Your white gold ring looked bright white in the store — a year later it's taken on a warm, yellowish tint. What happened? Nothing is wrong: that's rhodium plating wearing off. Here's the full story.
Why White Gold Isn't Naturally White
Pure gold is yellow. White gold is gold alloyed with white metals (nickel or palladium), which gives it a grayish-white color — attractive, but not the bright white most buyers expect. So nearly all white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium, a rare platinum-group metal with a brilliant mirror-white finish.
How Long Does Rhodium Plating Last?
On a ring worn daily: 12–24 months. On earrings or pendants (less friction): several years. When it wears, the warmer tone of the underlying white gold shows through — especially on the bottom of the band where it rubs the finger.
Re-Plating: Easy and Affordable
A jeweler strips the old plating, polishes the piece, and re-plates it — usually a quick service that returns the bright-white like-new look; ask about pricing. Many jewelers offer re-plating for pieces bought from them. Bring your Mia Jewelry white gold pieces to our Deerfield Beach boutique anytime.
White Gold vs Platinum
- Color: Freshly plated white gold is actually whiter than platinum; platinum has a softer, grayish-white patina that many love.
- Maintenance: White gold needs re-plating every year or two; platinum never does.
- Price: White gold costs significantly less than platinum.
- Allergies: Nickel-alloy white gold can irritate sensitive skin; platinum and palladium-alloy white gold are hypoallergenic.
Should This Affect Your Choice?
Not much — just go in with open eyes. White gold is the smart value choice: the platinum look for far less, with minor periodic maintenance. If you want zero maintenance and have the budget, platinum is the forever metal. Either way, you're choosing well.
Shop white gold jewelry at Mia Jewelry — rings, earrings, necklaces and wedding bands in white, yellow and rose gold — styles and karats vary, so check each product page.