White gold, with its modern brilliance and versatility, is a must-have in the world of jewelry. For you, designers and enthusiasts, understanding its nuances is essential for making the right choices and creating exceptional pieces. This article reveals everything you need to know about white gold. composition of white gold and the secrets of his punch .
The Composition of White Gold: A Precious Alloy
Unlike yellow gold, which is naturally yellow, white gold is an alloy. This means it's composed of pure gold (naturally yellow) and other metals that give it its white color and durability. The two most common purities you'll find at La Fille du Sud are 18-karat gold (750/1000) and 9-karat gold (375/1000).
18 carat (750/1000) white gold It is composed of 75% pure gold. This is the standard alloy in jewelry, offering a perfect balance between the preciousness of gold and the durability needed for everyday wear. The remaining 25% is usually a mixture of metals such as palladium, silver, or copper.
9 carat white gold (375/1000) This type of gold, on the other hand, contains 37.5% pure gold. More affordable, it is also harder due to the higher proportion of other metals in the alloy. However, this hardness also makes it more brittle and less resistant to impacts than 18-karat gold. Furthermore, its lower gold content can make it more susceptible to oxidation over time.
Palladium White Gold or Rhodium-Plated White Gold: Which to Choose?
Beyond the carat weight, the alloy's composition influences the properties and maintenance of white gold. There are two main types of white gold:
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Palladium white gold This alloy contains palladium, a precious metal in the platinum group. The main advantage of palladium white gold is its naturally white color and its brilliance, which does not yellow over time. It therefore requires no surface treatment; simple polishing is enough to restore its shine. It is an excellent alternative to classic white gold, especially for customers concerned about minimal maintenance.
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Rhodium-plated white gold Most white gold jewelry is coated with a thin layer of rhodium, another precious metal, to give it a whiter, brighter shine. This process, called rhodium plating, also protects the jewelry from scratches. However, this rhodium layer wears away over time due to friction and contact with the skin, and can reveal the slightly yellow color of the white gold alloy. Re-plating is then necessary every one to three years on average to restore the jewelry's original luster.
It is crucial to properly communicate about the quality of white gold Explain to your clients the difference between palladium gold, which is more durable and hypoallergenic, and rhodium gold, which requires regular maintenance to retain its brilliant whiteness.
The White Gold Hallmark: A Guarantee of Authenticity
In France, legislation requires the marking of precious metal items to guarantee their origin and quality. Two hallmarks are essential: the maker's mark and the guarantee mark.
The master's hallmark The maker's mark, or hallmark, is your signature. It is mandatory for all manufacturers and is diamond-shaped for precious metal items. This hallmark contains your initials and a unique symbol, registered with the customs guarantee office.
The hallmark The hallmark, or state hallmark, certifies the gold content of your jewelry. It is mandatory for gold jewelry weighing more than 3 grams. Here's how to recognize the main hallmarks for white gold:
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The eagle's head : for 18 carat gold (750/1000).
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The clover : for 9 carat gold (375/1000).
It is essential to know recognizing the hallmark of white gold to ensure the quality of the supplies you purchase and to guarantee the authenticity of your creations to your customers.
Tips for Jewelry Designers
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The work of white gold 18-karat gold is more malleable and easier to work with than 9-karat gold, which can be more brittle, especially during setting. Soldering 9-karat gold can also be difficult and sometimes leave marks.
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Allergies White gold can contain nickel, a metal to which some people are allergic. Palladium-plated white gold is an excellent hypoallergenic alternative to offer your sensitive clients.
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Marketing and photography Showcase the quality of your creations with professional photos. Use a neutral background and natural light to highlight the brilliance of white gold. Don't hesitate to tell the story behind your jewelry and explain the materials you use to educate and reassure your customers.
By mastering the subtleties of the composition of white gold and the meaning of its punch You will be able to make informed choices for your creations, guarantee their quality, and share your passion with your clients with complete transparency. AtLa Fille du Sud , we are committed to providing you with the highest quality 18 and 9 karat gold findings to bring all your creative desires to life.