L'or blanc est-il magnétique ?

White gold jewelry is renowned for its lustrous sheen and durability. But one question that often pops up is: is white gold magnetic?

The simple answer is no—for the most part, white gold is not magnetic. However, there are a few nuances around white gold’s composition that explain why some pieces may exhibit minor magnetic properties.

Dans ce guide complet, en tant que professionnel fabricant d'aimants en néodyme, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about white gold and magnetism. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently assess whether your glimmering jewelry is attracted to magnets.

Demystifying White Gold Alloys

To understand if white gold is magnetic starts with comprehending what white gold actually is.

White gold is an alloy, not a pure metal. It combines gold with white metals like nickel, silver, palladium or zinc to create a durable, silver-hued metal ideal for jewelry.

The specific ingredients and percentages used in the alloy impact the color, durability, cost and yes, magnetic qualities.

For example, nickel and silver lend white gold its white appearance. Meanwhile, zinc makes the alloy harder and palladium offers a brilliant white shine. The gold still makes up the majority of the alloy, usually between 58-75%.

So in an 18K white gold alloy, 18 parts would be yellow gold and 6 parts silver, zinc, nickel or another white metal.

This alloy mixture allows jewelers to work white gold into stunning designs, from white gold engagement rings to glamorous bracelets.

And while pure gold on its own is not magnetic, the other metals introduced into white gold can change things…

L'or blanc est-il magnétique ?

No – in almost all cases, white gold is non-magnetic. While its alloy does contain some nickel, the quantity is typically too small to produce any significant magnetism. However, cheaper costume jewelry with higher nickel or iron content may demonstrate faint magnetism. When in doubt, have white gold jewelry appraised by a professional to confirm metal purity. Reputable retailers will guarantee non-magnetic, high-quality white gold.

Which Metals Make White Gold Magnetic?

As we just covered, white gold alloys blend gold with various white metals to create that iconic silvery shine.

But out of nickel, zinc, silver and other ingredients, which actually trigger potential magnetism?

The main culprit is nickel. This versatile metal is added to white gold not only for its white color, but also to increase hardness.

Pure nickel and nickel alloys are also common magnetic metals. So it logically follows that white gold with high nickel content can be slightly magnetic.

Besides nickel, iron and cobalt are also ferromagnetic metals with innate magnetism. However, these aren’t typically ingredients in white gold alloys, although impurities are possible.

So nickel is the primary component that can make white gold magnetic. Many lower-quality white gold alloys have substantial nickel content too, another reason they may stick to magnets.

That said, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to lift a white gold watch or bracelet off the table with a standard refrigerator magnet. But minor attraction is possible with pieces containing nickel.

Demagnetization Solutions for White Gold Jewelry

If you just grabbed a refrigerator magnet and your cherished white gold ring flew onto it, don’t fret! A few simple tips can help demagnetize pieces.

First, have your jeweler evaluate the white gold content. Knowing the exact alloy breakdown provides insight into magnetism risks.

From there, you have a couple options:

• Rhodium plating – Adding an imperceptible layer of shiny rhodium effectively blocks nickel from interacting with magnets. It also enhances shine!
• Jewelry cleaning – Over time, commercial solutions, lotions and metals from other jewelry can accumulate on white gold, altering surface reactivity. Careful cleaning resets your pieces.

You can also lower future magnetic risk by purchasing white gold with less nickel. Opt for nickel-free gold alloys or palladium-dominant ones instead.

While demagnetizing existing jewelry takes some effort, avoiding magnetic metals when buying new pieces is much more straightforward.

The Takeaway: Is White Gold Magnetic?

So there you have it—the complete truth about white gold and magnetism!

While pure gold itself is non-magnetic, white gold alloys that blend in nickel for color and hardness can demonstrate minor magnetic attraction.

Yet it’s unlikely your average fridge magnet alone can hoist that white gold bracelet off the table. Substantial nickel levels are required for this, more so than the 8-20% nickel typical in white gold alloys.

Still, it’s good practice to test for magnetism, especially if buying secondhand gold jewelry. Other red flags something isn’t genuine white gold include flaking, yellowing and lack of stamps inside bands or clasps.

But if your stunning white gold pieces do stick via magnet, no need to panic! Quick demagnetization solutions like rhodium plating and cleaning resets any reactive metals. Or explore quality gold alloys with alternative whitening agents like palladium instead.

And whatever you do, don’t let magnets stop you from rocking gorgeous white gold jewelry wherever you go! Those sparkling diamond white gold rings and necklaces deserve to shine bright for the world to admire.