Are you considering investing in an important piece of jewelry? Have you always wondered what the difference between white gold and silver is?
The global precious metals market was recently worth more than 182 billion dollars. This value will increase as the demand for jewelry made from precious metals grows.
Have you ever compared white gold vs. silver? Some of the differences will surprise you. Here’s a guide to understanding these precious metals.
Table of Contents
What Is White Gold?
White gold is an alloy made with pure yellow gold. It’s mixed with other metals like silver or palladium to make it stronger and more malleable. White gold jewelry is rhodium plated.
White Gold Guide
An 18 karat white gold jewelry piece has a 75% gold, 25% alloy metal mixture. You will often find a more durable 14 karat white gold in engagement rings because it will wear longer and is a bit more affordable.
White gold will always contain at least 50% yellow gold. However, sometimes white gold contains nickel, which is a common allergen.
Silver Tips
Silver is a valuable precious metal due to its beauty and conductivity. Pure silver is quite soft, so a small amount of copper adds strength.
It’s easy to find many valuable coins and jewelry made of silver. When it comes to buying silver online, you can learn more here.
Sterling silver is an alloy that contains 92.5% of pure silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually copper, but sometimes zinc or nickel. Most silver jewelry will have a 925 stamp indicating that combination of metals.
White Gold vs. Silver
Both white gold and silver are valuable precious metals that are similar in color but very different in composition. Let’s compare them below.
Affordability:
White gold is more expensive than silver due to the higher price of the gold content in this metal. The higher the gold content, the more the white gold will cost.
Gold appreciates more than silver, and that is why white gold jewelry may be a better long-term investment.
Durability:
When it comes to durability, sterling silver is the better choice between the two metals. Pure silver is softer and easy to scratch, so sterling is a better choice. But if you want only white gold, a lower karat is more durable.
Color:
Silver is a shiny, white metal, but it’s not quite as brilliant as white gold. This is due to the rhodium plating on white gold, adding an additional layer of shine to jewelry. This plating adds a bit of durability to the white gold jewelry.
Maintenance:
Both silver and white gold will require regular maintenance. White gold will yellow slightly over time, requiring reapplication of rhodium plating. Silver requires regular polishing and cleaning to reduce tarnish.
Select Your Jewelry With Confidence
Now that you know the differences when comparing white gold vs. silver, you’ll be able to choose between them. When you take the time to do your research, you will be happy with your decision.
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