18K White Gold Coating: A Revolutionary Breakthrough by Daumet
Introduction: The Evolution of White Gold in Jewelry
White gold is a popular choice in jewelry for its luminous and elegant appearance, but how is it made?
Traditional White Gold and Rhodium Plating: Understanding the Differences
Solid White Gold Alloys
White gold is not a natural metal but an alloy, created by mixing yellow gold with other metals like palladium or nickelto achieve a paler, silvery hue. Commonly used 18K white gold alloys contain 75% of gold and around 20% of these additional metals. The specific metals chosen affect the final appearance: nickel-based alloys tend to have a cooler, bluish tone, while palladium-based alloys offer a softer and more neutral white.
However, even the whitest of these alloys has a subtle yellow/gray tint, as the natural color of gold shines through. To achieve the bright, mirror-like whiteness that consumers expect, white gold is typically coated with a thin layer of rhodium, a rare metal from the platinum family.
The use of nickel is banned in many countries because of these allergy problems for 20% of the world's population. Palladium, on the other hand, is a metal that is even rarer than gold and very expensive.
Rhodium Plating
Rhodium plating involves applying a thin layer (usually around 0.75 to 1 micron) of rhodium to the surface of white gold, sterling silver or other substrates for costume jewelry through an electroplating process. Rhodium is extremely reflective, giving white jewelry its characteristic shine.
However, the plating is not permanent. With time and wear, the rhodium layer will gradually wear off, especially in items exposed to frequent friction, such as rings. This means rhodium-plated jewelry often requires replating every 12 to 18 months to maintain its bright appearance.
Rhodium also displays growing sourcing risks and environmental mining concerns as its rare extraction is becoming increasingly competitive with other industries such as Automotive.
Sterling Silver and Rhodium-Plated Silver
Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, is made of 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% of other metals, typically copper, which strengthens the metal. While sterling silver has a naturally bright white-gray color, it is prone to tarnishing when exposed to air, requiring regular cleaning. To mitigate this, silver is sometimes rhodium-plated, which not only prevents tarnish but also enhances the metal’s brightness and scratch resistance.
Despite its protective qualities, rhodium-plated silver still requires replating over time, just like rhodium-plated white gold, but it tends to last longer due to silver’s lower cost and less frequent wear on certain jewelry types.
Solid Alloys vs. Thin Layers
A key distinction between these materials lies in the durability of solid white gold alloys versus thin rhodium coatings. While solid white gold alloys provide long-lasting structural integrity, their aesthetic qualities—specifically their brightness—rely on the rhodium coating. Rhodium, though highly reflective and resistant in itself, is a thin layer that degrades over time, necessitating regular maintenance. Conversely, sterling silver is softer and more prone to scratches and tarnishing, but its value lies in its affordability and simplicity.
This balance between alloy strength and plating aesthetics is crucial for jewelers and consumers alike when choosing between solid white gold, rhodium-plated silver, and white gold with rhodium plating.
Daumet’s 18K White Gold Coating: A Game-Changer
At Daumet, we’ve pioneered a solution that not only addresses these issues but elevates the standards of white gold in jewelry. Our 18K white gold coating is a unique combination of gold and tungsten, resulting in a finish that is bright, more durable, and more environmentally friendly than anything previously available.
More specifically, this innovative finish comes as a perfect alternative to:
- be coated on top of switched palladium concentration from 21% to 13% in solid white gold alloys
- replace rhodium finishes in multiple cases to prevent replating issues and growing environmental concerns (both for solid alloys and this layers)
- elevate sterling silver pieces by providing a precious 18K gold finish
1. Brightness and Whiteness
Our innovative coating delivers the whitest gold ever produced. Unlike traditional white gold alloys, which appear dull or gray, Daumet's gold-tungsten alloy produces a white and bright finish.
2. Unmatched Durability
Tungsten is the hardest metal known, giving Daumet’s white gold coating superior scratch resistance and longevity. Unlike a thin rhodium layer, which wears down quickly, Daumet's coating retains its brilliance for years, making it unalterable.
3. Hypoallergenic
Nickel, commonly used in white gold alloys, can cause allergic reactions. Daumet’s 18K white gold coating is free from nickel and other toxic components, making it a hypoallergenic option that is safe for all skin types.
4. Environmental Sustainability
Our use of tungsten—a more abundant and less polluting metal than palladium or rhodium—makes Daumet’s coating significantly more environmentally responsible. Additionally, the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process used for applying the coating is waterless and free of harmful chemicals, further reducing the environmental impact.
5. Certified Precious Metal
Daumet’s coating is certified 18K gold, a key factor that sets it apart from non-precious alternatives like silver or rhodium-plated pieces. This not only adds to the value of the jewelry but also enhances its luxury appeal.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
In addition to improving the technical performance of white gold, Daumet places a strong emphasis on sustainability. The traditional mining of precious metals like gold, palladium, and rhodium contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Daumet's 18K white gold coating reduces this impact by replacing rare, polluting metals with tungsten. Furthermore, Daumet exclusively uses reprocessed gold and Fairmined gold, ensuring that all sourced materials are ethically and responsibly produced.
The Benefits of Daumet’s 18K White Gold for Jewelers
For jewelers, incorporating Daumet’s 18K white gold coating into their designs offers several competitive advantages:
1. Increased Profitability
Because Daumet’s coating is both luxurious and precious, jewelers can market their collections at a higher price point while controlling production costs.
2. Creative Flexibility
Daumet’s white gold coating can be applied to a variety of base metals, including silver, brass, stainless steel, and titanium, providing jewelers with unlimited design possibilities. The coating’s bright white appearance also opens up opportunities for gender-neutral collections, a growing trend in high-end costume jewelry.
3. Meeting ESG Targets
With increasing demand for ethical jewelry, Daumet’s white gold coating helps brands meet their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals by using eco-friendly materials and low-impact manufacturing processes.
Conclusion: The Future of White Gold in Jewelry
Daumet’s 18K white gold coating is a revolutionary material that offers the preciosity and whiteness consumers desire, along with the sustainability and durability required by today’s jewelry industry. By opting for Daumet’s white gold coating, jewelers can enhance their collections with a precious, unalterable, and environmentally responsible solution.
Ready to explore the future of high-end costume jewelry with Daumet? Contact us today to learn more about how we can work together to bring this innovation to your next collection.
