For anyone looking to get white metal jewellery, white gold or silver is a question that comes to mind. Both are cool-toned metals with a white cast. However, they also sport differences in terms of pricing, texture, chemical and physical properties. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to your personal preferences.
This article will compare silver vs white gold, highlighting the differences and helping you decide which is better for your needs and preferences.
White gold is more than just differently-coloured gold. It isn’t a metal that you can just mine from the earth like regular gold. Rather, it is an alloy made by combining yellow gold with a small percentage of other metals, usually nickel or palladium, copper, and zinc. This grants the gold greater strength and durability, as pure gold by itself is too soft to be used in jewellery.
Interesting fact: White gold first saw widespread usage during World War I when the US Government declared that platinum was a crucial material for the war effort, it could not be used for civilian application. As such, white gold was used as an alternative in jewellery, and after the World War ended, white gold remained popular.
Silver is a metal found alongside other metals and has a natural white metal look. Like gold, silver is a soft and brittle metal. As such, it is often alloyed into sterling silver, which contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, to grant it strength and durability. By contrast, fine silver is 99% silver, being less durable but less likely to tarnish.
Finding the difference in white gold vs. silver appearance can be difficult due to their superficial similarities. Fortunately, there are some differences between the two metals, and knowing them is crucial if you want to choose between sterling silver vs. white gold.
The white gold vs. silver colour difference can be difficult to distinguish due to their similar colours. However, white gold gets its bright, mirror-like sheen from a process called rhodium plating, which involves applying a thin layer of rhodium, a rare and expensive metal, to the surface of the white gold. Unplated white gold has a more neutral-toned, almost cream-coloured gleam. Sterling silver has a shinier and more lustrous complexion with a slight tone of grey, although it is not as bright as rhodium-plated white gold.
Both gold and silver are soft and brittle in their purest forms. That is why they are often alloyed with stronger metals to add durability. When comparing silver vs. white gold ring durability, the latter is stronger and more durable than silver, as well as being more resistant to both corrosion and impact. Even sterling silver scratches more quickly than white gold. As such, a silver wedding ring will develop natural marks from daily wear over time and will even break from years of wear and tear.
Gold does not tarnish, but silver will oxidise, causing it to tarnish. White gold, however, is different. Its original colour is slightly yellowish because it is an alloy of gold with other metals, such as palladium or nickel. This natural colour is the true hue of white gold. To achieve the white appearance, white gold is often coated with rhodium, which serves as a finishing or protective layer. Over time and with regular wear, this rhodium layer can wear off, revealing the underlying yellowish tone of the white gold. Therefore, periodic re-plating is necessary to maintain the desired white finish.
A silver necklace, on the other hand, will tarnish more quickly, developing a patina (a dark grey to black film formed on the surface) as it reacts to the environment. In this case, it’s metals like copper that are tarnishing.
A white gold engagement ring will retain its shine for longer but will gradually lose its rhodium plating, requiring a replating every few years or so.
Exposure to chlorine and bleach can cause the rhodium plating to wear down more quickly, and can also corrode the gold itself. Therefore, it is essential to remove your white gold jewellery before swimming or showering to preserve its finish and integrity.
Here’s how you can clean your white gold ring at home:
Gently wash your white gold ring with a mild soap and warm water, soaking it for 25 minutes.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the ring.
Rinse and dry with a soft towel.
If your white gold ring is starting to show a yellow tinge, it may be time to get it replated.
A silver engagement ring will last decades with proper care and can be worn in the rain or shower without any concern. However, it should be kept away from chlorine, harsh chemicals, sunlight and even saltwater, as these will cause the sterling silver plating to tarnish more quickly.
Here’s a simple at-home method of cleaning and polishing your silver ring:
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl of ½ cup white vinegar.
Soak your silver ring for two to three hours and then rinse with water.
Wipe carefully and dry with a soft towel. Wet silver jewellery will tarnish quickly.
Gently polish your silver ring with a toothbrush until it shines to your liking.
Gold is often considered hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Silver, on the other hand, can contain nickel, which may cause allergies in some individuals with sensitive skin. Even so, both silver and white gold are generally safe to wear.
A white gold ring is an excellent choice for daily wear, thanks to its strength and durability. It is particularly popular for engagement and wedding rings. As mentioned above, however, an avid swimmer should always take off their white gold jewellery before swimming.
A silver ring is less capable of withstanding day-to-day wear. Thus, it is better suited for casual wear or showing off at events.
One of the main decision-making factors in choosing between the two metals is the silver vs. white gold price. White gold is typically more expensive than silver due to its composition, having pure gold as its base material with additional metals mixed in that might make the price of white gold jewellery price dearer.
A silver chain’s lower price makes it a more budget-friendly choice. On the other hand, a white gold chain can be a better investment thanks to its durability and quality, letting it maintain its value for a longer time.
Is white gold or silver better for engagement rings? The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs.
White gold jewellery, in many ways, is a better investment. Its strength and durability ensure your white gold ring will last for decades without losing its shape to wear and tear. This also makes it a more viable option for everyday wear. Additionally, white gold is relatively low-maintenance, only requiring a replating every few years or so.
When it comes to aesthetic value, white gold offers the same luxurious gleam as platinum and silver while also being much more affordable than the former and more durable and long-lasting than the latter.
The neutral colour of white gold makes it easy for all skin tones to wear, making it a beautiful and timeless choice that perfectly complements all types of outfits. It's the perfect choice for those who prefer white, silvery-coloured jewellery over the more classic colour of yellow gold.
Silver jewellery’s cheaper price makes it a better choice if you’re keeping to a budget. Sterling silver’s versatility also makes it suitable for creating intricate designs in personalised jewellery. While a silver ring will tarnish more quickly, a worn-out silver ring can have a lot of charm. For some people, a roughed-up-looking ring can be a sign of something well-loved.
When it comes to aesthetic value, white gold offers the same luxurious gleam as platinum and silver while also being much more affordable than the former and more durable and long-lasting than the latter.
The neutral colour of white gold makes it easy for all skin tones to wear, making it a beautiful and timeless choice that perfectly complements all types of outfits. It's the perfect choice for those who prefer white, silvery-coloured jewellery over the more classic colour of yellow gold.
Ultimately, there is no universal rule saying that white gold is better than silver or vice versa. Depending on your needs and wants, each metal has its pros and cons.
If you want something durable and long-lasting that does not require a lot of maintenance, purchasing a white gold ring can be an excellent investment.
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Book an appointment with our ZCOVA Curators now. Our professional curators will happily assist you in choosing a white gold ring that suits your style.
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