precise white gold- anyone heard of it?

asscherisme · Apr 30, 2007

I am thinking of buying a anniversary band and my local jeweler told me about a type of whitegold called precise white gold. It is suppose to be nickel free and does not need rhodium plating. It seem to be a great compromise between regular white gold and platinum wtih its sky high prices. Every time I have worn white gold in the past, its turns greyish/yellow within a few months. The jeweler was telling me precise white does not do that and stays white but I''m not sure if its just a sales pitch.

Anyone own anything made by precise white gold or know about it?

chrono · Apr 30, 2007

I also remember my jeweller telling me something about it when I wanted a white gold that was nickle free and did not need rhodium plating. At first, I asked for a palladium WG but she said that this Precise WG is a new product that is reasonably priced. However, since mine is only a setting for a pendant, I stuck with regular WG, otherwise I would have given it a try. This new WG ally is new and does not come in many stock mounting designs though.

ETA
I think she called it Precise WG. I don't remember the exact name but I know it isn't Palladium WG.

asscherisme · Apr 30, 2007

Sounds like the same thing, precise white gold. My jewler was saying Iwould have a prettier ring if I spent my budget on quality stones instead of metal.

I think for a ring it would be worth trying. She said she is not a fan of palladium since it tends to be greyer.

I am leaning towards yes but would like to read more opinions.

JohnQuixote · Apr 30, 2007

There are many alloy options available and new ones are constantly being developed. Many WG alloys continue to have high nickel content, although some using chromium and iron in its place have been developed to address the problem of allergies. Some of the WG alloys do not require rhodium plating.Stuller’s new X1 is very white; available in 19k, 18k, 14k and 10k (although it passes the EU Nickel Release tests it does contains nickel).

Not every alloy is suited to every piece though. Each mix has its own flow characteristics and pros & cons. Some are better for casting than handmade work (and vice-versa). Some with greater hardness may not be the best for setting soft gemstones, etc. If you are having a ring created for you the metalsmith who will fashion it may be the best source of understanding for what will work best.

With time, the alloys that are most versatile and demonstrate the greatest longevity/durability are adopted by ever-increasing numbers of craftsmen.