Your white gold ring deserves your attention. This precious metal, a favorite for engagement rings and wedding bands, offers a timeless brilliance. If you take care of it.
White gold, unlike yellow gold, requires special care. Its plating wears off, its shine dulls. However, a few simple steps are all it takes to preserve its original beauty.
In this guide, learn how to clean your ring daily, the mistakes to avoid, and when to consult a professional. Your jewelry will remain beautiful, year after year.
Why White Gold Requires Special Care
A Precious Alloy That Develops a Patina
White gold isn't white. It's a mixture of pure gold (75% for 18-karat gold) and white metals such as palladium or silver. To obtain its distinctive silvery color, a layer of rhodium is deposited on the surface.
This layer is what makes your ring shine. The downside: it wears down over time and with friction. Without maintenance, your jewelry can yellow and lose its luster.
The result?
Your ring is more demanding than yellow gold, but nothing is impossible. A few minutes a month is all it takes.Your Ring's Hidden Enemies
Your ring is subjected to invisible aggressions every day:
Chemicals: pool chlorine, household cleaners, perfumes, creams. They eat away at the rhodium plating and can oxidize the metal.
Water: showering, washing dishes, washing hands. Repeated exposure to moisture damages the rhodium plating and leaves residue.
Shocks and Friction: against other jewelry, in a drawer, during sports. White gold is strong but not invincible.
Sweat and natural secretions: they form an oily film that tarnishes your jewelry.
The good news: these risks can be managed with the right habits.
5 steps to take to care for your white gold ring
Home cleaning (10 minutes per month)
Here is a gentle technique that respects your ring:
Materials:
- Warm water
- Mild soap (dish soap or Marseille soap)
- Soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works)
- Soft, lint-free cloth
The procedure :
- Prepare lukewarm water and a few drops of mild soap
- Soak your ring for 5 to 10 minutes
- Gently brush the grooves and the underside of the setting where dirt tends to accumulate
- Rinse with clean water
- Dry with a soft cloth
This monthly routine is sufficient for a ring worn every day. If you wear it occasionally, wash it every 2-3 months.
Natural tip: You can add a spoonful of white vinegar to your solution. It makes it shine without damaging the metal.
What not to do
Certain habits can damage your white gold ring:
- Toothpaste: too abrasive, it scratches the metal
- Bleach and chlorine-based products: they corrode the rhodium plating
- Silver or yellow gold jewelry: do not mix them in the same case
- Hard brushes or abrasive sponges: they scratch the rhodium plating
- Water that is too hot: it can damage certain stones like emeralds
- Domestic ultrasonic cleaners: leave them to the professionals pros
When to remove your ring?
- Before showering and bathing
- For housework and gardening
- At the pool or spa
- During sports
- When applying cream, perfume, or makeup
Protective storage
Proper storage prevents 80% of scratches and impacts.
The golden rule: each piece of jewelry in its own compartment. Your white gold ring should never come into contact with other jewelry, especially yellow gold or silver.
Metals damage each other.Practical solutions:
- Jewelry box with individual compartments
- Soft fabric pouch
- Original box for your ring
At home: Choose a dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid the bathroom.
When traveling: Wrap your ring in a soft cloth and store it in a hard case. Never leave it loose in a jewelry box.
Rhodium Plating: When and Why
Rhodium plating is a surface treatment that restores the shine to your white gold ring.
Signs that rhodium plating is needed:
- Your ring is slightly yellow
- The silver has worn off
- Areas appear discolored or worn
- The metal seems darker
Frequency: Every 2 to 5 years, depending on how often you wear it. A ring worn every day needs rhodium plating every 2-3 years. A piece worn only occasionally can last 5 years.
The Method: Your jeweler thoroughly cleans your ring and applies a new layer of rhodium using electrolysis. The process takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Price: between €40 and €80 depending on the complexity of your ring. An investment that prolongs its beauty.
When to call on a professional jeweler
Some situations go beyond home maintenance:
Once a year: have your stones' prongs checked. A diamond can become loose without you noticing.
If there is a deep scratch: professional polishing will restore the surface. Please note that this process removes a thin layer of metal. To limit the lifespan of the jewelry.
If you notice:
- A loose stone
- A deformation of the band
- Significant marks or dents
- A lack of shine despite cleaning
Professional cleaning: Once or twice a year, have your ring ultrasonically cleaned by your jeweler. This removes ingrained dirt that home cleaning cannot reach.
White gold or yellow gold: what care is needed?
Not sure whether you prefer white gold or yellow gold? Maintenance can influence your decision.
Yellow gold:
- Naturally retains its color
- No rhodium plating required
- Less prone to visible scratches
- Easier and less frequent maintenance
White gold:
- Requires regular rhodium plating
- Scratches are more visible on the lighter areas
- More frequent cleaning is recommended
- Especially enhances diamonds
White gold highlights the brilliance of white stones such as diamonds. Its neutral hue creates a striking contrast.
Yellow gold, more classic, requires less daily maintenance. Take our Saral Ring, for example: its 18-karat white gold beautifully enhances the central black diamond. This finish highlights the stone's intensity in a way that yellow gold simply couldn't. At Mayuri, we use only 18-karat gold (750 parts per thousand) for a perfect balance between purity and durability. This quality ensures the longevity of your jewelry, whether white or yellow gold.Your Questions About White Gold Care
Can I wear my white gold ring every day?
Absolutely. 18-karat gold is durable enough for daily wear. Only remove it for high-risk activities (sports, housework, showering).
Why is my ring yellowing?
This is a sign that the rhodium plating is wearing off. Natural (un-rhodium-plated) white gold is slightly yellow. Re-rhodium plating will fix that.
Does white gold rust?
No. Like all precious metals, gold does not rust. It may just tarnish or oxidize slightly on the surface.
Can I clean my ring with baking soda?
Avoid it. Baking soda is too abrasive for rhodium plating. Use soapy water instead.
How often should I have my ring rhodium-plated?
Every 2 to 5 years, depending on how often you wear it. Check your jewelry: as soon as it's no longer silver, it's time.
Is white gold suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, especially 18-karat gold, which is 75% pure gold.
Avoid 9 or 14 karat gold, which contains more allergenic alloying metals.Can you wear white gold and yellow gold on your finger?
No problem wearing them. But never store them together: they will scratch.
Conclusion
Cleaning your white gold ring is easy. A monthly wash with soapy water, a few daily precautions, and rhodium plating every 2-3 years are all it takes to maintain its original shine.
Your jewelry will last for years without tarnishing. It tells your story, carries your emotions. Cherish it, and it will reward you a hundredfold.
At Mayuri, every ring is designed to last. Our 18 karat white gold is pure and durable. And if you have any questions about caring for your jewelry, our team is here to help.