Platinum vs White Gold

jodiegearingMetal Knowledge, Rhodium plating6 Comments

I pride myself on remaining unbiased when presenting my clients with options for the precious metal their bespoke jewellery is going to be made from. I have samples of all the different gold and platinum options, so they can try on rings in each colour to see which suits their skin tone best.

But if you asked me which was my favourite of the white precious metals, I would have to say white gold. So buckle yourself in for an impassioned explanation of why I feel this way – its an unusual preference for a jewellery designer!

White Metals: Part Two – White Gold

jodiegearingMetal Knowledge3 Comments

White gold is a very common choice for jewellery – especially engagement and wedding rings. White gold was originally developed to give a cheaper alternative to Platinum which became very fashionable in the 1920s, and so white gold has often seemed its poor relation.  Although its natural colour is warmer than the cold white of Platinum, white gold is normally … Read More

Why is my white gold tarnishing?

jodiegearingMetal Knowledge, Rhodium plating11 Comments

You’ve got a new beautiful white gold ring you have worn for a few months, but then you notice the metal around the back of the ring and the setting have changed colour. Patches of your ring are a totally different shade of white, and next to the bright silvery areas that remain, these patches almost look yellow. Is your … Read More

Dipping or flashing white gold

jodiegearingMetal Knowledge, Rhodium plating2 Comments

When looking at white gold jewellery in a high street jewellers, the sales assistants will often talk about having it ‘dipped’. Another term sometimes used is ‘rhodium flashing’. Both of these terms conjure images of simple and almost magical processes involving either vats of liquid metal or zapping the piece of jewellery with a special rhodium gun! I don’t blame the sales … Read More

Tanzanite Pendant Case Study

jodiegearingCommissions1 Comment

Have you ever considered buying a gemstone while traveling as a memento of your trip? That is exactly what Stuart did on his trip to Africa last year when he climbed Kilimanjaro. Stuart wanted to do something special for his wife’s birthday and decided to commission a bespoke piece of jewellery for her using a stunning tanzanite sourced during this … Read More

Marc’s Bespoke Mixed Metal Wedding Ring

jodiegearingCommissionsLeave a Comment

Here’s a ring I’m really excited to be able to share with you – my own husband’s mixed metal wedding ring. Like a lot of men, Marc had never worn a ring before so was quite daunted with the prospect of whittling through the infinite options available to design his perfect wedding ring. However, being engaged to a jewellery designer … Read More