White gold, particularly that of 14 karats, is a popular choice for jewelry. Its composition includes gold alloyed with other white metals, such as nickel, silver, or palladium. Furthermore, most white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium, a highly reflective and durable metal, to enhance its brightness and whiteness. The question often arises whether items crafted from this material are subject to discoloration over time.
The presence of alloyed metals within 14k white gold significantly impacts its properties. While pure gold is resistant to oxidation and corrosion, the other metals in the alloy are not. These metals can react with environmental elements like sulfur and chlorine, potentially leading to a surface film or darkening. The rhodium plating offers a protective barrier, preventing such reactions and maintaining the jewelry’s initial appearance. However, this plating is not permanent and will wear away with use.