White gold jewellery has become a fashionable favourite in recent times due to its elegance, durability, and versatility. If you want something other than the traditional yellow gold, white gold is a great choice. But, just like other precious metals, it too, demands proper care to maintain its shine and lustre.
Owning a piece of pre-owned white gold jewellery is nothing short of magic. But, it is very important to care for these beautiful vintage pieces to keep their beauty intact. In this blog, we will explore some essential tips on how to care for your pre-owned white gold jewellery pieces.
Before we begin, let’s understand a bit about this precious metal.
Understanding White Gold
White Gold is an alloy which is made by mixing pure gold with other metals such as nickel, palladium, silver, or zinc. So, yes, it is not completely natural as yellow gold. To get that beautiful white colour, white gold is plated with rhodium after being mixed with one of these metals.
The shine you notice on white gold is due to the rhodium plating and it also prevents tarnishing. However, with time, this rhodium plating can wear off, revealing the original colour of the alloy.
4 Tips for Taking Care of Pre-Owned White Gold Jewellery Pieces
1. Clean Regularly
Use a soft cloth to clean your pre-owned white gold pieces regularly. This will help ensure their shine stays intact and they are free from any dirt or impurities. If your pre-loved white gold jewellery has stones such as this 18ct white gold ring with purple gemstone, then look out for any loose stones.
Regular inspections can also help you identify damaged prongs or any signs of wear and tear. Prompt addressing of these issues can prevent further damage and increase the life of your jewellery while also saving you from huge repair costs.
2. Refrain from Using Harsh Chemicals
White Gold Jewellery can get damaged by harsh chemicals. Items such as household cleaning products, lotions, and perfumes contain some chemicals that can damage your vintage white gold jewellery by corroding the rhodium plating and also damaging the underlying metal.
So, make this a habit to remove your jewellery before using any chemicals or applying perfumes, lotions, or any other cosmetic products. This will help in maintaining the shine of your pre-loved pieces and will also reduce the need for frequent cleaning.
3. Save Your Pre-Loved White Gold Pieces from Scratches and Wear
White gold is a durable metal, but it is not alien to scratches and wear. It is best to avoid wearing your white gold jewellery when getting involved in rigorous activities such as gardening, exercising, swimming, or household chores such as doing dishes or cleaning.
Invest in a good-quality jewellery box that has compartments or store your pieces in a soft pouch to prevent them from scratches and coming in contact with other pieces and getting tangled and damaged.
A piece such this 9ct White Gold Pink Sapphire Cocktail Ring definitely deserves royal care to maintain its lustre and beauty.
4. Professional Care
The rhodium plating on your pre-loved white gold pieces can wear off with time and the metal beneath can start to show. If you notice this on your vintage pieces, consider taking them to a professional jeweller for re-plating. They can restore the rhodium finish, making your piece look like new again.
This is especially crucial for engagement rings and wedding bands as they are worn on a daily basis and are thus more likely to wear and tear. A piece such as this 18ct White Gold 0.71ct Diamond Engagement Ring Ring might suffer corrosion due to daily wear.
Professional maintenance would ensure that it stays in good shape and shines forever.
Pre-Owned white gold jewellery is not just a timeless, elegant choice, but also a sustainable one. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can keep your pre-owned white gold pieces shining forever.
At Retrogold, we offer stunning, unique, and timeless white-gold and yellow-gold pre-owned jewellery that is professionally cleaned and hallmarked. Explore our collection of vintage jewellery and add some retro charm to your collection.