Last Updated on December 8, 2022 by Ellen Christian
Wondering about caring for white gold jewelry? White gold is one of my very favorite metals. Check out these simple tips to clean your jewelry at home.
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Tips for Caring for White Gold
I love the way it looks with most gemstones and it goes well with my complexion. There are a number of pros and cons to consider when purchasing a piece of jewelry and each has its own care recommendations.
The traditional choices for “white metal” jewelry are silver, white gold, and platinum. Of the three, silver is the least expensive option.
Silver is a fairly soft metal and isn’t well suited to hold gems for this reason. Over time, the shine of a new piece of silver jewelry will fade and it will develop an aged patina.
What is white gold?
White gold is an alloy that is created by mixing yellow gold with metals like nickel, copper, silver, and zinc to get a white color. White gold is often covered with a thin plating of rhodium for durability. It has the same properties as yellow gold and it will not tarnish like silver does.
Platinum is the most expensive of the three options. It is denser, heavier and stronger than gold or white gold and it will not tarnish. It is also hypoallergenic.
Caring for White Gold
White gold has the durability and the price that I want when I’m shopping for jewelry. Since white gold is an alloy of yellow gold and other metals, it requires different care than yellow gold. In order to make it last, I follow these tips.
- Mix a cleaning solution of mild soap and warm water. Don’t choose a soap that has chlorine or other harsh chemicals.
- Soak your white gold jewelry in the solution for 20 minutes.
- Very gently rub the jewelry with a soft cloth to loosen any dirt or grime.
- Rinse the jewelry with lukewarm running water to remove all traces of the soap.
- Dry your jewelry piece with a soft cloth.
If your jewelry has softer stones like onyx or pearls, they should not be soaked. You can try dipping the cloth in the cleaning solution and gently wiping the jewelry in this case. When in doubt, please consult a jeweler.
Celebrities including Bellamy Young, Melissa Rauch, and Lyndsey Vonn were presented with Open Hearts by Jane Seymour® jewelry to wear at red carpet or charity events. Some of the stunning pieces they wore were white gold and will require cleaning using these care tips.
The Open Hearts philosophy reflects Jane’s mother’s advice that only when you keep your heart open can you truly give and receive love. Living with an Open Heart allows you to overcome adversity and create something positive in your life and the lives of others.
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Ellen believes you can feel beautiful at any age and size. She shares healthy beauty and fashion information geared toward women over 40. She is a direct sales rep for several fashion and beauty businesses.
Thank you for these great tips! White gold is my favorite! Silver turns me green, and platinum scratches so easily. I actually have a few white gold pieces that need cleaning!
Glad to share, Shelley!
What a great resource! I love white gold, but never knew how to take care of it.
Glad to help, Amber!
I dont think I have any white gold right now. I actually think it is much prettier than traditional gold.
I agree, Diane!
This is great. I am always hesitant to buy harsh jewelry cleaners so I really find your tips helpful! Now, I just need to find a little time to get my pieces looking fabulous!
I feel the same way, Candice.