White Gold vs. Silver: Key Differences & Why White Gold Shines

Choosing the right metal is a key element of every jewelry-buying decision. There are plenty of factors that come into play when picking a piece of jewelry, but few matter quite as much as which metal you’ll select to be the star of the show. In this post, we’d like to take a closer look at two of the primary options you’ll find on the jewelry market today – white gold and silver. While these can sometimes look similar, there are some important differences to note. When you add it all up, you’ll find that white gold offers a number of meaningful advantages over silver, making it the smart pick for most shoppers. Let’s take a closer look!

The Natural Comparison Between White Gold and Silver

First, let’s get this first point out of the way right from the start – why are we comparing white gold and silver, anyway? These are two distinctly different metals, with very different characteristics, so there shouldn’t be much confusion between the two. However, in the eyes of some jewelry shoppers, they might appear similar at first glance. And, given that first impression, some buyers might mistakenly think that silver is the better value, given its lower price tag.

 

 

The real comparison between these two doesn’t go anywhere beyond that initial impression. Once you look at a piece of jewelry for more than just a second, it’s easy to tell the difference between white gold and silver. White gold has a warmer, richer tone than silver, and most people will find it more appealing in jewelry. While silver jewelry can have its place, there really isn’t a comparison to be made between these two categories.

White Gold and Silver Have Similar Looks, But Are Not the Same

If you were to dig into the composition of these two types of jewelry, you would quickly see that they are not at all the same. Silver jewelry is, of course, made of pure silver, which has a reflective shine and a somewhat cold, metal appearance. This is an affordable option for jewelry making, but it doesn’t necessarily make for the best pieces. White gold, on the other hand, is actually an alloy. There is yellow gold used in its creation, along with other metals such as platinum, palladium, or nickel. By blending various metals together to create white gold, jewelry makers are able to produce a look that is warm and rich without being too bold. That look allows white gold to make an excellent partner for various gemstones, for example, and it can be used in a wide range of jewelry styles.

 

 

White Gold Has a Huge Edge in Durability

The composition of white gold makes it dramatically more durable than silver. As a softer metal, silver is quite easily scratched, meaning it is sure to pick up wear and tear over time with regular use. Also, silver can be bent without much force, so your jewelry pieces might not maintain their shape if you hope to keep them for years. This is why white gold has become such a popular pick for items that are meant to be kept for a lifetime, such as an engagement or wedding ring. With plenty of inherent strength to deal with whatever life throws at it, white gold pieces can be worn with confidence.

 

 

Why White Gold is More Valuable Than Silver

You’ll pay more for white gold pieces than silver pieces, but those items will also hold much more value over time. The higher price point is a natural result of white gold including yellow gold in its composition. Yellow gold is a precious metal that always carries a significant price tag on the open market. The value of gold has been proven over time and isn’t going away anytime soon. Silver, on the other hand, is more much abundant and has a lower market price. It is also easier to work with, meaning lower manufacturing costs are incurred in the process of creating jewelry. There is no doubt that silver jewelry can be had for a low price, but when looking for something that will both offer great appearance and hold its value – or go up in value – over time, white gold is by far superior.

 

 

Minimal Maintenance is Needed with White Gold

When you buy a piece of jewelry, you imagine the many ways you can wear it and how much enjoyment you’ll get out of it over the years. What you don’t think about is the maintenance that might be required to keep the piece looking great. Fortunately, with white gold, that maintenance is minimal, as it rarely needs cleaning or polishing to look its best. Silver is a different story. The natural properties of silver mean that it tarnishes rather quickly and will start to discolor not long after you purchase it. So, to keep it looking nice, you’ll have to regularly polish any silver pieces that you own. For most people, this is a chore that gets put on the back burner, and their silver jewelry often ends up living at the back of the drawer as a result.

Explore Goldmania’s Impressive White Gold Jewelry Collection

We don’t have the space in this article to highlight all of the great pieces that Goldmania is proud to offer in white gold, but we do want to stop and touch on a few of the best options that you’ll find on our site. These pieces all demonstrate the best of what white gold offers and show why it is so popular among buyers of all ages. 

• 14K White Gold Miami Cuban Bracelet. A Cuban bracelet is one of those pieces that never goes out of style, and since this one is made of white gold, you’ll be able to count on it as a reliable piece in your collection for a long time to come. 

 

 

• 14K White Gold Open Heart Anklet. Consisting of two Rolo link chains connected by an open heart charm, this anklet offers a delicate look, but the white gold makes it strong enough to hold up to regular use. 

 

 

• 14K White Gold Oblong Hoops. Not just for rings and necklaces, white gold is also an excellent pick for earrings. These oblong hoops offer a unique look and have a secure closure to stay firmly in place all night long.

 

 

White Gold vs. Silver: Picking a Winner

In the end, it’s not hard to decide between these two popular metals. White gold is going to be the winner across the board in terms of appearance, durability, minimal maintenance, and excellent value. While some people will be tempted by the low upfront cost of silver jewelry, it’s important to remember that a low initial cost doesn’t mean you are getting great value. Over the long run, which is what counts, white gold will deliver where silver comes up short. You can think about buying a piece of white gold jewelry as an investment in your collection that is going to be with you for a lifetime. There is very little that needs to be done to keep white gold looking great, and it pairs nicely with just about anything in your wardrobe. Order this type of piece with confidence, knowing you are making a wise decision.

 

 

Shop with Goldmania Today

Like everything else offered by Goldmania, you’ll find that our white gold pieces are of the highest quality and offer impressive value to the buyer. Whether you already have some white gold in your collection and want to expand on your options, or this will be your first piece of this type of metal, it would be our honor to serve you. Take a moment now to browse our collection and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Thank you for visiting Goldmania!