White gold bracelets are made of gold and a white precious metal, commonly silver or palladium. They are often plated to increase their luster, because white gold is naturally dull gray. The plating also prevents oxidation, which causes discoloring. White gold bracelets are an ideal alternative to silver bracelets, because they do not tarnish and keep their luster longer.
Silver White Gold Bracelets are bleached with silver to a rating of eight to ten karats. Most manufacturers mix them at nine karats, because higher karats can give them a greenish color. They are very soft and must be plated with rhodium to make them more durable. Palladium White Gold Bracelets
Palladium White Gold Bracelets are whiter than nickel and silver ones, but have a warmer shade than nickel whites. They still require plating to enhance the warm white color and increase luster. They are mixed at very high temperatures, which can cause discoloration and shrinkage.
Nickel White Gold Bracelets are very hard, making them fairly durable but difficult to shape. They have a cold white shade similar to silver and chrome. They tend to cause permanent allergic reactions in the skin and are banned from many areas.
Plating: Make sure the plating on your white gold bracelet will not wear off quickly. Platings usually rub off over time, but a quality plated bracelet should last several years. Look for those that come with re-plating or re-polishing warranties.
Shade: Choose a white gold bracelet that is neither too white nor too yellow. An excessive white shade means that the bracelet has a low karat rating and may be prone to discoloration, while yellow shades may contain cheaper metals like copper.
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