White Gold vs. Silver Rings
Jewelers make rings using all types of metals, including white gold and silver. White gold and silver share a similar whitish-gray color, but beyond that each metal has its own unique characteristics. Knowing the differences of each metal before you purchase a ring helps ensure you get a piece of jewelry that meets your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Color
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The only real characteristic shared by silver and white gold is color. Although silver is usually a darker gray than white gold, the difference in color is minimal.
According to Gillett Jewellers, white gold is the second-most popular color of gold next to yellow gold. Different mixes of metal alloys, such as silver and palladium, give white gold its color.
Quality
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Silver isn't as strong as gold. It's considered a soft metal. White gold is harder. It contains a certain amount of pure gold measured in carats. Gold of the same carat weight is the same quality regardless of its color.
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Use
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White gold is a more versatile metal for rings than silver. White gold is suitable for long-term, everyday wear and special occasions. It's an appropriate choice of metals for engagement and wedding rings. Gillett Jewellers doesn't recommend using silver for engagement and/or wedding rings as silver doesn't have the necessary qualities to stand the test of time. Silver rings are best when worn as an accent piece for a special occasion.
Care
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Silver oxidizes over time, changing from silver to black. The ring needs to be cleaned with a cleaner made for silver to restore it to its original color. White gold maintains its color with little care. However, if white gold is coated with rhodium to make it whiter, then it needs to be re-plated every year or so to preserve its original color.
Cost
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White gold is a superior metal compared to silver. A price difference is notable when evaluating similarly designed rings of these metals as white gold costs more than silver.
The cost of white gold rings varies depending on the percentage of pure gold it contains. The more it contains and the higher the carats, the more expensive it is. White gold also costs more than yellow gold.
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References
- Photo Credit silver rings on moss 2 image by Barbara Carlile from Fotolia.com
