Question About WG Rolexes

[DCGuy1965]

I went to my local AD recently and he said something I found rather interesting if not a bit odd. While comparing some gold pieces and the price differences between YG and WG he said "Remember white gold is yellow gold that has been tampered with".

There was also mention about over time the WG loses its luster but Rolex uses something to make it last longer but over time it will change.

I didn't want to hijack the other WG thread so I'll just ask those that have WG pieces is this something to be concerned with? Pardon my naiveity but I'm not well versed in metals and their properties in the least. Thanks

[Andad]

18K yellow gold is yellow gold that has been tampered with.

The current Rolex 18K white gold does not 'yellow' as some white gold mixes are prone to do and therefore do not need a Rhodium plating.
Other white gold amalgams are not as good.

[kilyung]

"Tampered" isn't the word I'd use. WG is 18k so only 75% pure. It's alloyed with other metals that reduce the yellow color of gold. Rolex's proprietary WG mix should not tarnish or dull over time nor does it require rhodium plating to keep its color.

[changzilla]

Is it safe to assume then that Rolex's YG and RG won't tarnish or dull also?

[Andad]

What Mike said.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by changzilla

Is it safe to assume then that Rolex's YG and RG won't tarnish or dull also?

IMO Rolex yellow gold with a copper content and white gold with a silver content can tarnish as the Cu and Ag oxidise.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by changzilla

Is it safe to assume then that Rolex's YG and RG won't tarnish or dull also?

I agree with Eddie... It's entirely dependent on the composition of the alloys. As no one knows for sure what those alloys are, who can say?

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by changzilla

Is it safe to assume then that Rolex's YG and RG won't tarnish or dull also?

all gold can tarnish but will clean up quite easily, the new Everose gold mix uses platnium to lock in the colour as some complained the old mix faded over time, however, i have a 60's rg/ss datejust. It still looks like rose gold i see no fade.