WHITE GOLD VS. SILVER
WHAT IS WHITE GOLD MADE OUT OF?
White gold jewelry contains a mixture of pure gold and other white metals such as silver, palladium, and nickel. This unique composition makes white gold alloys harder and less malleable, as well as what gives it its white color. Individual properties of white gold can vary depending on the mixed metal alloys used.
For example, 18 karat white gold jewelry is popular for many because of its high purity level. 18k white gold consists of 75 percent pure gold and 25 percent alloy metal. 18k white gold is also strong and durable, making it a good choice for those who want their white gold jewelry to last.
WHAT METALS ARE IN WHITE GOLD?
WHAT IS SILVER MADE OUT OF?
Because pure silver (almost never used in jewelry alone) is a soft metal, it is frequently combined with the alloy copper to make it suitable for jewelry wear. When silver transforms into this silver-and-copper alloy mixture, it is also known as sterling silver jewelry (great for everyday jewelry wear). The silver-and-copper alloy mixture is hypoallergenic, though copper metal is prone to tarnishing, which can cause the sterling silver to oxidize more quickly.
Sterling silver jewelry may bear the jewelry marks "925" or "0.925," indicating 92.5 percent pure silver content and 7.5 percent another metal. Other European jewelry marks indicate slightly lower silver purity levels: "800" means 80 percent silver, while "925" indicates 92.5 percent silver.
The issue with combining the metal silver and other mixed metal alloys is that the resulting alloys may not be hypoallergenic material. So it all comes down to what you're looking for.
Typically, the pure silver content (a hypoallergenic material since it is 100 percent silver) is combined with the alloy copper to create sterling silver jewelry. Sterling silver is a lightweight, affordable metal and readily available for purchase in a multitude of trending designs.
WHICH METALS ARE IN SILVER?
Pure silver is 100 percent silver and never consists of any other metals. Still, sterling silver is an alloy of silver that contains a silver purity level of 92.5% and 7.5% other metals, usually copper metal. The small amount of the metal copper added to sterling silver gives it strength and durability, making sterling silver perfect for everyday jewelry pieces.
The alloys in sterling silver metal vary depending on the country of origin. In the United States, sterling silver jewelry must contain at least 92.5% pure silver and no more than 7.5% copper. Other countries have different requirements for their alloys.
Other common alloys mixed with sterling silver metal are zinc and platinum metal. Zinc is added to silver to create a white gold alloy. The metal platinum is used in sterling silver to create a stronger, more durable metal.
WHITE GOLD VS. SILVER: FACTORS TO CONSIDER
You'll want to keep in mind a few things when deciding between white gold and silver jewelry. Here are a few of the most important factors to consider:
1. DURABILITY:
Like most jewelry buyers, you probably are looking for durable metals—especially if it's an engagement ring or wedding band. Though white gold is a tough metal stronger than silver, it's important to note that white gold's hardness depends on its gold purity level (karats of pure gold). The higher the gold purity level (karats of pure gold), the more malleable it is. In contrast, the lower the karat weight means the more durable metal.
Silver is much more prone to scratches and bends due to wear and tear than white gold. So, if you prioritize durability over other factors in selecting a metal, white gold easily outperforms silver.
2. COST
However, white gold remains an excellent alternative to more expensive metals such as the metal platinum. It is a must-buy for those looking for a classic piece of jewelry that is less expensive than higher-priced alternatives.
3. COLOR
4. MAINTENCE:
If you are allergic to nickel or any other metals used to make white gold, you may need to get a hypoallergenic coating to avoid an allergic reaction to white gold. Or, if you are allergic to nickel, you may want to consider getting a white gold ring with a nickel-free base. Many types of metals combine to create a white gold ring, so ask your jeweler about the type of white gold they use.
One type of white gold is palladium white gold, which consists of a mixture of palladium and other metals. Palladium white gold is a good choice for people with allergies to other metals because it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Another type of white gold is platinum white gold, which consists of a mix of platinum and other metals. Platinum white gold is more expensive than nickel white gold but is also more durable.
5. LUSTER:
White gold appears shinier and brighter white than silver. The white color comes from a mixture of pure yellow gold and alloy metals such as nickel. The additional layer of luster is due to the rhodium plating added to extend white gold's lifespan.
6. WEIGHT:
7. RARITY:
On the scale of abundant metals, silver is not a rare metal. In fact, it's one of the most abundant metals on Earth. On the other hand, white gold is a very rare metal, making it a more valuable metal than silver.
Why this difference? Sterling silver is composed of Ag, or silver, and Cu, or copper. On the other hand, white gold is composed of Au, or gold, and Pt, or platinum metal. As you can see, silver has a lower percentage of valuable metals than white gold.
8.CLEANING
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IS WHITE GOLD BETTER THAN SILVER?
In addition, there are options to suit every budget in both white gold and silver, and both are stunning and timeless.
DOES SILVER LOOK LIKE WHITE GOLD?
Silver and white gold are both beautiful metals used for various purposes, from jewelry to flatware. While silver and white gold may appear similar at first glance, several key differences between these two materials actually exist.
For starters, silver looks more like a traditional white metal than white gold does because silver is naturally white, while white gold is actually a yellowish-white color. White gold must be plated with another metal, such as rhodium, to achieve its bright white hue.
Second, silver is a much softer metal than white gold, making it more prone to scratches and dents. White gold is a bit more durable in this respect. Finally, although both metals can be polished to a shine, silver will require more frequent polishing (due to being a softer metal) than white gold to maintain its luster.
WHY DOES WHITE GOLD LOOK LIKE SILVER?
WHITE GOLD VS. STERLING SILVER: PROS AND CONS
When it comes to white gold vs. sterling silver, there are a few things you need to take into account. We're going to discuss the pros and cons of white and silver so that you can make an informed decision about which is right for you.
Let's start with white gold. One of the main benefits of white gold is that it's very strong and durable. It's also resistant to tarnishing, meaning that it will keep its shine for longer. White gold is also a good choice if you're looking for a metal that won't show scratches easily.
However, there are some downsides to white gold. One of the biggest is the price – white gold is usually more expensive than sterling silver. Another downside is that it can be difficult to resize white gold rings, so you need to be sure of your ring size before you buy. White gold will also need rhodium or other type of hypoallergenic coating every few years.
Now let's take a look at sterling silver. One of the main benefits of sterling silver is that it's very cost effective compared to white gold. It's also easy to find jewelry made from sterling silver, as it's a very popular metal. Another benefit of sterling silver is that it's easy to resize to get a perfect fit.
However, there are some downsides to sterling silver. One of the biggest is that it eventually tarnishes. Silver occasionally needs polishing and replating, depending on the level of jewelry care. Sterling silver is also a soft metal, making it more prone to scratching than white gold.
WRAPPING UP
So, is white gold or silver better? The answer really depends on what you’re looking for and how much you want to spend. Both white gold and silver jewelry have their own unique benefits that make them stand out from the other. But, ultimately, the choice is up to you!
White gold or silver, which is better for you?
If you’re looking for a strong and durable metal, white gold is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable metal perfect for everyday jewelry pieces, silver might be better. But, ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and jewelry budget.