How Do White Gold Bracelets Differ from Platinum?
White gold bracelets are composed of alloy of gold and white metals such as nickel, silver and palladium. White gold just like gold is measured in karat. White gold can be any karat but the finest ones are between the ranges of 17 karat to 21 karat.
An 18 karat white gold is made by combining 75% gold and 25 % white metal such as silver, nickel and palladium. The same way, 18 karat yellow gold is made by 75% gold and 25% other metals such as copper and zinc. The process of determining the karat content is the same even though the alloys added are different.
Nickel used to be the main alloy used in white gold bracelets. But recently due to some regulations on nickel content in white gold bracelets particularly in the European Union countries use of nickel has been greatly reduced. Some jewelry manufacturers do not use nickel at all.
White gold bracelets are coated with thin layer of Rhodium coating. Rhodium shares a lot of similar characteristics with platinum including the white color. Rhodium plating is the most widely used coating to make white gold bracelets look whiter and shiner.
Rhodium maybe white and hard but it fades away years later. Usually it lasts for three years. To make the white gold bracelets look brand new, they should be re-plated with Rhodium every 12 to 18 months. Most jewelers based locally are capable of rhodium plating at affordable prices.
White Gold Color vs. Platinum Color
This depends whether the white gold jewelry is the natural color or if it has been rhodium plated. If the white gold bracelets have been rhodium-plated the difference would most likely be unnoticeable. Essentially, no color difference can be noticed between white gold bracelets and platinum bracelets.
White golds actually came about in 1920's as substitute for platinum. They wanted to find a metal that is closely similar to the color of platinum. Since then, white gold has never waned in popularity. Today, the range of white gold alloys is broad - from silvery white to metallic grey white gold. The yellow-brown tint found in each white gold item varies too.
White gold bracelets become fashionably acceptable and highly sought after by women all over the world. White gold bracelets, nowadays, come in all designs and budget-range suitable for all occasions. Whether the bracelet is for special occasion or for yourself there is bound to be one just for you.
