A ring can hold decades of meaning — but your style doesn’t have to stay frozen in time. Whether you’ve inherited a family heirloom in yellow gold or your tastes have simply evolved, you might be wondering: Can I change my yellow gold ring to white gold?
The answer is yes — in many cases — but the process, cost, and results depend on the ring’s design, structure, and materials. At Creekside Jewelers, we’ve helped customers throughout Colorado transform sentimental pieces into something that feels perfectly their own, while preserving their beauty and integrity.
Understanding the Difference Between Yellow Gold and White Gold
Yellow gold and white gold are both made of gold, but they differ in alloy composition and appearance.
-Yellow gold: Naturally warm and rich in tone, created by combining pure gold with metals like copper and silver.
-White gold: A cooler-toned alloy, often mixed with palladium or nickel, and finished with rhodium plating for a bright, reflective sheen.
The key to transformation lies in whether your ring can be recast or plated to achieve that white gold look — and how much change you want to make.
Options for Changing Yellow Gold to White Gold
There are generally two main approaches:
1. Rhodium Plating
If you love the existing ring design but want the appearance of white gold, rhodium plating may be the best option.
-Process: The ring is polished, cleaned, and coated in rhodium.
-Advantages: Preserves the original structure, less expensive than full replacement, and fully reversible if you decide to return to yellow gold in the future.
-Considerations: The plating wears over time, so it will need refreshing every 1–3 years depending on wear.
2. Recasting the Ring in White Gold
For a permanent change, recasting involves creating a new ring from scratch using white gold.
-Process: Your existing stones and design can be replicated, or you can opt for a new style entirely.
-Advantages: Long-lasting white gold finish, opportunity to redesign.
-Considerations: More costly, as it requires new metal and extensive craftsmanship. Reversal would mean crafting yet another new ring in yellow gold, as the original metal is replaced entirely—making it a more significant and expensive process than simply undoing a plating.
When a Ring May Not Be Ideal for Conversion
Some rings aren’t good candidates for a full metal change.
-Delicate antique settings may be too fragile for recasting.
-Intricate patterns with enamel or specialty finishes may lose definition.
-Certain vintage alloys may not bond well with rhodium plating.
In these cases, a jeweler can suggest alternatives such as creating a new white gold setting for your existing stones.
Professional Expertise Matters
Changing a ring’s metal is not a do-it-yourself project. At Creekside Jewelers, our goldsmiths work with precision tools to ensure every detail — from stone security to finish quality — meets heirloom standards.
Pro Tip: Always have a jeweler evaluate your ring before deciding. A quick in-store assessment can reveal whether plating, recasting, or a full redesign is your best option.
Alternatives to Changing the Metal
If a full transformation isn’t possible or desirable, you can still refresh your ring’s look:
-Custom settings: Keep the yellow gold band and add white gold or platinum accents.
-Two-tone designs: Blend both metals for a modern, versatile style.
-Stacking with white gold bands: Create contrast and visual interest without altering the original ring.
These solutions preserve the original integrity of your piece while giving you the cooler-toned look you want.
Caring for Your White Gold Ring
If you choose white gold — whether newly crafted or plated — proper care keeps it luminous:
-Store it separately to prevent scratches.
-Clean it gently with a soft cloth and mild soap.
-Have your jeweler check for loose stones and reapply rhodium plating as needed.
Why Trust Creekside Jewelers
As Colorado’s oldest continuously run jewelry store since 1902, Creekside Jewelers blends tradition with innovation. Our expertise in fine craftsmanship ensures that your ring’s transformation is handled with care, precision, and artistry.
Whether you’re envisioning a subtle refresh or a complete redesign, we’re here to guide you through every option — and make sure your dream ring shines exactly the way you want it to.
Visit us in Golden, CO to explore your options for transforming a yellow gold ring into a stunning white gold piece. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you choose the perfect solution for your style, budget, and sentimental value.
1206 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401
hello@creeksidejewelers.com
303-279-4246
