How to Care for White Gold Jewellery

White gold jewellery is very famous nowadays as it stands for elegance and timeless appeal and leaves a modern shine. Be it an engagement ring, a wedding band, or anything to wear every day; white gold possesses a beauty unlike any other, making it a favorite choice. However, to keep such a white gold jewellery looking great, it calls for special care. The rhodium plating on white gold that gives it a glowing effect can eventually wear out, and the metal can scratch easily. Taking good care of your jewellery will ensure that it stays sparkling for years to come.
 
Here's everything you need to know about taking care of and maintaining your white gold jewelry.
 
1. White Gold and Its Specific Needs
White gold is an alloy of yellow gold along with another metal, and that metal can be one of two options: either palladium or nickel. It takes a whitening effect on the gold. Mostly white gold jewellery is rhodium plated over the alloy of gold in an extremely thin layer, which gives that shine and protects it slightly against scratches. Rhodium plating will wear off over time to reveal the pale yellowish color of the gold underneath.
White gold is hard, but it is not hard like platinum. Constant exposure to wear and tear may result in scratches and dullness. Therefore, regular cleaning and periodic rhodium replating might ensure that your jewellery retains its pristine look.
 
2. Cleaning of White Gold Jewellery
White gold jewellery should be cleaned regularly to stay bright. Over the years, the dirt, oils, and lotions accumulated on its surface make it look pale and dull. To clean your white gold jewelry safely at home do this:
Mild Soap and Water
Normal maintenance does not need something fancy. A mild solution of warm water and a dish soap can work quite well:
1. Mix warm water with some drops of mild dish soap.
2. Soak your jewellery for a few minutes to loosen dirt.
3. Gently brush off the jewellery with soft toothbrush, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
4. Rinse off very carefully and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
 
Commercial Jewellery Cleaner
For a deeper clean, consider using a commercial jewellery cleaner specifically made for white gold. Always see to it that the cleaner is safe for white gold, as too harsh solvents or solutions may damage the piece. Cleaners have instructions - follow those on the label.
 
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Never utilise abrasive cleaning agents or harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, as they may scratch the jewellery or eat away at the rhodium plating. Only mild cleaners that are not abrasive should be used in maintaining your jewelry in pristine condition.
 
3. Protecting White Gold from Scratches
White gold is a very hard metal alloy, but it isn't completely scratch proof, especially when it comes in contact with harsh surfaces. To protect your jewelry from degradation, you should undertake the following measures:
 
a. Removal of Jewellery During Activities
Avoid wearing white gold jewellery when engaging in below mentioned activities that may cause it to get scratched or damaged:
-Sports or working out: Exercise can allow your jewellery to come into contact with abrasive surfaces.
-Gardening or DIYs: If the activity involves soil or strong materials, your jewellery could get scratched.
-Washing dishes or cleaning: Keep your jewellery away from harsh chemicals in the cleaning products.
 
b. Store Your Jewellery Properly
Store it safely, if you are not wearing it, to avoid scratching or other forms of damage:
Jewellery Box: Store your treasures in a soft-lined jewellery box or pouch. Do not just haphazardly toss your jewellery into a drawer and have them rubbing against other things.
Separate Pieces: If you happen to store all your jewellery pieces in a single box ensure that you have separated them with a lining of soft fabric to prevent friction.

4. Rhodium Plating for a New Shine
Rhodium plating is the element that makes white gold shine bright. However, this plating tends to wear away with time, especially on pieces worn daily. If the rhodium plating of white gold loses its sheen, this would make the jewelry look dull and even yellowish.
To have the shine restored, you can have the rhodium plating reapplied. Most jewellers offer rhodium replating as a service, and this is relatively affordable and quick. Depending on how often you wear the jewellery, you may need to have your rhodium plating reapplied every 1 to 3 years.
 
Indications that Your Rhodium Plating Needs Repolishing:
- Dull or Yellowish Appearance: If your jewellery looks less shiny or has started to look yellowish, it’s likely time for a new layer of rhodium.
- Frequent Wear: Jewellery that’s worn daily, like white gold engagement rings or wedding bands, will need replating more often.
 
5. When to Visit a Professional Jeweller
Routine care and cleaning can be done at home, but sometimes it is best to take your jewellery to a professional jeweller. A jeweller can do more complicated tasks that will require special equipment or experience.
-          Repairs: If your white gold jewelry is cracked, bent, or has a loose stone, it is time to take it to the jeweller for repairs.
-          Professional Cleaning: In case your jewellery has dirt or corrosion that you cannot remove using the common home-based cleaning methods, a professional jeweller can clean and recondition the jewelry.
-          Rhodium Replating: Professional jewellers can reapply the plating of rhodium to restore the brilliance of your white gold jewellery.
 
6. Some Tips for Maintaining White Gold Jewellery
- Avoid Harsh Products: Remove your white gold jewellery when applying hairspray, perfume, or lotion. They leave a residue on your jewellery that dulls the shine over time.
- Regular Polishing: After you clean your jewellery, you can polish your jewellery by rubbing it with a soft cloth to get rid of remaining finger prints or smudges.
- Avoid Saltwater and Chlorine: White gold jewellery may be damaged by saltwater or chlorine, so take it off before swimming in the ocean or chlorinated pool.
- Caution with Layering Jewellery: While layering multiple rings or necklaces can be a fashion statement, remember that constant friction can cause scratching or wear.
 

7. Why White Gold Deserves Special Treatment
White gold is fragile and requires a little more care, mainly because it is plated with rhodium. White gold does not have the same warmer, fabulous color that yellow gold has; it needs the layer of rhodium to give it shine. So, it becomes visible in hand when worn.
As white gold jewellery contains a variety of different metals that might be present in the jewellery, it may also respond to chemicals or extreme environments. Care should be taken as to how and where you wear the jewellery and how you store it for later use so that your investment will remain beautiful for years and years.

Conclusion
White gold jewellery is not a lot of hassle to keep clean–just clean it often, store it properly, and occasionally get some kind of service to restore its shine. With a little TLC, your white gold jewellery will continue to shine brightly and look as great as the day you purchased it.
Clean the pieces by using mild soap and water, keep them in a soft-lined box, avoid harsh chemicals, observe the rhodium plating to determine when it needs to be reapplied, and voilà. White gold jewellery can be one of your most beloved possessions, shining as brightly for years to come with just a little care.