Silver, White Gold, and Platinum - What"s the Difference?

Yellow gold has lost its popularity to white-colored metals, especially in engagement rings. These metals include silver, white gold, and platinum, which are nearly identical-looking with have subtle, but important differences. There is good reason why platinum goes for much more than silver, and why silver is rarely recommended for engagement rings. The durability of the metal plays into its value and potential for wear, and some metals appear in jewelry in more pure forms that others.

Silver is the easiest to mine and is thus the least expensive of the three metals. Because it is so malleable (soft), silver jewelry is almost always made of a silver alloy with other metals like copper, called sterling silver. This results in a much stronger, 92.5% silver product (that’s what the .925 engraving means). A chemical element in its own right, it is slightly harder than pure gold. It tarnishes in the ozone-ridden air we breathe, so any silver owner should also own a polishing cloth. For this reason, silver is common in jewelry for everyday wear, but isn’t the first choice for engagement rings and other special items.

White gold has no pure form: It’s an alloy of yellow gold and at least one white metal, like nickel or palladium, which turns the yellow color white. The white color is further enhanced by rhodium plating, which needs to be reapplied periodically to maintain the effect. Less expensive than its natural counterpart, white gold also receives a karat rating to indicate its purity. The range is significantly lower, averaging around 18K, as it is impossible to have a “pure white gold” anything. Individuals with an allergy to nickel are advised to avoid white gold or at least make sure that its white metal component isn’t nickel.

And then there’s platinum: Difficult to come by, even more malleable than pure gold, and represented by the chemical symbol Pt. Jewelry that is 90-95% platinum is said to be “pure” platinum. While essentially the same color as white gold, it outlasts both silver and white gold in luster and white color. Due to its strength and the fact that it stays the same over time, platinum is more desirable than white gold in engagement rings, although much more expensive for this same reason. Just like “platinum” debit or credit cards, platinum metal is a symbol of high status.

All of these metals are suitable for jewelry that contains precious gemstones. Silver is best for casual pieces, while white gold and platinum are preferred for showoff items and truly bring out the glimmer in diamonds. With white metals, a similar look doesn’t mean a similar make. If your eye is untrained in distinguishing between the three, don’t guess — consult a jewelry expert.

Source by Charles F Butler

Silver, White Gold, and Platinum - What"s the Difference?