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When it comes to white jewelry, there are two options: white gold and sterling silver. While they both offer that beautiful white elegance, there are some differences in their composition, durability, and overall value that you should consider before making a decision. So in this blog post, we will talk about the differences between white gold and sterling silver, and which one is the superior choice for long-term brilliance.
Composition
When it comes to gold, the purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24 karats being pure gold. Common karat values for jewelry include 10K, 14K, and 18K. The “K” here refers to the karat - in other words, the purity of gold. 10K typically contains 41.7% pure gold, 14K contains 58.3% pure gold, and 18K contains 75% pure gold. Because gold is a soft metal, it’s often mixed with other metals such as silver, nickel, iron, and so on, to make it harder. For white gold, pure gold is mixed with white metals like silver to give it its sparkling white color.
Silver is even a softer metal, that’s why it’s not common to have pure silver jewelry. For jewelry, sterling silver is used, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, nickel, or other metals.
Gold jewelry will have 10K or 14K marked on them while sterling silver will have 925. That’s how you know the jewelry you are buying is authentic. For example, if you look at the picture of our White Gold Signet Ring below, you will see the 10K stamp inside.
Looks
Despite looking similar, silver actually has a grayish undertone, while white gold is pure white. So no matter what anyone says, nothing will come close to the brilliance white gold offers. Sterling silver may look good, but it can never have that gold brilliance we all love so much. So if you want your jewelry to shine, white gold is the way to go.
Durability
Because silver is a very soft metal, it is more prone to scratches, breakage, and tarnishing. White gold, on the other hand, is much stronger and has rhodium plating, so it’s less likely to scratch or tarnish, making it the superior choice for durability. So while a piece of brand-new silver jewelry will look old in a matter of months, white gold jewelry will retain its shine and brilliance for years to come.
Affordability
Sterling silver is obviously the cheaper choice. Because silver is not as precious of a metal as gold, you can buy it for much cheaper. So for those who want the look of white gold at a lower cost, they are a good choice. Just because you can’t afford a real white gold chain doesn’t mean you shouldn’t flaunt your style! But make sure to get good-quality sterling silver jewelry and always look for the 925 stamp.
While white gold is more expensive, its durability and retention value make it the superior choice overall. Instead of buying new jewelry all the time because it keeps scratching, tarnishing, or breaking, you only need one piece of white gold jewelry to last you a lifetime. So it’s actually worth the money in the long run.
Value Retention
Gold is generally a very good investment as its resale value may be higher. But the karat alone doesn’t determine the value of gold, and there are a lot of factors that impact its value, such as market price, weight, design, and craftsmanship. So while there is no straight answer, gold has historically maintained its value so it is always a good investment. On the other hand, because sterling silver is quite cheap to begin with, its resale value will even be cheaper. So unless it’s a vintage piece, sterling silver has little value retention.
Hypoallergenic
Both white gold and sterling silver are hypoallergenic. However, white gold and sterling silver contain other metals and some people may still be sensitive to those other metals used as alloys, such as nickel which is a common allergen. However, white gold is less likely to contain nickel since it is mixed with silver and copper to give it its white color. So choosing higher-karat gold jewelry can reduce the likelihood of reactions.
Long Term Brilliance
White gold jewelry will always have its shine whereas silver jewelry will lose its shine in a matter of months. So if you want gold jewelry that will last you the rest of your life, then white gold is the only right choice. With proper care and maintenance, gold jewelry will always have its first-day shine and brilliance.
But since solid gold can be a bit expensive, you want to get something that you know you will love and wear every day. So the cheaper alternatives can actually be a good test run to find the perfect piece for yourself. You can buy the styles you like in sterling silver to see which one suits you best. Once you find the perfect piece for yourself, you can commit to white gold. Or, if you want to have multiple pieces, then sterling silver is a good choice.
Care and Maintenance
Because silver is prone to tarnishing, it requires regular cleaning to keep it shining. On the other hand, there is minimal risk of tarnishing with gold, so it’s easier to take care of, as it’s stronger and more durable. If you want to know more, take a look at our blog on How to Keep Your Gold Jewelry from Tarnishing.
Enjoy Timeless Shine with Bayam
Whether it's yellow, white, or rose gold, there's nothing quite like the exquisite allure and radiance of gold. White gold embodies elegance and luxury like no other, providing a brilliance that is truly unmatched. Considering composition, durability, looks, and everything else, white gold is the superior choice overall. Not only is real gold jewelry a timeless statement of style, but its strength and durability can make it sentimental piece that is passed down from generation to generation!
At Bayam Jewelry, we only sell real gold jewelry and we guarantee that our gold jewelry are worth the money. They are made with the highest quality materials with excellent craftsmanship, so not only are they stylish, but they are also strong and durable. We also offer a lifetime warranty for all our products against defects in material and workmanship.
Whether you are looking for white gold Chains, Necklaces, Pendants, Bracelets, Rings, or Earrings, we offer a variety of styles for you to choose from. So go to Bayam Jewelry and find the perfect white gold jewelry that will provide you with timeless brilliance and shine.
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