Accessories are very much like dating in the sense that everyone has a type. Particularly, when it comes to the kind of jewellery that you like to wear. You will find that people’s jewellery preferences not only extends to the style of jewellery that people like to wear whether it be fine jewellery, big jewellery, antique-style jewellery or exclusively diamond jewellery, but that it also extends to the kind of metal they want their jewellery to be made of.
Every type of jewellery metal brings something new to the table, gold jewellery for example brings an element of timelessness to your look, rose gold jewellery adds a touch of colour and a little romance, white gold jewellery provides a level of subtlety and silver jewellery is great for rocking a slightly more casual look.
Read on to determine how both types of jewellery fared so you can go engagement ring shopping or find your perfect diamond bracelet with ease.
Overview:
- White Gold vs Silver Jewellery - What's better?
- Pros & Cons White Gold Jewellery
- Pros & Cons of Silver Jewellery
- The Verdict
White Gold vs Silver Jewellery - What's better?
One thing that some people are a little less set on is whether they should wear white gold jewellery or silver jewellery. White gold and silver are very similar in some people’s eyes. Both metals not only look very much alike, both often contain other metal alloys that make them durable enough for everyday wear and both metals are quite soft.
These similarities can often make it difficult to choose what jewellery you would like to purchase. This is why we are weighing up the pros and the cons of white gold vs silver and figuring out once and for all what kind of jewellery is better for everyday wear.
The Pros & Cons Of White Gold Jewellery
Everything in life has its pros and cons, which includes jewellery. This is why we are weighing up the pros and the cons of white gold jewellery.
The Pros Of White Gold Jewellery
More popular than yellow gold jewellery in some areas of the world, there are many pros to white gold jewellery. Not only is white gold jewellery a more affordable alternative to platinum jewellery, a sturdy and hardwearing metal that is often used for wedding rings and engagement rings, but it complements all skin tones including those with fair or rosy skin. Generally containing around 75% of pure gold and 25% of other metal alloys including zinc, nickel, silver and palladium.
This not only makes white gold jewellery sturdy and hard-wearing enough for everyday wear, but it also makes white gold jewellery somewhat more durable than other types of metals including pure gold. These alloys also make white gold relatively scratch-resistant and unlikely to become tarnished. Generally more affordable than other types of jewellery including yellow gold, white gold is also less likely to become corroded or rusted meaning that you can even wear it in the shower or when at the beach without the worry of moisture damaging your jewellery. Then there’s also the fact that white gold jewellery pairs seamlessly with diamonds due to their incredibly similar tones.
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The Cons Of White Gold Jewellery
Even though there are many pros to owning white gold jewellery, there are unfortunately are few cons to it as well. One of the cons stems from the fact that white gold jewellery often contains the metal alloy nickel. Nickel is one of the causes of allergic contact dermatitis in an astounding number of people. This means that when jewellery containing nickel including white gold comes into contact with the skin, it can result in big red welts, dry patches, redness, itchiness and bumps.
This can cause major discomfort and irritation, especially if it is jewellery worn in more sensitive areas such as earrings and body jewellery. Another disadvantage of white gold is that it needs to be dipped in rhodium plating every few years to ensure that it maintains its colour and lustre. This is because over time abrasions and bumps can result in metal loss, leading to white gold jewellery sometimes turning slightly yellow, rhodium plating prevents this from happening and increases its lifespan.
The Pros & Cons of Silver Jewellery
Much like white gold, silver jewellery does have its fair share of cons but reassuringly it also has many pros that arguably outweigh the cons in many ways.
The Pros Of Silver Jewellery
It is hard to talk about the pros of silver jewellery without first mentioning its price. Silver jewellery is one of the most affordable kinds of jewellery on the market today, especially if it is sterling silver jewellery. Sterling silver is a variation of jewellery that contains around 92.5% per cent pure silver and 7.5% of silver alloys such as copper and zinc. This not only makes silver jewellery more hard-wearing and durable than the very soft and malleable fine silver but also more affordable.
Thanks to sterling silver, jewellery lovers can purchase a piece of high-quality fine silver for as little as $30 and sometimes even less depending on the brands and the product’s other materials. Sterling silver has also made silver jewellery the ideal accessory for everyday wear because it is both durable, light, comfortable and not to mention casual in its design, making it a great tool to dress up the simplest of outfits. Silver jewellery is also incredibly versatile and goes well with other types of jewellery, especially white gold, platinum, rose gold and titanium jewellery. If you are someone who has sensitive skin, you may lean towards silver over other types of jewellery because it is hypoallergenic.
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The Cons Of Silver Jewellery
One of the biggest downsides to silver jewellery, however, is the presence of tarnish. Tarnishing occurs on many types of jewellery, but it is perhaps most commonly associated with silver jewellery. Tarnishing is the result of a chemical reaction known as oxidation. Oxidation occurs when silver is exposed to moisture and sulphuric gases in the atmosphere. This in turn causes silver to lose its shine and lustre while also beginning to discolour. Jewellery can tarnish due to anything from the chemicals in your perfume and deodorant to not being stored in a cool, dry spot. Tarnishing is preventable and reversible but is often a source of frustration for people who wear a lot of silver jewellery. Another con that has led people to steer clear of silver is its reputation.
Due to its relatively low price-point, silver jewellery has garnered a reputation for being “cheap” and therefore the quality is potentially not as good as other types of jewellery. This has led people to avoid silver jewellery, particularly with pieces like diamond rings out of fear that they won’t go the distance. In reality, silver jewellery is cheaper due to a largely endless supply of silver. But unfortunately, the physical characteristics of silver can have their drawbacks. Fine silver, namely pieces containing over 99.9% of pure silver are incredibly soft and malleable. This can leave fine silver very vulnerable to not only tarnishing but also scratches, scuffs and corrosion over time. Those that lead a particularly active lifestyle should avoid fine silver rings due to their softness.
The Verdict
While both types of jewellery clearly and their pros and cons, the winner of Shiels’ battle of white gold vs silver are arguably down to personal style preferences, lifestyle and of course budget. While white gold and silver may look very similar, it can be argued that they both offer something completely different. For example, if you are on the hunt for relatively good quality jewellery that won’t break the bank and is also hypoallergenic, you are probably going to choose silver jewellery over white gold.
But if you are someone who is worried about durability and the possibility of jewellery becoming tarnished, chances are you are going to go for white gold. But if you are looking for stylish, timeless and hardwearing jewellery that is perfect for everyday wear. Well, then we may be in trouble, as both silver and white gold are clear winners in this department.
Explore a huge range of fabulous white gold and silver jewellery at unbeatable prices in-store and online today at Shiels. Receive free shipping with orders over $69 and be sure to check out our various buy now and pay later finance options including Afterpay, Laybuy, Zip, humm, Klarna and Latitude Interest Free.
