White gold jewelry is a popular choice for many consumers. But despite its name, white gold doesn’t actually contain any silver. So what gives white gold its bright white color? And what exactly is white gold made of? This article will explore the composition and properties of white gold, including how it gets its white appearance and how it compares to silver.
What is White Gold?
White gold is an alloy, or mixture of metals, that contains gold and other white metals to give it a silver-like appearance. The gold content of white gold varies, but generally ranges from 75% to 91.7%. While yellow gold gets its warm yellow color from alloys like copper and silver, white gold gets its white color from metals like nickel, palladium, and zinc.
The most common type of white gold used in jewelry in the United States and Europe contains 75% gold, 4% silver, and 21% nickel. Nickel provides an affordable way to whitten the naturally yellow color of gold. However, some people are sensitive to nickel. So nickel-free white gold alternatives have been developed that replace the nickel with palladium or platinum.
Why Does White Gold Look White?
Pure 24 karat gold has a rich yellow color. So how does white gold get its silver-like appearance? The secret lies in the alloys.
Nickel, palladium, platinum, and other white metals help counteract the warm hues of pure yellow gold. These alloys reflect light differently, producing a silvery white effect. The higher the gold content of white gold, the more naturally yellow it will appear. Lower gold content white gold alloys with higher percentages of nickel or palladium will have a brighter white look.
The finishing process is also important in making white gold look white. After the alloy is cast, white gold is plated with rhodium. This is a shiny, silvery-white precious metal from the platinum family. The rhodium plating accentuates the white gold’s reflective properties, increasing the white appearance. Over time, the rhodium coating can wear off, potentially revealing the slightly yellowish tone of the alloy beneath. Jewelers can re-apply rhodium plating as needed to keep white gold looking its whitest.
How White Gold Differs from Silver
At a glance, white gold and sterling silver appear quite similar. But there are some distinct differences when it comes to their properties and care.
Composition
The primary difference is their composition. Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver mixed with copper. White gold, on the other hand, is primarily gold alloyed with nickel, zinc, or palladium.
Appearance
When new, white gold and silver both have a bright white look. Over time though, sterling silver can oxidize and take on a darker, less reflective gray appearance as the copper content reacts with air. The rhodium plating on white gold helps it maintain a shiny white look longer.
Value
Being mostly pure precious metals, gold and silver have inherent value. White gold contains more gold than silver contains silver, making its intrinsic value higher. Silver costs much less than the same weight of gold or white gold.
Strength
Gold is quite soft and malleable on its own. But when alloyed and combined with other metals like nickel or palladium, white gold is stronger than pure yellow gold. Still, sterling silver is harder and stronger than white gold due to its higher purity.
Care
Sterling silver requires more care as it’s prone to tarnishing more quickly. White gold’s rhodium plating helps protect it from scratches and tarnishing. That said, white gold can still get surface scratches revealing the metal beneath. Gentle polishing with a jewelry cloth can help keep both metals looking their best.
Price
White gold costs more than silver. The price varies depending on factors like karats and labor, but white gold generally sells for 4 to 5 times the price of an equivalent weight of silver. The higher gold content increases its intrinsic value.
Composition Comparison
Here is a table comparing the typical composition of white gold alloys versus sterling silver:
| Metal | White Gold | Sterling Silver |
| Gold | 75%-91.7% | 0% |
| Silver | 0-4% | 92.5% |
| Nickel | 0-20% | 0% |
| Copper | 0% | 7.5% |
| Palladium | 0-25% | 0% |
| Zinc | 0-20% | 0% |
As you can see, white gold contains much more gold than silver and derives its white color from nickel, palladium, or zinc, while sterling silver gets its properties from high silver content mixed with some copper.
Choosing White Gold vs Silver Jewelry
So should you choose white gold or silver for your next jewelry purchase? Here are some factors to consider:
– Budget – Sterling silver jewelry is significantly less expensive than white gold for the same design. Opt for silver if you want to save money.
– Skin tone – The bright white of rhodium plated white gold can be especially flattering against warm, yellow undertones. Silver’s grayer tone complements cooler skin tones.
– Style – Do you prefer traditional yellow gold tones or modern white metals? White gold allows you to enjoy the status of gold while opting for a contemporary color palette.
– Durability – Sterling silver requires more frequent polishing and re-plating. White gold’s rhodium coating helps it stay shiny and scratch-resistant longer.
– Hypoallergenic – Nickel in some white gold can cause reactions for those with metal allergies. Opt for nickel-free white gold or sterling silver.
– Value – White gold offers more intrinsic value as gold prices are higher per ounce than silver. Choose white gold if you want your metal purchase to retain its worth.
Caring for White Gold and Silver Jewelry
To keep white gold and silver jewelry looking its best:
– Avoid wearing these metals when doing physical or wet work to prevent damage and tarnishing. Chlorine can damage silver.
– Store pieces separately from each other to prevent scratching. Soft cloth pouches or tarnish-protective storage bags work well.
– Clean regularly with a jewelry polishing cloth to buff away dirt and oils that can diminish shine. Handwash with mild soap and water if needed.
– Have white gold re-rhodium plated by a jeweler when it starts to look dull. Silver can be professionally polished or dipped to restore luster.
– For silver, consider using anti-tarnish strips or cloths to help prevent discoloration, especially on pieces not frequently worn.
Conclusion
While white gold and silver both have a similar white look, they differ significantly in their metal content and characteristics. White gold derives its color from alloys with nickel or palladium and maintains its shine thanks to rhodium plating. Sterling silver tarnishes more easily, requiring more frequent polishing. White gold costs more due to its high gold content but holds its value well. Sterling silver offers an affordable alternative.
When choosing between white gold vs sterling silver, consider your budget, skin tone, and desired durability and longevity. With proper care, both white gold and silver jewelry can remain beautiful heirlooms to treasure and enjoy for years to come.
