melting down old white gold ring

[Lucy]

My mum has asked me to melt down her 9ct white gold wedding ring and make her a more modern looking plain band . I know there are loads of issues with white gold, but it really has to be the same white gold. So questions:

1. The ring was bought in england in the late 70's - so what is the alloy likely to be?
2. I presume it will have been rhodium plated, although most of that is worn off - how do i get rid of the plating before I melt it down.
3. I know I have to use 50% new metal - could I use 18kt white gold to make the white gold close to 14kt? or should I stick with 9ct.

Cheers!
Lucy

[griffT]

Hi Lucy,

Yes you are absolutely right, 9ct white is a difficult material.

I dont know exactly what the alloy would have been then, perhaps Cooksons could tell you?

You can get rid of any remaining rhodium with emery, just take back the whole surface until you have an even colour.

Speak ever so nicely to your mum and see if she can manage the colour changing a bit.

The 18ct will definately make the alloy more workable, but will change the colour.

I used a fair amount of 9ct white in the 70's and it always wanted to crack if you hit it or rolled it and nearly always came out with pin holes if you cast it.


The very best of luck.

Nick