Because of their similar appearances, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish white gold from silver. However, there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart. While at first glance silver and white gold may appear to have a similar hue, silver has a grayish-white hue, whereas white gold has a distinctly white shade.
Color:
Remember that the composition of white gold includes yellow gold and an alloy metal like nickel that gives gold its white hue. It is then plated with rhodium, which provides it with an elegant, mirrored finish.
On the contrary, silver carries a grayish-white hue with a brighter, more reflective color than white gold. Even though the difference may be subtle, it is often noticeable when the two metals are compared side by side.
Markings:
Both silver and white gold are typically stamped with tiny markings that indicate their purity, but it’s important to know that the markings will be different on each metal. Silver is usually stamped with a hallmark that indicates its percentage of purity (e.g. “925” for sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver), whereas white gold is usually stamped with its karat (e.g. “14K” for 14 karat white gold, which is 58.5% gold).
Tarnish:
Silver tarnishes over time, developing a dark patina. However, it can be polished off with a silver polish or a home remedy that will quickly restore your jewelry. White gold, on the other hand, does not tarnish, but it can become dull over time and may need to be polished by a trusted jeweler to restore its shine.
Price:
White gold is usually more expensive than silver because it contains gold and has a higher density. On the other hand, silver is among the most affordable types of metal for fine jewelry, especially for earrings and bracelets. But it’s important to note that the extra durability of white gold does increase the price tag of the metal.
