How To Clean White Gold

White gold is one of the most popular and luxuriously-looking metals for jewellery pieces such as engagement and wedding rings. Its sleek silver-like exterior, combined with the quality of gold, makes for a recipe for longevity and style. However, while white gold has a natural and eye-catching luster, it can often lose its brilliance due to general & extreme wear.

That’s why we have put together this article to give you our expert jeweller advice on how to clean white gold. Through regular cleaning and the global market leader Connoisseur’s products, you can keep your white gold jewels glistening and in pristine condition. Here at Joshua James, we are proud designer white gold jewellery stockists. Our collection is vast and full of pieces that can transform your jewellery collection. But to do so, you must keep it looking its best.

What Is White Gold Made Of?

When learning how to clean white gold, it’s essential to understand the materials used to produce it.

Initially, white gold was derived from imitation platinum. This metal is naturally white, which is very apt for its desired appearance. However, in most cases, white gold’s alloy is usually made up of 75% gold and 25% zinc and nickel. This, however, depends on the karat. 18 karat, as an example, is created using 75%, whereas 9 karat is 37.5%. 

All white gold holds a slight yellow tinge due to its origins. When it comes to white gold plating, this is achieved through rhodium plating that’s coated upon other existing metals such as 925 Sterling Silver. This is to deliver a crisper white appearance, but the sustainability potential compared to the guaranteed longevity of genuine white gold is slightly less.

How To Care For White Gold

Before we delve into how to clean white gold rings and other jewels, there are other tips on how to take care of this stunning metal—allowing for its sheen to become longer-lasting. 

Avoid Contact With Other Metals

First and foremost, avoid putting it in contact with other metals. This will preserve its finish and reduce the risk of unnecessary scratching and discolouration. Excessive friction with other metals and materials is the number one reason for plating wear.

Avoid Ammonia & Chlorine

Harsh chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine can damage the surfacing of white gold, especially white gold plating. Therefore, it is recommended that you remove all white gold jewellery pieces prior to a swim or household cleaning. This can also apply to other chemicals found in jewellery cleaners, so you must check the labels.

Remove When Sleeping & Bathing

Similarly to the previous point, we recommend removing white gold before going to sleep or washing. This is due to friction causing the colouring to fade or become tarnished, especially when not dried properly. 

Store In Soft-Lined Boxes

White gold should be stored in soft-lined boxes and trinkets, away from other jewels. Stackers, one of our much-loved brands, has various jewellery storage options available that use the finest materials, including soft velvets and supple leathers. Not to mention, with an array of sizes available, you can even use a Stackers Jewellery Box for your travelling purposes.

Cleaning White Gold

Below, we have outlined two easy step-by-step processes of how to clean white gold so that you can optimise its aesthetics and longevity. It's important to note that this cleaning system isn't suitable for white gold pieces that hold semi-precious or precious stones.

Cleaning Process 1

Learning how to clean white gold can be very simple. With the help of some household products, including mild soap, and a soft brush such as a toothbrush, you can bring back its sparkle. 

Step 1) Gather Supplies

You will need a bowl, mild washing up liquid or soap, warm water, a soft toothbrush, a microfibre towel and some baking soda. We recommend using a professional Connoisseurs Jewellery Cloth for optimum results, but a microfibre towel is your second best option. We also advise having a colander handy just in case.

Step 2) Soak Jewellery

Next on our list of how to clean white gold, gently place your jewellery piece into a mixture of soap and water within the bowl. Let it soak for approx 10-15 minutes to help loosen any dirt build-up. Do not exceed this time as this can cause damage to the surface of your jewellery. 

Step 3) Brush Your Jewellery

Before fully drying, use a soft toothbrush or other brush and very gently scrub the white gold. Do not scrub too hard, as you may risk scratching the surface. 

Step 4) Rinse & Dry

Once finished brushing, rinse off the jewellery piece with lukewarm water again. Ensure that all residue is thoroughly seen so that you don’t risk dulling the appearance. Top tip: ensure your sink has a plug in or use the colander for rinsing so that you don’t drop your jewellery piece down the drain!

Using the cloth, pat the jewellery dry and buff it too; ensure that all moisture is ridden in every crevice. You can avoid water spots and any leftover cleaner by drying it properly. Last but not least, for process one of how to clean white gold, buff it using the same microfibre cloth, but a dry part. There is no time guidance for this, just until maximum lustre is achieved. 

Cleaning Process 2

Using the Connoisseurs Fine Jewellery Cleaner, you can accomplish next-level results of shine and opulence. 

This jewellery cleaner offers a straightforward 4-step system. Firstly, dip your jewellery piece into the solution using the included drip tray. You’ll want to submerge the item for approximately 30 seconds. After, use a soft brush again and gently scrub your white gold jewellery piece. Then, you’ll need to rinse it using clean water before finally buffing it using a professional Connoisseurs Gold Jewellery Polishing Cloth.

Jewellery Cleaning At Joshua James

When focusing on how to clean white gold, we recommend spending 20-30 minutes per month on cleaning your pieces to stay on top of their shine and brilliance. While we’ve mentioned jewellery in general, this also applies to how to clean a white gold diamond ring. 

Check out our ultimate jewellery cleaning guide, as well as how to clean rose gold jewellery on our blog. We are consistently uploading jewellery advice, so keep your eyes peeled for tips on how to keep your jewels looking as beautiful as ever.