OUR PRECIOUS METALS

1. White gold vs. grey gold: what’s the difference?

To begin with, let’s recall that gold is a very malleable metal—too soft to be used in its pure form for jewelry. Other metals are therefore added to harden it, and it is these metals that determine the gold's color.
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For instance, yellow gold is composed of 75% gold, 12.5% ​​silver, and 12.5% ​​copper. For grey gold, the proportion of silver in the alloy is increased: 75% gold, 15% copper, 6% silver, and 2% nickel. As for white gold... it is actually grey gold with a thin layer of rhodium applied to it. This is how a "whiter" shine is achieved. However, since this is a surface treatment, the rhodium plating wears off over time due to friction. In that case, you simply need to visit your jeweler (such as Bijouterie Joaillerie Artero) to have a new layer of rhodium applied.
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But there is another technique for obtaining white gold: palladium-alloyed grey gold. The alloy for this type of gold contains pure gold (naturally), silver (5%), copper (7%), and palladium—a metal from the platinum family (13%). Unlike rhodium-plated grey gold, it will not yellow. That said, rhodium can still be added for extra brilliance. Without rhodium plating, palladium-alloyed grey gold has a more raw, warm hue.
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2. The advantages of palladium-alloyed grey gold
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Palladium-alloyed grey gold is defined by more than just its color. Palladium is a precious, noble metal. It is also harder and more durable. Furthermore, while rhodium plating is not strictly necessary, it is an option. Should the color of your piece shift over time, a simple chemical-free polish will restore its luster. However, you may also choose to have it rhodium-plated to achieve a brighter, "whiter" look.
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So, is palladium-alloyed white gold a revolution? To be honest, we have made a point of offering this specific alloy exclusively since the 2000s; we moved away from "classic" white gold quite some time ago!