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Q&As since 1989
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Does white gold pit like stainless steel when exposed to chlorides
Hello to all,
I am a collector of vintage timepieces which are mainly made of stainless steel or gold. I have been researching this site for most of the answers to my problems and in particular I find the post on www.finishing.com/454/94.shtml an real eye opener. From the answers in that thread/topic I am aware that as gold is an alloy with other metals ( for example 18K white or yellow gold being 75% gold and 25% blended with other metals) it is also prone to corrosion especially in presence of chorine or chlorides. My question is that once corrosion has taken place, does it continue to burrow through the gold due to the impurities that are in the corrosion spot? I know that this is the case with stainless steel that once a pit or corrosion takes place it continues unless it is cleaned out with nitric acid/ citric acid or phosphoric acid. I know that gold is meant to be much better than stainless steel but was wondering if there is any analogy between these two metals once affected by corrosion attack?? Also, would white gold that is not rhodium plated but is instead an alloy with palladium (to keep it's white appearance) be more resistant? Many thanks in advance for any input.
Charles
collector of antiques mainly of metal - Australia
March 24, 2011
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