White Gold; Taking Care Of It ?

Q: I brought a ring today that I was so excited about until I got home and found out that It wasn't 14k or 18k white gold. I know it was stupid of me to not check but that's how excited I was. I've never had a 10k of anykind before and was wondering how it would age or how to take care of it so that it will look good for a longtime. I don't know if I'm posting in the right group but I thought I'd take a chance. Thanks inadvance. http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cove/5244

A: 10K Gold will is actually the strongest of the Golds, and White Gold even stronger. It is because of the alloys used. Treat it as you would any fine jewelry and it should be fine. You might get a polishing cloth and give it a swift buff every now and then, and if it has stones, clean them appropriate to the stones. I seem to recall from the dim recesses of my childhood that I had a 10k ring and it turned my finger green. Is that possible? Aren't 14k and 18k considered "real" gold that won't turn the skin strange colors? I had one 10k ring that turned my finger green - the ring also turned icky green. You can have a reaction to 14k or 18k depending on the alloy used but it's not as likely. After getting 24k from Hong Kong, I have a hard time going back to 14k - the 24k looked fake at first (it's really goldy coloured) but after a few days, the 14k and even the 18k looked anemic. 22k and 24k are very very soft though and need to be treated gently. I was told that I shouldn't worry about "whitegold." And it was recommended by someone that I should have the Rhodium redone once a year to keep it from tarnishing or chipping. And it would be fine and just treat it the way I would a 14k or 18k. My ring has a beautiful aquamarine semi-precious stone which is absolutely gorgeous. By any chance would you know how I should care for it? I been wanting a whitegold and aquamarine for so long. I'm really glad to have this ring and feel much better now. My expirience with 10k gold was not a good one (Many years ago. I would not waste my money on that today)so I was concerned about this 10k whitegold. But I guess with whitegold in 10k, it's a different story. Well I feel much better now. Once again thanks for the advice I really appreciate it. First, about the Rhodium plating. Have it done when you *see* the need to have it done. Get a jeweler's loupe (from the jewelry store - not expensive) and examine your ring, prongs etc. every so often for wear. As for the care of Aquamarine -- it is a very sturdy member of the Beryl (Emeralds, Morganite, Goshenite etc.) member. Unlike Emeralds, Aquamarine is hearty and does not need the babying Emeralds do. To clean it, take some liquid dish soap on an old, soft toothbrush and scrub lightly underneath and all around the stone. Rinse well in warm water and dry throroughly. Aquamarines have a tendency to "grab" body oils, hand lotions and the like. I'm so pleased you are enjoying your ring. Wear it in good health and great pleasure.

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