White Gold vs. Silver: What's the Difference?

You're ever-changing, and your jewelry should reflect that. Think about it. You're not the same person you were ten years ago. Your attitude has most likely shifted, and you've fine-tuned your style and interests.

Holding onto your old jewelry might be practical in some cases. Some jewelry pieces might be timeless essentials that will always elevate your look. However, there's a good chance your jewelry collection could use an upgrade, especially if the pieces you typically wear aren't the best quality.

Today, let's focus on silver-colored jewelry. You deserve to know the best silver jewelry to pick for updating your style, and there are several essential things to know before making your next purchase. We'll uncover the main differences between silver and white gold jewelry so you can make informed decisions that impact your style.

How To Pick Silver Jewelry

No one can blame you for being obsessed with silver jewelry. This color is versatile to highlight your clothing in multiple settings. But once you know what color jewelry you want, you'll need to decide on the right material for the job.

That's right — jewelers use several types of silver-colored metal to craft your favorite bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings. Knowing the differences in these materials will allow you to select the type of jewelry that fits your lifestyle and budget. 

What Is Silver?

You probably first learned about silver in science class. It's a chemical element used in hundreds of industries, from dentistry to clothing to technology and more. When it comes to jewelry, the type of silver used is sterling silver, which contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% alloy metals such as copper or another metal.

Silver tarnishes over time. It's one mark of authentic sterling silver. This effect occurs when sterling silver is exposed to sulfur gasses. These gasses turn silver a brownish color and cause it to appear dull. While it's not convenient to deal with, it is reversible. 

What Is White Gold?

Silver isn't the only option available to you when you want to wear stunning cool-toned jewelry. Another material commonly used in jewelry creation is white gold. This variety of gold was created to imitate the sheen of platinum, another valuable silver-colored metal. 

White gold contains 75% gold with 25% alloy metals such as nickel and zinc, giving it its color. However, in some cases, white gold may have up to 90% gold with 10% alloy metals like nickel, palladium, and manganese. The alloy metals may vary with white gold, but each functions by bleaching the gold, causing it to appear silver.

How Are White Gold and Silver Similar?

The most significant similarity between silver and white gold is their color. If you don't have an extensive background in jewelry, you might not be able to tell the difference between these metals just by glancing at them.

Another similarity is that these are both somewhat soft materials without alloy metals, making them pliable and easy to use for jewelry creation.

The Main Differences Between Silver and White Gold

Silver and white gold might appear similar to the naked eye, but there are several factors you may want to evaluate if you're deciding on the right metal for your jewelry.

Keep reading to see how these stack up to each other.

Composition

Silver and white gold may both use alloy metals, but these alloys can differ. Silver jewelry typically features copper as an alloy metal, while white gold may include nickel. However, in most cases, white gold jewelry features a rhodium plating that initially protects the skin from nickel exposure.

Value

Although these metals are visually similar, you might notice a few more scratches on the silver metal versus the white gold. This is because silver is a softer metal, and it's susceptible to more scratches over time. 

Since white gold is more durable, it tends to be more costly than silver jewelry. This distinction in price is another notable difference between these two metals.

Care

When picking the lower-maintenance jewelry material, white gold is the stand-out option. Silver tarnishes over time because of natural chemical processes.

Though you can polish silver and get it lustrous again, white gold will be the option that requires less maintenance. Still, you can expect to pay more for white gold's low-maintenance and durability. 

How To Pick Great Quality Jewelry 

Are you tired of getting scammed with jewelry that looks good at first but turns out to be trash? It's a huge downer to discover that your favorite new chain was made with sub-par materials. 

You want your jewelry to be fresh for life, and that's where a few essential tips come into play:

Inspect for a Hallmark

If you're opting for metals like silver and white gold in your jewelry collection, you don't want to get scammed. Sometimes, dishonest retailers may advertise a higher-quality metal while making their pieces with sub-par materials. 

To avoid getting tricked, check out the jewelry for a hallmark. If it's the real deal, it will include a marking such as '925' for silver or '750' for 18-karat white gold.

Choose Pieces That Will Last

You don't have to go with silver or white gold when you want high-quality jewelry. In fact, you might prefer other materials, depending on the craftsmanship.

For example, at CRAFTD, our silver jewelry features premium 316L stainless steel. This grade of stainless steel is safe for skin contact and ultra-durable. We also coat our jewelry with a special water-resistant, heat-resistant substance that allows you to wear your jewelry whenever, wherever. 

Our stainless steel makes it possible for you to look fresh without spending bags. Your silver jewelry will last for ages without losing its quality. 

Defining Your Style With Silver Jewelry

Are you ready to kick your jewelry game up a notch? Making simple changes in your jewelry strategy can allow you to make the best impression with your clothing.

Here are a few guiding principles to help you choose the best silver jewelry for your vibe:

Evaluate Your Closet

Check out the outfits you wear the most. Do you notice a particular style standing out? Perhaps you used to dress in one way, but over the past few years, you've adopted a completely distinct style that deserves updated jewelry to match. 

Keep Your Schedule in Mind

Think about your week. Are you the sort of person who works a personable job in a laid-back environment, or are you in a corporate setting 50 hours per week? Do you go out to nice dinners with dates or go on wild adventures with friends? Consider how you can reflect your style, given the environments where people see you the most.

Go After What Calls You

If you're obsessed with the thought of getting your ears pierced or wearing statement rings, what's stopping you? You don't have to put yourself in a box.

Following your interests is a way to honor your ever-changing nature. You owe it to yourself to try out new jewelry with confidence.

Six Pieces of CRAFTD Silver Jewelry

Ready to try out silver jewelry to find pieces that highlight your appearance? We've rounded up a few essential CRAFTD pieces you can wear to reflect your style and elevate your vibe.

CRAFTD Cuban Chain

When you want to add more versatility to your jewelry, selecting classic pieces is a must. Our CRAFTD Cuban chain features a design that's proven its iconic status in jewelry. Wear it alone or pair it with other necklaces for a more eye-catching appearance.

CRAFTD Stone Cross

Want to make an entrance? Wearing a statement pendant necklace can help you make a first impression that counts. Our Stone Cross necklace in silver can refresh your fits and turn heads. Pair it with your favorite silver details for an instantly trend-setting look.

CRAFTD Tennis Bracelet

In the realm of iconic jewelry, the tennis bracelet has a high spot on the list for a reason. Adding a tennis bracelet to your collection can help you bring an ordinary look to new places. Wear our Tennis bracelet on a night out or whenever you want to add flash to your daily wear

CRAFTD St. Christopher Ring

Wearing a statement ring is a way to add a lot of personality to your clothing. Our St. Christopher ring's details are stunning, and you'll want to wear this piece of jewelry often. Wear it to reflect your style, even with subdued clothing choices. This ring makes an impression no matter what you wear.

CRAFTD Rope Chain

Want to step your jewelry up a notch while keeping things tame? You don't have to go all out every day. Our CRAFTD Rope chain can allow you to reap the benefits of wearing jewelry while still staying subtle enough for formal settings

CRAFTD Compass Pendant

Sometimes, you can add a lot with a little. Our Compass pendant is another piece of jewelry that can easily help level up your ensemble. Let this piece guide your wardrobe and pick items that match. Or, go bold and mix your metals. 

Select the Silver Jewelry That Fits Your Vibe

Adding jewelry to your collection can be exciting, and it all starts with choosing the right metal for your pieces. Once you've decided what kind of silver jewelry you want, you owe it to yourself to select jewelry that fits who you are and how you want to present yourself to the world. 

Sources:

Silver - Element information, properties and uses | Royal Society of Chemistry

What is White Gold? (with pictures) | About Mechanics

Silver Hallmarks Explained in Simple Terms | LoveToKnow