gold jewelry · white gold · yellow gold ·

Can You Turn White Gold Into Yellow Gold?

Ever looked down at your white gold ring and wondered: Can you flip the script and make it yellow again? If you’ve asked this, you’re not alone — lots of folks are curious about how white gold works, whether it can be turned into yellow gold, and what’s involved if you want that warm golden hue instead. Let’s break it down, Worthmore-style.

Why White Gold Looks White

Let’s clear this up: white gold isn’t naturally white. It starts life as classic yellow gold, then gets alloyed with white metals like nickel or palladium. This blend lightens the metal’s color. To give it that bright, mirror-like shine, jewelers add a thin layer of rhodium plating — that final touch gives white gold its crisp, silvery look.

Why You Can’t Just “Undo” White Gold

So, can you reverse it? Not exactly.

Once yellow gold is mixed with white metals, they’re bonded at the molecular level — there’s no simple way to separate them again. Removing the rhodium plating will reveal the bare alloy beneath, which often shows a duller, slightly grayish or yellowish tint — not the rich, warm glow you’d expect from true yellow gold.

Fun Fact: The base gold in your white gold ring is always yellow at its heart.

What Happens If You Strip White Gold?

If you remove the rhodium plating, your ring might look more yellow, but not beautifully so. The natural alloy color is unpredictable — it depends on what mix of white metals was used.

That’s why jewelers rarely recommend just “unplating” white gold to get a yellow gold look. You’d likely be disappointed.

What’s Possible: Transforming White Gold

The good news? There’s a lot you can do if you want a new look:

Re-Plate in Yellow

Plating yellow gold over white gold is technically possible, but it’s very thin and will wear off over time. It’s a temporary fix at best.

Remake in Yellow Gold

This is the lasting option. We take your stones and design as inspiration and remake your ring in solid yellow gold — fully custom, fully fresh. This is one of our favorite kinds of projects at Worthmore Jewelers. It keeps the story behind your piece alive while giving it a whole new vibe.

Redesign Into Something New

Sometimes, a metal switch sparks bigger ideas. Maybe your white gold ring becomes a yellow gold pendant or earrings instead. Or maybe you add more stones, or switch to a new setting style. This is where the fun of custom jewelry really shines — you’re not locked into what you have.

Going Deeper: What’s Involved in Remaking a Ring

Here’s a closer look at how transforming white gold into yellow gold works:

  1. Stone Removal: Any diamonds or gems are carefully removed.

  2. Meltdown & Casting: Sometimes we melt the old metal, but more often we use fresh yellow gold to ensure purity and color consistency.

  3. New Setting: We cast a brand-new setting in yellow gold.

  4. Stone Resetting: Your original stones (or new ones, if you choose) are reset by hand.

  5. Finishing: Polishing and final checks — so your new piece is ready to wear and love.

Worth remembering: This is real craftsmanship. Our jewelers and designers walk you through every step so you know exactly what’s possible.

Is It Worth It?

  • Sentimental Value: Want to keep Grandma’s ring but love yellow gold? Remaking can preserve memories and add your own twist.

  • Modern Look: Yellow gold is back in a big way — especially paired with bold diamonds or unique jewelry design.

  • Durability: A new yellow gold piece can last for generations with proper care.

Why Transforming Jewelry Is So Appealing

Custom jewelry is about more than just changing color — it’s about taking what you have and turning it into something that fits your life right now. Maybe your style has changed. Maybe you’re celebrating a new milestone. Maybe you just want your jewelry to feel more like you.

That’s the heart of what we do here at Worthmore Jewelers: design without limits. Bring us your heirlooms, your well-loved rings, your “almost perfect” pieces — and we’ll help you make them exactly what you want next.

Worthmore Jewelers: Breaking Tradition Since Day One

At Worthmore Jewelers, we’re proud members of the American Gem Society — bringing y’all ethical business practices and superior gemological skills every time. We’ve been voted “Coolest Store in America” for good reason: we don’t believe in stuffy jewelry counters or boring designs. Just real people, amazing gems, and a shop where you feel right at home.

Ready to Turn That White Gold Into Yellow Gold?

Let’s talk! Whether you’re dreaming of reworking your ring, designing something new, or just curious, swing by our Midtown Atlanta or Decatur stores.

  • Discover our unique collections

  • Experience our innovative approach

  • Join us in breaking tradition

Make an appointment or just drop by — y’all are always welcome.

Visit Us

MIDTOWN

500 L-3 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306

Call: 404-892-8294

Wed & Thurs: 11am – 5pm

Fri & Sat: 10am – 6pm

Sun: Noon – 5pm

DECATUR

117 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030

Call: 404-370-3979

Wed & Thurs: 11am – 6pm

Fri & Sat: 11am – 6pm

Sun: Noon – 5pm

Let’s Make Something Worthmore Together

For jewelry as bold as y’all are — visit worthmorejewelers.com or contact us here. We can’t wait to help you find (or create) your next favorite piece.

Back to We're Getting Attention