White Gold vs Silver: What Sets these Precious Metals Apart

White, light and bright. These are colours and features that one tends to associate with colourless metals like white gold, silver and certain platinum. When it comes to the world of jewellery white gold and platinum dominate the scene. However, when it comes to jewellery, things are not as simple. For one the jewellery world is broadly divided into fine jewellery and fashion jewellery: fashion jewellery refers to high-end jewels like luxury necklaces, pendants, and of course bridal jewellery, notably engagement rings. With fashion jewellery, the focus lies primarily in the stylistic arena, which permits the use of a variety of materials in the jewellery. Which could vary from high-end materials like platinum and gold to more affordable metal types like silver.

When it comes to silver things get a bit interesting, since the adoption of this metal which remains operational in the fashion jewellery arena, it commands its distinct value proposition. Here we will outline the key differences between white gold and silver and in the process outline the strengths and features of both metal types.

What is White Gold?

White gold is an alloy. A certain kind of gold alloy. Here it is important to note that virtually gold that is used in the making of fine jewellery are various forms of alloys. An alloy is a metal that is produced by combining two or more other metals, usually to produce a stronger or more durable form. In the case of gold, in its pure form (24K) it is an extremely brittle metal and is almost impossible to shape into a durable jewellery item.

Traditional pure gold, even when it is combined with alloys, to produce the jewellery-ready gold form, remains yellow (or ‘gold’). To produce white gold the alloy composition of the metal is different from that of yellow gold: notably via the addition of light or white metals like nickel, zinc, and also interestingly silver.

18K vs 14K White Gold

In the world of fine jewellery, the quality and type of gold vary in terms of its alloy character and also in terms of its purity. As noted all gold that is in use is in its alloy form, however, the level of alloying varies among gold metal types. In white gold, and gold jewellery in general, metals differ in terms of their level of purity: with 18-carat white gold variant is around 75 per cent, with only 58.3 per cent in 14-carat gold. Given the higher level of purity, 18K gold is higher in price and more valuable. In addition to the distinct visual character: notably, the 14K is lighter in tone, and in some ways resembles the character of silver.

What is Silver?

Silver in its natural (non-alloyed) state is a soft, ductile metal that is known for its great malleability, a bit like pure gold. However, this form of silver owing to its malleable character is not suitable for the making of fine jewellery, thus silver too is mixed with other alloys to make it a durable choice for jewellery. However, before getting to the topic of what silver in its alloyed is, we need to look at a few other versions of silver.

Types of Silver

As noted silver is found in two main states: its pure metal character, and in an alloy form. The latter involves sterling silver: which varies in terms of the level of alloys that are combined with the pure silver form. However, there are other less-known varieties such as fine silver: which is silver that features a purity level of 99 per cent and is used in the making of exotic jewellery.

Argentium silver, which entered widespread usage a few decades ago, was developed by combining two exotic metallic elements: indium and germanium. The latter adds a greater level of durability to the metal. One of the strengths of Argentium silver is its strong resistance to tarnish over time. Another variant that is no longer as popular is coin silver: a type of silver made popular in the United States, that consists of 90 per cent pure silver, with the other 10 per cent copper. In other words, it is a variant of sterling silver.

The Importance of Sterling Silver

Pretty much most silver jewellery in the market today is of sterling silver variety. Sterling silver is an alloy made by combining pure silver with copper and is arguably the most popular alloy that is used to strengthen precious metals. The key differentiator when it comes to sterling silver is the percentage of copper: In sterling silver, the alloys break down in the following way: 92.5 per cent pure silver, and 7.5 per cent copper. The popularity of sterling silver is predicated on its greater durability, its ability to maintain the glow of the light metal, and makes the metal's resistance to tarnishing.

White Gold vs Silver Side by Side

When it comes to comparing and contrasting both metals it is important to note that they operate in different markets. As noted, white gold is reserved primarily for the fine jewellery market. Whereas sterling silver is the mainstay in fashion jewellery. So the differences between these precious types and their strengths must be viewed in light of buyer expectations, jewellery types, and the sophistication of the design.

Maintenance of Silver vs White Gold

A key consideration when it comes to choosing between the two metals is the long-term use of the metal. White gold is traditionally viewed as a better bet, and some even consider it an investment. This is true in light of the growing and the now steady high price of gold. With sterling silver, you are going for a safer option, that requires less maintenance. With white gold, which relieves heavily rhodium plating (which is a variant in the platinum group of metals). Which is relatively expensive, and its recurrent application would add to the cost. However with good care, and safe use, this can be greatly mitigated. Silver tarnishes much quicker than white gold, and if one wishes for a more resistant option, then Argentium silver could be the way to go. Plus owing one makes it an exotic choice.

White Gold vs Silver Rings

When it comes to a post discussing the strengths and weaknesses of both metal types, an underlying question is for what? Often the reader aims to determine which of these metal types makes a better candidate for a jewellery item.

When it comes to white gold and silver rings, the contrasts in the core features between the two metals work into the kind of jewellery types that people might opt for. As white gold is traditionally a premium option, it is best reserved for fine jewellery. Silver rings are the main choice for fashion jewellery, gifts, and other anniversary items that feature top gemstones like white sapphires. So a side-by-side comparison between white vs silver rings is not usually possible as these metal types specialise in different product categories. But there could be exceptions. 

Of course, exceptions could be made. And certain acceptable jewellery items are made with sterling silver. However, these are exceptionally rare. But for those who go down the custom jewellery option, this option is available.

White gold on the other hand maintains its dominance in the world of fine jewellery and is a great choice for engagement rings. White gold diamond engagement rings are among the best jewellery combinations in the industry.