How to Clean Your White Gold Engagement Rings?

As noted previously, the metal is coated with rhodium plating. The plating wears down with time, turning yellow, especially in the regions where it rubs against the skin. Only a jeweler can repair and correct the problem by restoring the polish, luster, and durability.

Also, you may think it is wise to buy a rhodium dip yourself to restore the band’s polish. We recommend you don’t as your low cost-cost rhodium dips on the market can do more harm than good. Your jeweler is qualified to re-plate your band using an electroplating method and knows the intricacies of restoring the band’s former look.

You may also consider having your band polished if it develops scratches over time. We recommend you don’t unless there are a lot of visible scratches as every time you get your gold polished, a small amount of rhodium coating is stripped away.

If you follow the steps mentioned above concerning cleaning and polishing your white gold engagement bands, or for that matter all jewelry of this color variant, then only will you be able to flaunt your jewelry From solitaire engagement rings, crafted with a center diamond, to vintage inspired high quality diamond engagement rings, one thing remains certain; couples soon to be engaged prefer white gold engagement bands when choosing between rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold metals.

The white gold variant is a favorite when it comes to rings for women as it gives the band a platinum-like look without couples having to pay an exorbitant price as done when purchasing platinum rings. The variant also pairs well with all ring styles, including the halo style, to create the perfect halo engagement ring. It is also the perfect choice if looking for a strong metal with a long-lasting shine.

Additionally, all engagement rings including white gold engagement rings have settings like that of the prong, bezel, tension, or pave, allowing you to pick a setting of choice to create a band you desire. So will it be a diamond ring crafted with a pear shaped diamond? Or will it be a single solitaire diamond surrounded by a glistening diamond halo? Will your metal of choice be 14k Yellow or 14k white gold? The choice is yours to make based on your and your partner’s preference.

But if you decide on making your engagement special with a pair of white gold engagement rings, then here is a guide on how to clean your white gold jewelry. But first, let’s look at what exactly this metal variant is all about.

Table of Contents

• What is white gold?
• Why is pure gold mixed with alloy metals?
• How to clean white gold jewelry?
• What to keep in mind while cleaning jewelry?
• Have you thought of getting your jewelry polished by a jeweler?

What is white gold?

This type of gold is a gold alloy wherein pure gold is blended with silvery-white alloy metals like palladium and silver to create a sparkling color. The variant obtained is then plated with rhodium to completely mask the yellowish color of the alloy. The rhodium plating also amplifies the radiance and strength of the metal to lend a glossy, lustrous complete look.

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Why is pure gold mixed with alloy metals?

Pure gold is a fairly soft metal on its own. It would easily bend out of shape if it weren't for the tougher alloy metals that keep it stiff. Combining it with harder metals provides it with additional durability and strength. This allows you to wear the jewelry. Hence, to obtain all three jewelry metal color variants; yellow, rose, or white, the pure gold has to be mixed with alloy metals. Now that we know how white gold is obtained and exactly what it is, let’s now look at how to clean this metal.

How to clean white gold jewelry?

White gold jewelry requires careful attention. If you noticed your band when you first bought it, you may have seen that it had a lustrous shine because of a rhodium plating that gives it the desired white sparkle. You should protect the rhodium plating while cleaning your band! There are two ways to clean your jewelry. Both require you to combine mild soap and warm water to make a cleaning solution. The first method mentioned below should be used when your band has durable stones like diamonds. The second method should be used if your jewelry has delicate stones other than diamonds.

Method 1

When your white gold band has diamonds on it

• Soak your jewelry for at least 20-30 minutes.
• Remove the dirt/grime using a soft cloth or brush by gently rubbing the band.
• Remove/wash off all soapy residue with lukewarm water.
• Dry the band by wiping it with a clean towel.

Note: If the band is too dirty, you can consider adding a few drops of ammonia to the water or you can use a jewelry cleaning agent.

Method 2

When your white gold jewelry has delicate stones on it.

• Dip a soft piece of cloth in the cleaning solution.
• Rub the metal parts of the band gently.
• Wipe the gemstones by wiping them carefully with another damp cloth.
• Dry the band by wiping it with a clean towel.

What to keep in mind while cleaning jewelry?

• Do not use detergents, which include chlorine or other harsh chemicals to clean the jewelry.
• Avoid excessive exposure to ammonia as the rhodium plating can be sensitive to these harsh chemicals.
• Do not use any abrasive substances to scrub the white gold as it might end up damaging the plating.
• Repeatedly using harsh materials will have a noticeable effect on the metal even if the rhodium coating is durable.
• Excessive friction can wear the rhodium plating.
• Store your white gold separately from the rest of your jewelry to avoid any undue scratches.
• Use a soft line box to keep your jewelry safe.
• Always remember to remove your jewelry before swimming or performing any household chores.

Have you thought of getting your jewelry polished by a jeweler?

Cleaning and protecting the rhodium plating of white gold jewelry is pivotal. If your jewelry is still dull and unclean after using these procedures, you may have a separate problem that necessitates the services of a jeweler.

As noted previously, the metal is coated with rhodium plating. The plating wears down with time, turning yellow, especially in the regions where it rubs against the skin. Only a jeweler can repair and correct the problem by restoring the polish, luster, and durability.

Also, you may think it is wise to buy a rhodium dip yourself to restore the band’s polish. We recommend you don’t as your low-cost rhodium dips on the market can do more harm than good. Your jeweler is qualified to re-plate your band using an electroplating method and knows the intricacies of restoring the band’s former look.

You may also consider having your band polished if it develops scratches over time. We recommend you don’t unless there are a lot of visible scratches as every time you get your gold polished, a small amount of rhodium coating is stripped away. Hence, it is best to wait and take your jewelry to the jeweler only if it has many visible scratches as polishing it more than once or twice a year makes the rhodium coating wear off faster.

If you follow the steps mentioned above concerning cleaning and polishing your white gold engagement bands, or for that matter all jewelry of this color variant, then only will you be able to flaunt your jewelry and have heads turning everywhere you go! At Friendly Diamonds, we offer a lifetime warranty and repair service on all jewelry bought with us. To know more about it, click here.