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RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

karliesm — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 21:44:41 GMT

Lizaloo-
what was the jeweller talking about when they were talking about the ring being sealed properly?

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

jaa — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 17:40:46 GMT

In response the message I wrote on April 24 regarding how upset I was by the yellowing of my white gold ring. As I was explained to by the jeweler, there is nothing wrong per say with the slight yellowing of white gold, it is natural. White gold is yellow gold with additives to make it less yellow, they then rhodium plate it too make it even whiter. With time the plating needs to be redone to bring the ring back to it's original luster. Just like your car needs maintenance, so do white gold rings. It only yellow where the rings gets the most wear, on the bottom and on the sides. The jeweler did offer to replace my ring with a yellow gold one if I decide. But I really like the look of white gold. Rhodium plating is not that expensive so I if my rings needs a little maintenance from time to time, so be it.:kiss:

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

MaddyK — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 23:57:33 GMT

[quote][b]diamondess (4/24/2006)[/b][hr][quote][b]jaa (4/24/2006)[/b][hr]I have had my ering for 6 months and it is white gold. It was fine at first but now it has a yellowish cast. When I went to the jewelers (Peoples) just this weekend the sales lady told me that the rodium plating has worn off. What plating? If I had known that the ring was plated I would not have bought it. If I wanted a yellow ring I would have got yellow gold. I am in the process of seeing what the company will do with my dissatisfaction. I do not think that one should have to pay money every 6 months to make their ring look like it should. Anyone else agree.

j[/quote]

This is rather long j , but I encourage you to read it before you go and murder your jeweller lol :w00t:

All gold is yellow in it's natural form.

White gold (whether 14Kt or 18Kt) has been rendered white by the addition of different alloys that whiten/bleach gold. There aren't many elements that will make gold white. The most effective is nickel, however many in the population are showing a sensitivity to nickel. The next best is palladium, a platinum group precious metal. Platinum will also whiten gold but you need a lot of it. Palladium and platinum are expensive so many people still use nickel to make white gold.

The word "white" can be very subjective and relative. White gold is whiter than yellow gold. However, many times white gold looks dull gray or "dirty" when compared to platinum and silver. This is why many people plate white gold with Rhodium. It is very white and bright and appealing to the eye! It is also very hard. Actually the brightest and whitest metal is silver. But people don't silver plate because it is soft and will tarnish. Rhodium is the next brightest metal, doesn't tarnish and is a platinum group metal, and a very expensive one at that, running about 1700.00 per ounce! This is why many people put a very thin coating that will need replating after a few years. Good quality plating should be bright and stain free. Plating will not hide scratches, dents and so forth. If you replate a dull scratchy item, you will get a dull scratchy plating

The thicker the plating, the more durable it will be. Any Rhodium plating that is at least 90-100 microinches will be extremely durable. In addition, the plating will COVER the base metal completely. People who have 18KT white gold rings that only have a 20 microinch coating are eventually going to see the base metal color "bleed through" as the plating wears or oxidizes over time.

Of course, any plating durability is only as good as the process used to apply it. This means pre-polishing, electro-cleaning, acid baths, acid rinses and plating processes are CRITICAL to the performance of the plating (i.e. finish quality, adhesion, color, etc.).

Request from a jeweller a good rhodium plating (90-100 microinches) .It definately is worth paying a little more.

Hope that helps.

[/quote]

GREAT POST!!!

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

diamondess — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 22:24:41 GMT

[quote][b]jaa (4/24/2006)[/b][hr]I have had my ering for 6 months and it is white gold. It was fine at first but now it has a yellowish cast. When I went to the jewelers (Peoples) just this weekend the sales lady told me that the rodium plating has worn off. What plating? If I had known that the ring was plated I would not have bought it. If I wanted a yellow ring I would have got yellow gold. I am in the process of seeing what the company will do with my dissatisfaction. I do not think that one should have to pay money every 6 months to make their ring look like it should. Anyone else agree.

j[/quote]

This is rather long j , but I encourage you to read it before you go and murder your jeweller lol :w00t:

All gold is yellow in it's natural form.

Request from a jeweller a good rhodium plating (90-100 microinches) .It definately is worth paying a little more.

Hope that helps.

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

EastWest — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 16:42:40 GMT

[quote][b]fascha (4/6/2006)[/b][hr]GET PLATINUM... I've heard it scratches easily... BUT MOH and I got our rings within 2 months of eachother and hers was with gold and it's already yellowing, mine is platinum and I have yet to scratch it! It's worth the extra money IMHO, it's a lot shinier too![/quote]

I agree with Fascha. Yes Platinum does scratch easily but white gold also yellows (depending on the sealing on it)...and your body chemistry! :w00t:

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

jaa — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 16:38:30 GMT

I have had my ering for 6 months and it is white gold. It was fine at first but now it has a yellowish cast. When I went to the jewelers (Peoples) just this weekend the sales lady told me that the rodium plating has worn off. What plating? If I had known that the ring was plated I would not have bought it. If I wanted a yellow ring I would have got yellow gold. I am in the process of seeing what the company will do with my dissatisfaction. I do not think that one should have to pay money every 6 months to make their ring look like it should. Anyone else agree.

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

MaddyK — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 15:46:37 GMT

:D My engagement ring is white gold and I'm getting a white gold wedding band. Perhaps the tiny scratches are less visible on gold? I have a platinum ring and it looks a little dull and the scratches are much more visible. Perhaps my white gold rings have more scratches, but the marks are less noticable??? I dunno... :unsure:

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

fascha — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 14:49:03 GMT

Maddy I've had both white gold and platinum and I find that the gold scratches more!!! Weird!

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

MaddyK — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 22:33:52 GMT

If you go with a quality jeweler, you shouldn't have problems with discoloration...I mean it will happen, eventually...every couple of years you should take it to your jeweler and have it redone...completely resilevered! It costs little and your ring looks brand new! Platinum scratches.. I prefer white gold..hence my rings are white gold...

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

mrsBurns2be — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 18:29:20 GMT

My e-ring is 14k white gold. It hasnt discoloured, but it is scratched up. I'm pretty hard on my rings, but hey I work in construction what do you expect...Thats what replating is for...

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

mini — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 16:13:56 GMT

Ok, my dad is a jeweler and white gold doesn't lose it's color although like all jewelery it will have scrathes and look dull after you wear it for a long time. You need to get your ring polished occasionally. You can take it to any jeweler and they usually do it for free. You should also get Rodium plating on your ring.

IF you go with Platinum it's way more expensive and you cannot tell the difference just by looking at it. As well it does scratch easier and could also bend.

My advise would be to go with the white gold it's less expensive, it looks just the same and it will last longer.

IF you have any specific questions you can PM me

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

drrob — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 01:27:30 GMT

I have a platinum engagement ring and it does scratch on the bottom, but I think white gold does that too. My best friends ring is white gold and yes it is fading to yellow, but her band is also white gold and she has had no problems. I would check with the jeweler you buy it from if you go with white gold, because my friend got hers fixed back to white when it faded for free....they also told her if it happens again they can get her a new ring.

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

SharonV — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 01:14:02 GMT

I prefer the look of white gold to platinum. I find that they are easy to tell apart and it's just a bonus for me to like the cheaper one! My ring is 19k non-rhodium plated white gold so it definitely doesn't look really silver-y. I love the richness of the colour which is especially noticeable when comparing it to silver. IMO it all depends on your personal colour preference. Obviously cost is a factor as well.

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

aprilgirl — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 23:00:14 GMT

[quote][b]fascha (4/11/2006)[/b][hr][quote][b]april28 (4/11/2006)[/b][hr]Aprilgirl, you can get a seal put on your ring. My mother is highly allergic to most metal alloys, and the jeweler put a seal on hers - it's a clear coating that goes on all parts that touch your skin so you don't get a reaction. It doesn't last long, she has to have it re-done every year or so, but it allows her to wear her rings without any irritation. She just had it done to the back of her watch, too, and it's the first time in years that she can wear one now![/quote]

I have the same problem; the platinum doesn't have nickel in it; and if I got 18k gold I'm ok...but that's good to know because it's been years since I've worn a watch. My mom even has to sew little patches on the back part of the button on all my blue jeans! lol I should look into this![/quote]

Fsscha, I didn't think that I'd have trouble with 18K either, but apparently I'm some type of freak! I have European gold that is 19.5K that I've worn all my life and have no problem wearing but at 18k I'm breaking out in a crazy allergic reaction!! I'll have to check into the coating, find some nickel-free gold or give in to platinum.

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

aprilgirl — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 22:56:44 GMT

[quote][b]april28 (4/11/2006)[/b][hr]Aprilgirl, you can get a seal put on your ring. My mother is highly allergic to most metal alloys, and the jeweler put a seal on hers - it's a clear coating that goes on all parts that touch your skin so you don't get a reaction. It doesn't last long, she has to have it re-done every year or so, but it allows her to wear her rings without any irritation. She just had it done to the back of her watch, too, and it's the first time in years that she can wear one now![/quote]

Thanks, I will have to try that because I think platinum will be really heavy [and more $$$]with the thickness of my ring. and I really don't want to change the style of the ring that my fh spent so much time and thought designing.

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

joanig — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 18:22:43 GMT

I have had my engagement ring for 6.5 years now(we are a little slow to the alter lol) it has not changed color in the least(it has yellow gold on it as well), it has a few little scratches on the back but hey no one looks there!! We have not had any issues with it and it is still beautiful as it was the day he put it on my finger the first time.:)

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

fascha — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 17:41:46 GMT

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

diamondess — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 15:12:28 GMT

[quote][b]Lizaloo (4/11/2006)[/b][hr]Thanks so much for the advice!!! I feel prepared to make a decision now~~![/quote]

My Pleasure :)

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

Lizaloo — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 14:36:07 GMT

Thanks so much for the advice!!! I feel prepared to make a decision now~~!

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

diamondess — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 13:57:32 GMT

All gold is yellow in it's natural form.

Request from a jeweller a good rhodium plating (90-100 microinches) .It definately is worth paying a little more.

Hope that helps. :)

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

april28 — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:42:22 GMT

Aprilgirl, you can get a seal put on your ring. My mother is highly allergic to most metal alloys, and the jeweler put a seal on hers - it's a clear coating that goes on all parts that touch your skin so you don't get a reaction. It doesn't last long, she has to have it re-done every year or so, but it allows her to wear her rings without any irritation. She just had it done to the back of her watch, too, and it's the first time in years that she can wear one now!

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

aprilgirl — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 00:59:45 GMT

here's what I know:

there is no such thing as "white gold". all gold is yellow and so when you are seeing discolouration, it is simply the original colour coming through. all gold is mixed with other metals- pure gold is too soft for jewellery- especially to hold a diamond securely.

yellow gold is normally mixed with copper/nickel and while gold is normally mixed with nickel and other whitish metals give it its white colour. most white gold jewellery is also coated with rhodium to make it shiny. platinum is more expensive because it is much stronger and more dense metal [very heavy].

most "claws" in diamond settings are made of platinum even when the ring is gold -yellow or white. this is to make sure the diamond stays secure.

many people complain that platinum rings dull over time [10+ years] and they are more difficult to polish than white/yellow gold that may look brand new again quite easily.

as for me, I did all this research because I am allergic to nickel and therefore my jeweller is looking into nickel free white gold- very difficult to find at this point.

I would rather keep my white gold ring because I have thick band and continuoues setting and a platinum ring is going to be VERY heavy. I will likely have to upgrade to a platinum ring/band because my poor finger continues to break into a rash every few days!!

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

sriebot — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 14:06:35 GMT

my ring is platinum, we were told from our friend who is a jeweler that the platinum will last much longer that is why it is so much more expensive as well, it will always keep its colour, although mine is pretty scratched up at the bottom, i will have to get it polished regularly.

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

Ceriwen — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 23:25:50 GMT

I have a white gold promise ring from my boyfriend and nothing has ahppened to it yet. But if you are still considering platnim you may want to think twice. My FSIL was engaged and her engagement ring was platnum and she said it is soooo soft, that it dented and scratched so easily that she was afraid to wear it... just a little advice:)

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

MrsMtobe — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 22:20:23 GMT

Check out the archives and read some threads posted about white gold. You'll get an idea of the issues brides have had with white gold rings.

I have yellow gold ... it looks better with my skin tone. I do like the look of white gold, but, there are more issues with white gold than true yellow gold.

The first step in making a decision like this is to educate yourself on the differences between white gold and platinum etc... then you can make an educated decision between them according to what you prefer.

Good luck!!

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

AlanaBanana — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 11:11:37 GMT

I have a white gold promise ring, and it's quite yellowed and very scratched.

From what I understand, white gold rings will need to be re-plated to keep their color.

I'm hoping to eventually upgrade my e-ring (also white gold) to platinum.

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

fascha — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 09:53:53 GMT

My jeweller only charged us 400.00 more for the same band in platinum, the jewelery stores in the malls or Spence, D-Flawless etc... all charge at least 1000.00 more, I recommend finding a smaller jeweler who will take cash... it always works out in your favor! FH asked what my ring would cost at a store in the mall, and they told him 20K and he didn't pay ANYWHERE EVEN CLOSE to that amount! The bigger stores always mark up their stuff like 300% if not more!

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

Fallend — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 08:57:37 GMT

Pretty sure that 99.9% of people will have no troubles with their white gold ring. I am in the other 0.01% who has the ability to turn white gold yellowish, but I am also allergic to yellow gold so it figures. I just sent it in to be dipped and it seems okay so far.;)

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

mom2h04b05 — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 23:27:14 GMT

No probs with mine yet....but I was told that they can discolor over time...because the "white" is just a coat of somthing over top of the real gold.

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

marybeth08 — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 18:37:49 GMT

I am not engaged yet, but my promise ring does have white gold in it, and apart from a few scratches I have had no problems with it yet.

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

gordcrys — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 18:05:37 GMT

My ring is white gold, and it has a few scratches on the bottom... but honestly that isn't the part anyone cares about... I have no discolouring... it is beautiful... but if you can afford it do platinum... a friend of mine has it and it wouldn't be my choice, it almost looks like silver it seems a lot darker in colour... I like the white gold because it seems to shine nice!

Just my opinion!!! but prob cause I love my ring :O)

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

Lizaloo — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 21:16:03 GMT

Thanks for the advice everyone! I would like platinum, but I had heard that white gold looks very similar...I am now leaning more towards platinum if we can afford it, because I don't want it to scratch or discolour!

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

skeller — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 20:58:36 GMT

I have white gold and on the bottom of my rings, they are a little scratched, however, that was their mistake for not doing the Rodium Plated they way they were suppose to. There are no scratched anywhere else on the ring except the bottom but of course you're always grabbing something or another so whadya do?? If you can afford it go Platnum...

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

desbride07 — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 19:33:49 GMT

i have white gold e-ring and it hasn't discoloured yet... but mine has scratches all over it... oops...

i should take better care of it... but when we get more $$$ we are having the diamond put in a platium(sp?) band WOOHOO

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

flyboysgrl — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 19:32:59 GMT

I haven't had any problems with mine!

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

everlovin — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 19:14:11 GMT

New boards - no archives here but we still

have the old boards to rely on.

Check out this thread.

http://boards.canadianbride.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=570891

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

fascha — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:41:41 GMT

GET PLATINUM... I've heard it scratches easily... BUT MOH and I got our rings within 2 months of eachother and hers was with gold and it's already yellowing, mine is platinum and I have yet to scratch it! It's worth the extra money IMHO, it's a lot shinier too!

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

terri33 — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:34:28 GMT

No problems with mine but I have been told by all the jewellers that I've talked to that white gold would fade.:unsure:

RE: PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

dansfiance — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:13:06 GMT

Hmm I haven't had any problems with my ring yet..

PROBLEMS with WHITE GOLD?

Lizaloo — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:10:26 GMT

Hi!! I am just wondering if anyone has had any problems with their white gold ring? ie: discolorations? I am just trying to decide between white gold and platinum...Does anyone see a problem with it?

I talked to a jeweler who said that white gold should NOT discolour if it is properly sealed...