White Gold Rings 

paisley white gold wedding band ringThe tradition of wedding bands dates back many years and has been a time-honored symbol of love, commitment, and never ending devotion. While yellow gold is still one of the most common rings used by brides and grooms, there are many other precious metals that lend themselves well to use in wedding rings and other find jewelry. The most common alternative metals include: white gold, two tone gold, rose gold, tri color gold, silver, titanium, platinum, and cobalt. Through this review you will learn the benefits of each metal, what makes it unique and why it could be the right choice for your wedding bands. We begin with white gold.

White Gold Wedding Bands

braided wedding band ring white goldWhite gold shares many similarities and has many of the same properties as yellow gold. The biggest difference is that it has been combined with other metals which give it the namesake white color. The metal additives are copper and silver for standard yellow gold, but white gold can use metals like nickel, zinc, or even platinum to get the unique coloring. It is important to note that white gold is not the same as platinum, which is more valuable because it much rarer than gold. Because of its value as gold and the availability of the metals used to make it, white gold jewelry is very common for high end pieces such as wedding bands, engagement rings, and luxury necklaces.

Karat Compare

The karat weight system is the same for all gold- so 14K yellow gold and 14K white gold have the same amount of pure gold; only the other percent of the mix is made up of different minerals. White gold wedding bands may also be plated, or coated, with a metal that is even more brilliantly white, such as rhodium so it shines and gleams a brighter white. This plating is very common for wedding rings and engagement rings that are made from white gold.

Popularity of White Goldhandmade paisley engraved wedding band ring

White gold was created in order to give gold a new and unique look. The white color of this manmade gold alloy pairs well with many gemstones and other metals and is used to create stunning wedding bands and engagement rings along with any other beautiful jewelry pieces. One reason white gold wedding bands are such a popular option for brides and grooms is that it offers the bright and vibrant white tone of silver but as gold, it is much stronger and more resistant to scratching and damage than silver is. So for people looking for something besides the normal yellow gold, but who also want something that will last, getting white gold wedding bands or engagement rings is a great option.

Allergies to White Gold

White gold jewelry is generally allergenic free on its own, as few people have an allergy to gold. It is with the mental that are mixed in white gold that can create some allergy concerns for certain people. Some people are allergic to silver and nickel, which are the common metals used to give white gold its color. Individuals with allergies to white metals should check to see if any of those metals have been used in the making to the white gold alloy when they go to have their rings or other jewelry made, sized, or purchased. Brides and grooms especially should double check before choosing rings to ensure they do not contain metals that could potentially cause problems. You want to enjoy your white gold wedding band or white gold engagement ring, so make sure you check for any possible allergic issues beforehand.

Cleaning and Caring for White Gold

white gold paisley wedding band ring for womenYou can easily care for and clean your wedding bands and other white gold jewelry at home by keeping these few points and tips in mind:

  • Combine equal parts of water and ammonia and gently wash your white gold pieces in this mix, rinse, and then dry them off well.
  • If you have other metals or precious stones in your white gold jewelry, consult with your jeweler before using ammonia or other cleaners so you do not inadvertently damage the other components of the piece.
  • If rings are very dirty or grimy, you can soak them in the water and ammonia mix for five to ten minutes then wash and rinse.
  • Be careful using a brush or any rough or hard cleaning items as they can scuff your wedding or engagement rings if you are too rough with the scrubbing.
  • Store your rings in a padded jewelry box or a special jewelry bag so they are not exposed to moisture or a lot of light- this will also keep them cleaner.
  • If your wedding band has been plated, you may need to have the plating reapplied every few years, depending on how much wear there is.
  • Gold is tough but it can still be damaged so avoid wearing your rings and jewelry when working outside or using tools and heavy equipment that could dent, scuff, or damage your wedding bands and rings.

Because of its value as gold and the availability of the metals used to make it, white gold jewelry is becoming more common and it is more common than ever to see white gold wedding bands and white gold jewelry.

NEXT: Yellow Gold Wedding Bands

 

 

Category: Jewelry Guide, Jewelry Trends, Wedding Bands, Wedding Jewelry, Wedding Rings, White Gold Jewelry

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