Let's get one thing straight: both white gold and silver are gorgeous and precious materials in their own right. Each of these white metals are perfect for use in jewellery for their shiny lustre and colour, but it does get confusing when there are several options to choose from.
If you are thinking of purchasing a beautiful ring or piece of jewellery, but just can't decide between white gold and silver ' we're here to help. We've come up with the definitive list of pros and cons for white gold and silver jewellery, so you've got the best chance of picking the right metal for you.
Overview:
- What is White Gold?
- Pros of White Gold Jewellery
- Cons of White Gold Jewellery
- Pros of Silver Jewellery
- Cons of Silver Jewellery
What is White Gold?
This is a good time to mention that white gold isn't actually a natural metal, but an alloy. This means that the beautiful white gold appearance comes from a combination of two or more metals. This mixture usually consists of gold and white metals like palladium, zinc or nickel and silver, too.
The amount of gold in white gold jewellery depends on the carats. The gold carats system tells you the percentage of gold in a piece, with 24 carats (pure gold) being the highest. If you buy the very best white gold at 18cts, it will contain 75% gold and the rest other metals.
Alloys have been used in jewellery all throughout history. White coloured gold was created in the 1700s, but this particular white gold alloy wasn't widely used until the first world war. Because of the high demand for platinum in the military, white gold became the new high-end material for fine jewellery.
To this day, white gold remains one of the most popular choices for jewellery around the globe. And there's plenty of reasons why.
If you are curious what goes into white gold alloys, you can learn about gold jewellery here.
Pros of White Gold Jewellery:
Durability:
White gold is much more durable than silver and can withstand daily wear and tear. It doesn't break easily and keeps its colour, shine, and shape for years to come. White gold is resistant to corrosion and will keep its shine much longer than silver.
The hardness of white gold also makes it more scratch-resistant than silver jewellery. If your white gold is plated with rhodium,however, then it may be more susceptible to scratching. It's also worth noting that the more gold your white gold contains the softer it gets.
Colour:
White gold has a pure white colour that is actually lighter than silver in most cases. The pristine look of white gold makes it perfect for wedding or engagement rings, as it naturally amplifies the colour and beauty of gemstones.
Lustre:
Common alloys like yellow gold and sterling silver often contain copper, which actually takes away from the shine of the metal. White gold usually contains highly lustrous metals like palladium or zinc, which means it keeps more of its shimmer. A lot of white gold is also plated with rhodium which adds a lot of lustre.
Tarnish resistant:
White gold is made from metals that do not tarnish. This means that the surface of your ring or jewellery piece won't become dull or darkened. Because white gold commonly has rhodium plating however, its surface can wear and another kind of discoloration can occur ' more on that later.
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Elevate your style with these solitaire stud earrings featuring a luxurious 14-carat white gold build that has been set with 70-74 point lab-grown brilliant cut diamonds that sparkle from every angle. These stud earrings have been made with expert craftsmanship… read more
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Cons of White Gold Jewellery:
Allergies:
White gold may cause skin irritation or allergies because it can contain traces of nickel in some cases. However, you can find hypoallergenic white gold rings if you're worried about this happening.
Expensive:
One of the biggest differences between white gold and silver jewellery is the price. While not quite as dear as platinum, white gold is at the higher end of the price range, especially at 14cts and higher.
The big reason why white gold is more expensive is in its gold content. As a rule, gold is more valuable than silver. If you're going to buy a wedding band or engagement ring it's a fair price to pay for what is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.
Fade of colour:
White gold is often coated in rhodium plating, which gives it a whiter, more lustrous appearance. Unfortunately, the small layer of rhodium over the ring can wear over time and some of the yellow from the gold mixture will begin to shine through. If you really want to keep that pristine white colour, you'll have to get your piece replated with rhodium after one or several years.
Pros of Silver Jewellery:
We probably don't need to remind you what silver is, but it's worth touching on the difference between silver and sterling silver, which is what most silver jewellery is made from. Sterling silver is an alloy, just like white gold, that contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals like copper. That said, let's get into the pros of sterling silver jewellery.
Price:
Sterling silver jewellery is considerably cheaper than white gold and gold options. You'll still get all that beautiful white shininess without the price tag that comes with it, which is great for anyone who likes to have a large jewellery collection.
Versatility:
Because sterling silver is so affordable and its makeup is so highly workable, you can find amazing variations in the world of silver jewellery. From intricate patterns and embellishment to detailed shapes, there are plenty of amazing and fun choices to choose from.
Durability:
Yes, we said white gold was durable too, but that doesn't mean sterling silver won't last long or resist scratches. The copper that's added to the sterling silver alloy makes the metal much more suitable and long-lasting for jewellery.
In most cases, sterling silver is a little softer than white gold, though that shouldn't be a problem for most daily wear. 18ct white gold and sterling silver are the most comparable in terms of durability, but lower carat white gold pieces are harder in comparison.
Colour:
You can't talk about the pros of silver without mentioning the colour. Silver has been coveted for thousands of years for its beautiful white tone and shiny appearance. Pair silver with anything you want and it will look great.
Cons of Silver Jewellery:
Tarnish:
While sterling silver is so great in so many ways, it does have a kryptonite ' or more specifically, a sulfur. Tarnish occurs when the surface of your silver jewellery reacts to sulfur in the air, causing a chemical reaction that can leave your silver looking darkened and less shiny.
Thankfully, tarnish can be cleaned fairly easily, but you will have to spend a bit more time looking after your silver. If you choose rhodium plated silver jewellery, some of your worries will be gone as the highly lustrous metal is tarnish-resistant.
Reputation:
Silver might be one of most desirable metals on earth, but many tend to think of it as a 'cheap' or less valuable option. The affordability of silver doesn't come from its lack of quality but rather its availability. We aren't in short supply of silver ' which is a good thing!
And while the effect of tarnish and slightly softer composition can mean you have to take some more care with your silver jewellery, it's still a beautiful base for diamonds and other precious gemstones.
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Fall in love with this Sterling Silver Rhodium Plated Pink CZ Arrow Heart With Inscription Pendant. Set with a set of stunning pink zirconia and lush rhodium plating, this romantic pendant will make your heart skip a beat. The words,… read more
Our Recommendation
Both white gold and silver are amazing choices for their colour and bright lustre, but there are certainly a few pros and cons that set them apart.
For one, white gold is going to cost you a little more. You'll enjoy some longer-lasting durability and a shine that's forever, but you may also have to replace your rhodium plating somewhere down the line. If you love the look of white gold and don't mind spending extra, then definitely go for it. A piece of jewellery that makes you or someone you love happy is always worth it.
As for silver or sterling silver, you can't go too wrong either. You're likely going to find silver products for more affordable prices, just don't think they are the worse option. We have amazing silver rings set with diamonds and all sorts of beautiful stones that hold exquisite value. If you don't mind washing your silver with warm water and a bit of mild soap every now and then to remove tarnish, you should go for sterling silver.
With an expanse of white gold and silver knowledge under your belt, you should have an easier time picking between the two wonderful metal alloys. Truthfully, you can't go wrong with either option and we know you'll love whatever you go with!
