Sterling Silver Vs. White Gold: Full Comparison You Need to Know

Sterling silver and white gold look similar but are very different. Both are popular choices for jewelry. When choosing a piece of jewelry, it is important to understand sterling silver and white gold before making an informed decision. So let's have a look at the differences between sterling silver and white gold.

• The Basic Meaning of Sterling Silver and White Gold
• White Gold vs. Silver Differences
• Composition and Properties
• Appearance and Color
• Hallmarks
• Durability and Care
• Price and Affordability
• Allergies and Skin Sensitivities
• Pros and Cons Of White Gold & Silver
• White Gold vs. Silver: Which to Choose?
• Usage of Sterling Silver and White Gold in Jewelry
• FAQS about Silver and White Gold

The Basic Meaning of Sterling Silver and White Gold

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a popular and widely used metal alloy for making jewelry. It consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. The term "sterling" originated in England in the 12th century and referred to the standard of purity for silver coins. Over time, the term "sterling silver" came to be associated with any silver alloy that met the 92.5% silver content requirement. With its timeless appeal and durability, sterling silver has become a popular choice for jewelry enthusiasts all over the world.

What is White Gold?

White gold is another popular metal alloy used in jewelry, particularly for engagement rings and wedding bands. It is made by mixing pure gold with a white metal such as nickel, palladium, or zinc. White gold is very versatile and is used in a wide range of jewelry, including engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, necklaces, and more. Its neutral color makes it a popular choice as it complements different gemstones and can be easily incorporated into different designs.

White Gold vs. Silver Differences

Composition and Properties

Metal Alloys

Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, most commonly copper. White gold is an alloy made by combining gold with white metals such as palladium, silver, and nickel. It's usually available in different purities, such as 14K or 18K.

Karat

Karat is used to measure the purity of gold. The most common carats for white gold are 14 carats (58.3% gold), 18 carats (75% gold), and 24 carats (pure gold). The purity of sterling silver is 925, which means it contains 925 parts of pure silver in 1000.

Appearance and Color

The natural color of sterling silver is a bright and metallic silver grey with a lustrous appearance. However, over time it can develop a slight yellowish or greyish tint due to tarnishing. The natural color of white gold is slightly yellowish. Most white gold jewelry sold on the market has a white color due to the presence of other metals in the alloy, it is often plated with rhodium. Higher karat white gold, such as 18 karat, can have a slightly warmer tone due to the higher gold content, while lower karat white gold, such as 14 karat, can have a slightly whiter appearance due to the higher proportion of alloying metals.

Hallmarks

When purchasing jewelry, understanding the markings on white gold and silver is critical to ensuring authenticity and quality. These markings, often called hallmarks or stamps, provide information about the metal's composition and origin.

White gold jewelry is typically stamped with markings that indicate its gold content. These markings are expressed in carats (K) or as a percentage.

Common White Gold Markings:

14K or 585: Indicates 14-karat white gold, which is 58.5% pure gold mixed with other metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver.

18K or 750: Indicates 18-karat white gold, which is 75% pure gold. This is a higher gold content and is more valuable.

10K or 417: Indicates 10-karat white gold, which is 41.7% pure gold. This is the minimum karat that can legally be called "gold" in many countries.

Silver jewelry is usually stamped with markings that indicate its purity. The most common type of silver used in jewelry is sterling silver.

Common Silver Markings:

925: Indicates sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals (usually copper) for strength.

999 or .999: Indicates fine silver, which is 99.9% pure silver. This is softer and less commonly used in jewelry.

Sterling, STG, or Ster: These abbreviations also indicate sterling silver.

Durability and Care

Durability

When it comes to durability, white gold has an advantage over sterling silver. Sterling silver is softer and more prone to scratching and tarnishing. Gold is a harder metal than silver, making white gold less prone to scratching and tarnishing. White gold is more durable due to its rhodium plating. However, both need to be properly cared for to maintain their beauty over time.

Care

Silver is susceptible to tarnishing, especially when exposed to air and moisture. Tarnish appears as a darkening or dulling of the silver surface. You can polish your jewelry with a silver cleaning cloth or a special silver cleaner. White gold is often plated with rhodium, which can wear off over time. Therefore, white gold jewelry needs to be re-plated to maintain its whiteness.

Price and Affordability

The main difference between silver and white gold is price. In general, white gold is more expensive than sterling silver. This is due to the higher cost of gold and the complex manufacturing process. Sterling silver is an affordable alternative. It is widely available and often more budget-friendly than white gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on their wedding bands.

Allergies and Skin Sensitivities

If you have a known metal allergy, it is important to check the composition of the jewelry before making a purchase. Both sterling silver and white gold are hypoallergenic, but some people can still have a mild reaction to some metals. A high percentage of copper in sterling silver and nickel metals in white gold can cause allergic reactions. In such cases, it may be advisable to opt for higher-quality sterling silver or nickel-free white gold.

Pros and Cons Of White Gold & Silver

Choosing between white gold and silver for jewelry depends on your budget, lifestyle, and preferences. Both metals have unique advantages and disadvantages. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which is best for you:

White Gold: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Durability: White gold is more durable and scratch-resistant than silver, making it ideal for everyday wear, especially for engagement and wedding rings.
• Luxurious appearance: Rhodium plating gives white gold a bright, reflective finish that closely resembles platinum for a high-end look.
• Tarnish resistance: White gold is less prone to tarnishing than silver and retains its luster longer.
• Hypoallergenic options: Nickel-free white gold alloys are available for those with sensitive skin.
• Value: White gold holds its value better than silver due to its gold content, making it a more premium choice.

Cons:

• Cost: White gold is more expensive than silver due to its gold content and the additional cost of rhodium plating.
• Weight:White gold is heavier than silver, which can be less comfortable for larger or statement pieces.

Silver: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordability: Silver is significantly less expensive than white gold, making it an excellent choice for budget-friendly jewelry.
• Versatility: Its cool, light tone complements a wide range of styles, from casual to formal.
• Hypoallergenic: Sterling silver is generally hypoallergenic, although some people may react to its copper content.
• Lightweight: Silver is lighter than white gold, making it more comfortable for larger or statement pieces.
• Ease of repair: Silver is easier and less expensive to repair or resize than white gold.

Cons:

• Durability: Silver is softer and more susceptible to scratches, dents, and tarnishing, making it less suitable for everyday wear.
• Tarnish: Exposure to moisture, chemicals, and air can cause silver to tarnish over time, requiring frequent cleaning.

White Gold vs. Silver: Which to Choose?

Choose White Gold If:

• You want a luxurious, high-quality metal for fine jewelry such as engagement rings or wedding bands.
• You need a durable, scratch-resistant metal for everyday wear.
• You prefer a premium, platinum-like appearance with a bright, reflective finish.
• You’re willing to invest in a metal that retains value better over time.
• You don't mind occasional maintenance, such as rhodium plating.

Choose Silver If:

• You're looking for an affordable, budget-friendly
• You want a versatile, lightweight metal for casual or occasional wear.
• You prefer acool, bright tone and don't mind occasional polishing to prevent tarnishing.
• You're buying fashion or statement pieces that don't require heavy-duty durability.
• You want a low-maintenance metal that's easy to repair or replace.

Usage of Sterling Silver and White Gold in Jewelry

Engagement/wedding rings

Juyoyo Unique Moissanite White Gold Designer Engagement Ring

This 925 sterling silver ruby engagement ring is designed in the Art Deco style. Ruby is the birthstone of July. If you are looking for an engagement ring to match your July birthstone, this 925 sterling silver ruby ring is the best choice. It can also be personalized in white gold.

Juyoyo Silver Curved Moissanite Wedding Band Stacking Ring

This wedding band is made from 925 sterling silver and also uses the Art Deco style. This ring is also available in white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.

Necklaces

Juyoyo 925 Sterling Silver Curved Bar Moissanite Necklace

This gorgeous moissanite necklace uses the materials of 925 Sterling Silver with 18K White/Yellow/Rose Gold plating, which is more durable and hypo-allergic.

Earrings

Juyoyo Silver Evil Eye Earrings

This type of silver earring uses 925 Sterling Silver with Rhodium plating, decorated with high-quality cubic zirconia stones, making it delicate and eye-catching.

FAQS about Silver and White Gold

Which is better, sterling silver or white gold?

You should use the above differences to decide which is right for you.

Is white gold more expensive than sterling silver?

Yes, white gold is usually more expensive than sterling silver. White gold contains gold, which is a precious metal with a higher market value than silver.

Does white gold tarnish?

No, white gold itself doesn't tarnish like silver, but the rhodium coating can wear off over time, revealing the slightly yellowish tint of the underlying gold alloy.

Read more: Does Gold Tarnish? Why & How to Remove?

How can Sterling Silver be prevented from tarnishing?

To prevent tarnishing, there are several steps you can take to protect and maintain the luster of sterling silver:

1. store properly
2. Wear it often
3. Keep it dry
4. Polish regularly
5. Avoid chemicals
6. Use anti-tarnish strips