7 Apr, 2025, 1:36 PM

If you own a white gold ring but have begun to admire the rich warmth of yellow gold, you may be questioning if it’s possible to convert your white gold ring into yellow gold.

The good news is that transforming a ring from white gold to yellow gold is possible, but the cost of this service can vary significantly depending on several factors.

The design of your ring, the quality of materials, the method of changing the colour you choose and the jeweller you choose all play a role in determining the overall expense.

Factors That Influence the Cost

1. The Type of White Gold Used in Your Ring

White gold is created by alloying pure gold, 24 carat, with white metals such as palladium, nickel, or silver.

White gold jewellery is usually plated with rhodium to accentuate it’s the whiteness, as white gold naturally carries a grey tone.

If your ring has a rhodium plating, it is possible that the jeweller will first need to remove it before assessing the best approach to changing its colour.

2. The Best Method for Changing the Colour

There are generally two ways to transform a white gold ring into a yellow gold one:

• Plating the Ring in Yellow Gold: Gold plating is the act of applying a thin layer of yellow gold over an existing white gold jewellery piece. While this is a quicker and more affordable option, plating wears off over time and will require regular maintenance to maintain its yellow appearance. This would usually last around 12 months depending on how heavy handed the wearer is. Generally, the back of the ring will wear off quicker as we are prone to getting more knocks there compared to the top of the ring.
• Remaking the Ring in Solid Yellow Gold: For a permanent solution, the ring can be entirely remade in yellow gold. In some cases- jewellers prefer to trade in the cost of your existing precious metal and start with fresh yellow gold. While this provides a long-lasting and high-quality result, it requires significantly more labour and materials, making it a more costly approach. As a result, you will also have a brand-new ring, giving the piece a new lease on life.

3. The Complexity of the Ring’s Design

The intricacy of your ring design also impacts the final cost of your transition. If your ring has:

• Gemstones or Diamonds: Any stones will need to be carefully removed and reset, which can add to the cost, particularly for intricate settings.
• Engraving or Filigree Details: Highly detailed designs may require more time to recreate in yellow gold, requiring additional craftsmanship.
• A Heavy or Substantial Band: If your ring has a thick or wide band, it will require more yellow gold to recreate, further influencing the final price.
• Remaking of older pieces: It is likely that overtime through normal wear, the metal has worn away and is no longer the weight, width and thickness is was when first made. When making the new ring there would need to be additional metal added to create the ring as it was when originally purchased.

4. The Quality of the Jeweller You Choose

Not all jewellers offer the same level of craftsmanship, and this can greatly affect both the final outcome and the price.

High-end jewellers with expertise in handmade jewellery may provide a superior level of detail and care when making the piece, ensuring a flawless transition, but this will often come at a higher cost being that a qualified jeweller has worked for longer to create the piece.

In contrast, more commercial jewellers may offer a quicker, more affordable solution/ mass produced option but will certainly not match the level of precision or quality that a handmade jeweller can provide and will most likely not contain as much weight as a handmade piece.

Gold Plating as a More Affordable Alternative

If you love the look of yellow gold but aren’t ready to commit to a complete transformation, gold plating can be a great alternative.

• What is Gold Plating? This process involves applying a thin layer of yellow gold over your existing white gold ring. It provides an instant colour change without the need for remodelling or melting down the original ring.
• Pros of Gold Plating:
  • More affordable compared to remaking the ring in solid yellow gold.
  • Has a relatively fast turnaround time.
  • Allows you to experience the yellow gold look before committing to a permanent change.
• Cons of Gold Plating:
  • The plating will wear off over time exposing the natural metal colour underneath.
  • Regular re-plating is required to maintain the yellow gold appearance.
  • The durability of the plating depends on factors like ring wear, exposure to chemicals, and the quality of the plating applied.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective and reversible way to enjoy the look of yellow gold, plating could be an excellent short-term solution.

Considerations Before Making the Change

Before committing to changing your ring from white gold to yellow gold, there are a few key things to consider:

• Will It Suit Your Style? While yellow gold is timeless and luxurious, its appearance is quite different from white gold. Make sure that the new colour compliments any other jewellery you wear.
• Do You Have Sentimental Attachments to the Original Ring? If your ring holds sentimental value, consider whether you’re comfortable with significant modifications.
• Are You Willing to Invest in a Long-Term Solution? If you opt for plating, be prepared for regular maintenance. If you choose to remake the ring in yellow gold, ensure you work with a trusted jeweller who can maintain the integrity of the original design and create you a high-quality piece of jewellery made to last, rather than a mass-produced counterfeit.

Final Thoughts

Changing a ring from white gold to yellow gold is entirely possible, but the cost will depend on a range of factors, including the ring’s design, the chosen method, and the jeweller’s level of craftsmanship.

If you’re considering making the switch, speak with a jeweller who specialises in high-quality handmade jewellery.

At MDTdesign we can guide you through the process, provide expert recommendations, and ensure your ring is transformed beautifully while maintaining its integrity.

If you’re unsure whether this change is right for you, discussing your options with an experienced designer at MDTdesign is the best first step. A consultation will give you a clearer understanding of what’s possible and help you decide on the best course of action for your treasured piece.