White gold is in fact yellow gold, alloyed with metals such as palladium or nickel and then plated with a thin layer of rhodium. It is the rhodium that gives it that cold, bright whiteness.
So turning yellow is not damage
The rhodium layer thins gradually with wear, perspiration and detergents, and the colour underneath begins to show. This is natural, not a fault in the piece. Re-plating at the workshop is a few hours' work.
Realistic intervals
- A ring worn every day: every 12 to 18 months
- Necklaces and earrings: every 3 to 5 years
- Occasion pieces that are rarely worn: effectively never
Four simple things to do at home
- Put the piece on last and take it off first — after perfume and cream, before anything else.
- Once a month: warm water, a drop of mild washing-up liquid, a soft toothbrush, and a thorough rinse.
- Each piece in its own pouch or compartment; diamond scratches softer gold.
- No swimming pools and no hot tubs — chlorine attacks the white gold alloy.
And one warning: an ultrasonic cleaner is safe for diamond, but it will ruin emerald, pearl, turquoise and opal.
The Goharbin annual service covers professional cleaning, a check of the claws and a polish — free of charge for pieces bought from Goharbin.
