Who doesn’t love the sleek appearance of a silver-looking piece of jewelry or engagement ring? With a sparkling diamond on top, it’s the perfect combination. But which silvery metal are you seeing: white gold, sterling silver or platinum? And which one is best for your significant other? We’re here to tell you about each, so you can make an informed decision!

Look

White Gold: This precious metal displays a stunning bright white color that you have likely seen time and again.

Sterling Silver: While this option also offers a beautiful shade of silver, it’s not quite as bright. You can instead see more milky white and gray tones. In fact, sterling silver is sometimes reportedly called “the metal of the moon!”

Platinum: Just like white gold, platinum boasts a silver-white appearance. You’d almost think that it’s white gold’s twin!

Composition

White Gold: Pure gold is soft and therefore can’t be used in jewelry on its own. As a result, it’s mixed with other metals to increase its durability. White gold particularly consists of pure gold and white metals, like zinc, nickel and palladium. It also tends to feature a rhodium coating, which makes it a fairly durable and scratch-resistant option. You’ll typically see engagement and wedding rings with 14-karat (58% pure gold) and 18-karat gold (75% pure gold), as these are durable options for daily wear.

Sterling Silver: Similar to white gold, sterling silver is pretty soft in its natural form too. Therefore, it needs to be combined with other metals to make it more durable. Rings and other jewelry made from sterling silver feature 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper or other metals, such as nickel.

Platinum: Unlike gold, you’ll find nearly pure platinum (somewhere between 90% and 98%) in wedding and engagement rings. Small amounts of other metals, such as copper and palladium, are mixed in for added durability.

Cost and Value

White Gold: All types of gold, including white gold, are valuable and can be passed down for generations! While gold can be expensive for some, it’s easier on your wallet than platinum.

Sterling Silver: This metal is more budget-friendly than gold, as it’s more available. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, consider incorporating sterling silver into your piece.

Platinum: Of the three options, these rings tend to be most expensive and valuable, as they include a high amount of pure platinum. You might often see “950 platinum,” which is the most popular platinum combination for wedding rings. That means a piece is made of 95% platinum and 5% various metals.

Care and Maintenance

White Gold: White gold doesn’t need much routine care. However, its rhodium coating tends to wear over time. We therefore recommend getting your jewelry re-plated every few years to maintain its beautiful sheen. This process is typically inexpensive, so check with your jeweler for details!

Sterling Silver: Since sterling silver typically includes copper as a secondary metal, it will likely tarnish more quickly than other metals. That means you’ll have to polish your piece on a regular basis, so it doesn’t lose its luster.

Platinum: Platinum should rarely tarnish or corrode over time. So, you’ll have that gorgeous sheen for years to come!

Skin Sensitivity

White Gold: White gold is often combined with nickel, which tends to cause allergic skin reactions. If your partner has sensitive skin, we recommend selecting a different metal for your ring setting.

Sterling Silver: Silver and copper are hypoallergenic, so this is an ideal choice. Just check with your jeweler to make sure nickel isn’t present in the ring you’re eyeing.

Platinum: Since platinum isn’t mixed with nickel, it’s also safer for those with sensitive skin.

Have a question? We can help!

Gage Diamonds is Chicago's premier jewelry showroom and online retailer of engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry. We offer a stunning selection of precious and alternative metals for engagement and wedding bands, including white gold and platinum.

We’re committed to helping you find the ring of your dreams. For inspiration, browse our website or set up an appointment with a member of our trusted staff at our in-person showroom.

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