Cleaning white gold: Step-by-step without damage

Cleaning White Gold: How to Keep Your Jewelry Sparkling

Cleaning white gold is easy – if you know the specifics of this metal. White gold is rhodium-plated, and this coating is more delicate than many people think. With the right method, your white gold jewelry will remain brilliantly white and undamaged.

What is White Gold and Why Does it Need Special Care?

White gold is a gold alloy coated with rhodium – a platinum-group metal that gives the jewelry its brilliant white luster. This layer is very hard but not indestructible. Chemicals, scratches, and intensive cleaning methods can damage it.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning White Gold

1. Lukewarm water + mild soap: No hot water, no aggressive cleaners
2. Soak for 15 minutes: Gently loosens grease and dirt
3. Soft toothbrush: Gently brush in settings and around stones
4. Rinse carefully: No soap residue should remain
5. Pat dry: With a lint-free cloth – do not rub
6. Air dry: Allow to dry completely before storing

What You Should Absolutely Avoid with White Gold

• Chlorine and bleach: Attacks the rhodium layer
• Abrasive agents: Scratch the surface
• Ultrasound for jewelry with delicate stones: Only without stones or with robust stones
• Alkaline cleaners: Damage the rhodium plating

When Does White Gold Need to Be Re-Rhodium Plated?

If the rhodium layer wears off (identifiable by a slight yellowish undertone), it needs to be renewed by a jeweler. This process takes 30–60 minutes and costs €30–€80. After that, the jewelry looks like new again. Depending on wear: every 1–3 years.

Daily Care for Maximum Lifespan

• Wipe white gold jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing
• Remove before showering, swimming, and sports
• Store separately from other jewelry pieces

Purchase highest quality white gold jewelry at Corélune – with complete care instructions with every purchase.