White gold, significantly that of 14 karats, is a well-liked selection for jewellery. Its composition consists of gold alloyed with different white metals, resembling nickel, silver, or palladium. Moreover, most white gold jewellery is plated with rhodium, a extremely reflective and sturdy metallic, to boost its brightness and whiteness. The query typically arises whether or not gadgets crafted from this materials are topic to discoloration over time.
The presence of alloyed metals inside 14k white gold considerably impacts its properties. Whereas pure gold is immune to oxidation and corrosion, the opposite metals within the alloy aren’t. These metals can react with environmental components like sulfur and chlorine, probably resulting in a floor movie or darkening. The rhodium plating affords a protecting barrier, stopping such reactions and sustaining the jewellery’s preliminary look. Nonetheless, this plating isn’t everlasting and can put on away with use.