How to Spot Real White Gold: A Shopper's Guide

August 23, 2024

White gold jewellery is renowned for its smooth, regal appearance, making it a perfect fit for all types of jewellery designs. That being the case, there is a major concern with the originality of white gold because as the trend gains popularity, you will get several fakes circling. So, while buying white gold, you must learn how to identify a fake piece because you are likely to spend a good amount of money on the jewellery.

What is White Gold?

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White gold is not one of the original gold types but rather a combination of pure gold and other metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. The process yields an ‘anti-umbra,’ a substance that lends the gold its characteristic white silvery look. For the shimmering appearance, more frequently, the white gold used in jewellery is plated with a layer of rhodium which is an extremely lustrous and rare metal.

How can we spot Real White Gold?

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We can easily spot the real white gold by following these tips and tests.

1. Hallmarks and Stamps

This is certainly one of the simplest techniques that will help to reveal the uncertainty of whether it is real white gold or not. You have to search for the hallmarks or stamps on the figure. In most countries around the world, hallmarked white gold must bear a stamp on the piece showing the Karatage of the gold.

Many of these stamps may seem like 10k , 14k , 18k , or 24k which indicate the purity of the gold in question. The fact is that the higher the karat number, the greater the percentage of gold in the object.

Of course, it is always better to look for these stamps in places where they cannot easily be seen, such as the inside of a ring, or the clasp of a necklace.

2. Testing the Weight

Real white gold has its weight because of the density of the metals that are included in its composition. That is why it will be heavier than imitations that are made of lesser metals such as brass or stainless steel. When comparing identical objects you should be able to find that the actual white gold should feel heavier in your hand.

3. The Magnet Test

A simple test that helps to determine if the white gold is original is the magnet test. True white gold is non-magnetic, so if you place a magnet close to the piece of jewellery and it draws to the item, then it has probably been made with steel or iron. However, it is not a sure trial since other substandard materials are also non-magnetic.

4. Acid Testing

To get a better verification of the white gold a more intense test can be carried out namely the acid test. The top jewellery stores, as well as professionals, use this test by placing a small droplet of nitric acid on the jewellery. Pure white gold with lab grown diamond will remain unaffected by the acid while pieces which are of copper or brass will turn colour or will dissolve. Although it is quite accurate, it should only be done by an expert so as not to harm the artwork.

5. Rhodium Wear and Discoloration

White gold is plated with rhodium which gives it that shiny appearance that is associated with such type of jewellery. While this treatment does provide a protective layer on the gold, the coating may eventually peel off, therefore exposing the colour of the gold as yellow.

If you can observe some discoloration or yellowing underneath the much smoother and shinier surface then it can be estimated that yes, this is white gold; but it needs to be re-plated. This natural wearing over time is a good sign of real white gold since fake pieces may not fade in the same manner as the natural ones.

6. Consult a Professional Jewellery

If you are still doubting whether that piece of white gold jewellery that you are holding is original or not, then the best advice is to see a professional jeweller. Modern jewellers can use an analytical instrument such as X-ray fluorescence or even electronic testers that can give stone characterisation on the jewellery without having to apply physical stress on the piece. An evaluation can also be a way of getting independent confirmation and relief to discover that the piece you had is genuine.

7. Buy from Reputable Sources

To reduce incidents involving imitation white gold it is advisable to source jewellery products from certificated jewellers like GIVA. A certificate of origin is usually offered by mature stores and brands for white gold jewelleries to ensure that the metal used is clean and pure. Do not buy from dubious stores and vendors since they can offer copies of genuine articles or even gold-plated compositions instead of white gold.

Final Tip of Spotting Real White Gold

Purchasing white gold is an investment, therefore you must learn how to check the authenticity of the white gold you are purchasing. When it comes to white gold it is very easy to be fooled thus using the hallmark stamps, weighing it, conducting basic tests such as the magnet or even the acid test, and consulting with professional jewellers will be of the essence in determining real white gold. The best way is to always buy jewellery from accredited stores so that you can avoid buying imitations and savour the elegance of white gold jewellery for several years.

Bring Home the Shine of White with GIVA’s White Gold Jewellery

You can now up your glamour quotient with the new range of white gold jewellery by GIVA. Every item is expertly made to have the look of classic elegance with the sensibility of a contemporary world. Whether you want a necklace or earring for evening wear or you want to propose to somebody with a beautiful ring, then GIVA’s white gold jewellery collection is your perfect go-to choice. It is suitable for casual and formal occasions. So, it's time to take home the shine of white and bedazzle the world.

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