White Gold vs Silver - Why We're All About Gold

At a glance, white gold and silver can appear similar. They both feature cooler tones that can complement one another. In your collection, you may even have both and not realize it. 

However, if you’re shopping for that new piece to add to your collection, you might be wondering if either is better choice than the other one and which one is most worth your investment? We got you. 

At GLD, we believe white gold is the superior metal for jewelry. Whether it’s a chain, pendant, ring, watch - you name it, we pick white gold every time. Today, we’re going to put white gold vs silver head-to-head to illustrate why we believe white gold comes out on top. 

First, let’s dive into what white gold is and why it’s one of the most sought-after metals in jewelry-making. 

What is White Gold? 

White gold is a popular choice for crafting and buying jewelry, and there are good reasons behind it. Rather than a naturally occurring metal, it’s an alloy created by combining pure gold with other white metals like palladium or rhodium. The result is a beautiful, radiant white metal that's perfect for crafting your jewelry pieces.

The amount of pure gold in the final alloy is measured in carats. A piece of 18-carat white gold jewelry, for example, contains 75% pure gold, with the remaining 25% made up of other metals. 14-carat white gold, on the other hand, contains 58.3% gold. The blending of these metals not only gives white gold its characteristic color but also contributes to its strength and durability.

With the different ratios of materials in the carats, you can also create pieces with slight differences in appearance. For example, 18-carat white gold looks slightly “whiter,” while 14-carat has more of a neutral, cooler tone to it. 

White Gold Vs Silver 

Aesthetics 

White gold holds a unique position in the jewelry game. Its radiant, sophisticated appearance makes it a go-to choice for all types of jewelry, from fashion rings to statement necklaces. 

It's not just about the look, though. White gold's popularity also lies in its prestige. As a gold alloy, it carries the weight and history of one of the most precious metals known to history.

Finally, white gold fits seamlessly into both classic and modern fashion styles. It can add a touch of class to a formal getup or perfectly accent a casual fit. This dual nature makes white gold a versatile player in any collection.

Durability 

One of the key reasons white gold outshines silver is its remarkable durability. Thanks to its composition, white gold is resistant to scratches, making it an excellent choice for jewelry pieces that see a lot of wear. Silver, while still a useful metal in jewelry, is more prone to scratches and needs more attentive care to maintain its luster.

White gold's resilience also extends to its maintenance. Although no jewelry is entirely maintenance-free, white gold requires less upkeep than silver. It doesn't tarnish like silver, which means it doesn't need regular polishing to maintain its shine.

However, white gold jewelry can benefit from occasional proper cleaning to keep it looking its best. As a side note, it's a good idea to remove any metal jewelry when performing heavy manual tasks to prevent scratching or other damage.

Hypoallergenic Properties

Some people have skin that reacts to different metals, causing discomfort or even allergic reactions. White gold, especially when alloyed with hypoallergenic metals like palladium, is often better tolerated by sensitive skin compared to silver. 

Value 

Aside from its aesthetic appeal and durability, white gold also holds its value well over time. Although the upfront cost may be higher than silver, the longevity and resale value of white gold makes it a worthwhile investment. Silver, while affordable, tends not to hold its value as well over time.

As a gold alloy, white gold carries prestige that silver can't match. This prestige often translates into a higher resale value, making white gold a sound long-term option. 

Because white gold can only be manufactured and not naturally sourced, the best way to invest in white gold is through jewelry. Buying a solid white gold piece is a way to invest in something that not only retains its worth, but it can also enhance your fit. 

If you prefer to purchase gold-plated jewelry rather than solid gold, choosing white gold over silver still makes the most sense. While it may not carry the resale value of a solid piece, the layer of precious metals used to finish the jewelry is of a higher quality and durability in white gold. 

Get the Finest White Gold Jewelry to Upgrade Your Fit 

When it comes to aesthetics, durability, hypoallergenic properties, and overall value, silver doesn’t stand a chance when it’s put up against white gold. If you’re deciding between these two types of metals for a new piece, white gold is worth the investment. 

If you’re looking to upgrade your look with new white gold jewelry, we got you. From solid white gold to the finest white gold-plated chains, bracelets, earrings, pendants, rings, and watches, we have the perfect drip for any situation. 

Shop the full GLD white gold collection today to get started or hit us up anytime for more info.