The Original
As we all know, the color of pure gold is a beautiful yellow color, but karat gold jewelry is available in colors other than yellow, for example white and rose. So, how is white gold or rose gold created? As shared in Part 1 of our metals series, other metals are mixed with pure gold to create the metal alloys used in jewelry manufacturing, and these other metals not only strengthen the durability of the metal, but can also change the color.
White Gold
White gold is extremely popular and is an alloy of pure gold and at least one white metal. White metals frequently used are nickel, palladium, and manganese to name a few. White gold is almost always rhodium plated to achieve the bright white finish desired on jewelry items. Rhodium is a member of the platinum family of metals and is applied to white gold using an electroplating process. Rhodium can wear off over time with normal wear and tear, especially on rings, but can easily be reapplied as part of a basic clean and polish service.
Rose Gold
Rose gold has gained popularity in recent years, especially in bridal jewelry and is also known as pink gold. The rose gold alloy is usually a mix of pure gold, copper, and silver. Copper is the metal that creates the rose or pink color in gold alloy.
Heads up! The Metals Part 3 of our series will focus on Platinum, see you then!