Sterling Silver vs White Gold

What each metal is

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, which is why it is stamped 925. White gold is gold, usually 10K, 14K, or 18K, alloyed with white metals such as palladium, nickel, or silver, and usually plated with rhodium for a bright white finish.

Look

New, both are bright and white. Rhodium-plated white gold has a cool, mirror-like shine. Sterling silver is slightly warmer and softer in tone. Over time silver tarnishes and white gold's rhodium wears, so both change with wear in different ways; see white gold and rhodium plating.

Durability

Sterling silver is softer than white gold. It scratches and bends more easily, so it suits pendants, earrings, and chains better than rings worn every day, and prongs in silver need checking more often. White gold is harder and is the more common choice for engagement rings and wedding bands.

Tarnish and upkeep

Silver reacts with sulfur in the air and darkens over time. A polishing cloth removes tarnish, and storing silver in a closed bag slows it. White gold does not tarnish; its plating gradually wears, and a jeweler can re-plate it. Our jewelry care guide covers cleaning both.

Price

Silver costs far less than gold by weight, so sterling silver pieces usually cost a fraction of the same design in white gold. That makes silver a good choice for fashion pieces, trends, and gifts, and white gold a better choice for pieces meant to last decades.

Common questions

Can you tell sterling silver from white gold?

Not easily when both are new. Look for the stamp: 925 or STER for sterling silver, and 10K, 14K, 18K, 417, 585, or 750 for gold.

Is sterling silver good for an engagement ring?

It can work for a short time or on a budget, but it is soft and scratches easily. White gold or platinum holds stones more securely for daily wear.

Does sterling silver turn your finger green?

Occasionally. The copper in sterling can react with skin and moisture. Keeping the piece clean and dry helps.