White Gold Patina- Everything You Need to Know!

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White gold patina…

What is it? Is it dangerous and how to remove it?

Is white gold patina permanent or not and can it be prevented?

Learn it below in my guide.

White Gold Patina- Everything You Need to Know!

Table of Contents

What is a White Gold Patina (Definition and Meaning)?

A white gold patina is natural, subtle change in appearance white gold jewelry undergoes over time as its rhodium plating wears off.

As the rhodium wears off, the underlying white gold alloy becomes visible. This alloy is made up of gold and other metals like nickel or palladium, and these metals have a slightly warmer, often yellowish tone compared to rhodium coating’s color.

White gold patina is a cherished look for some and annoyance for others. You’ll learn more right below.

Patina on a white gold ring example- source

Is White Gold Patina the Same as White Gold Tarnish?

No, white gold patina and white gold tarnish aren’t the same. White gold patina is a natural, often desirable, change in the white gold’s surface, whereas tarnish is an undesirable, superficial layer of oxidation that ruins the looks of jewelry.

Here’s an example of a ugly tarnish on a white gold ring. The owners is looking for ways to remove tarnish and return their white gold ring to it’s previous splendor.

14k white gold ring tarnish example- source

Can White Gold Be Artificially Patinated?

Yes, white gold can be artificially patinated. You can use certain chemicals to safely patinate your white gold jewelry and avoid the prolonged waiting period.

First, you can use Liver of Sulfur. Liver of Sulfur is a popular and safe choice for creating patina on various metals, including white gold. It reacts with white gold to produce a range of colors, from golden hues to dark browns and blacks. Obviously, you want to aim for that classic white gold patinated look.

Second, there’s ammonium sulfide, another chemical you can use to create a white gold patina.

White Gold Patina vs Platinum Patina- What’s the Difference?

The primary difference between white gold patina and platinum patina lies in how they age. White gold, with its rhodium plating, maintains a bright white appearance until the plating wears off.

Platinum, on the other hand, develops a patina over time, which some people find appealing. While platinum doesn’t change color, it will appear slightly darker and more rugged due to this patina.

White gold needs to be replated with rhodium to restore it’s brightness and luster, whereas platinum’s patina can be polished away.

What are Some Examples of White Gold Patina?

Here’re some picture examples of white gold patina on different jewelry items.

White gold jewelry patina example 1- source

White gold jewelry patina example 2- source

White gold jewelry patina example 3- source

How to Remove Patina off White Gold Jewelry?

To remove patina from white gold jewelry, start with a gentle cleaning using warm, soapy water and a soft brush like a toothbrush. For tougher grime, you can first soak the jewelry in a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, or even a mixture of warm water, baking soda, and salt.

If the patina persists, consider professional cleaning or replating by a jeweler.

Pro tip: don’t leave the job half done. White gold jewelry piece looks classy and distinguished with an intact patina,

If you’re going to clean off the patina because you don’t like it, do it right or don’t do it all.

Half patinated white gold jewelry looks weird.

Does Rhodium Coating Prevent White Gold from Patinating?

Yes, rhodium plating prevents white gold from patinating.

Better put, rhodium plating conceals the natural color of the white gold. White gold is an alloy of yellow gold and white metals like nickel or palladium, and it often has a slightly yellowish tint. Rhodium is a bright, white metal and it gives white gold a brighter, more reflective white appearance which prevents the underlying gold from showing through.

However, rhodium plating on white gold is never permanent and will eventually wear off exposing the natural color of the white gold.