Black oxidation develops on white gold 

Letter 10063

When I work out white gold jewelry pieces I get that blackish oxidation on the worked out items. I have tried to dip the pieces when hot in diluted Sulphuric acid, but the work seem not to whiten out easily, and that blackish sooty colour often remains on certain parts. What is the best whitening solution can I use to have the worked out items clean and free from basic oxides?

Joseph T
- MALTA

You need to protect the surface of your jewelry from oxidation before you heat it. Make a solution of fine Boric Acid Powder [link is to product info at Amazon] and alcohol to dip your jewelry, let dry and this will create a protective film which your diluted acid will dissolve after your soldering operation.

Neil Bell Red Sky Plating Albuquerque, New Mexico