How to tell the difference between white gold and silver ?

This article explains how to distinguish white gold from silver, highlighting the composition and hallmarks specific to each metal. It details the manufacture and alloys of white gold which include metals like palladium, silver, copper and zinc, as well as sterling silver and its mixtures. Additionally, physical recognition methods such as using a magnet and looking for hallmarks are discussed, and tips on the conservation and care of these precious metals are provided to help owners maintain the luster and the quality of their jewelry.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE WHITE GOLD FROM SILVER ?

You don't know the difference between your white gold and silver jewelry ? Here are some tips that can help you!

What are the different types of gold ?

There are many colors of gold. However, the most common and most used in jewelry are yellow gold, white gold and pink gold. These three shades can be used to make rings, but not only that!

Once extracted from the mines and ready to be transformed, the pure gold arrives in the manufacturing workshops. However, it cannot be used as is. Indeed, gold is ductile and malleable. Thus, pure gold, also called 24 carat gold, is reserved for investment coins and ingots, which are directly melted from molten gold. For other industrial and creative branches, gold is mixed with other products. This is called alloying.

The yellow gold in your jewelry is actually a compound of pure gold (75%), silver (12.5%) and copper (12.5%). As for pink gold, which is increasingly present, the alloy is broken down into: 75% pure gold, 20% copper and 5% silver.

However, the different shades of gold are specific to each jewelry house. Indeed, jewelers have their own know-how and use their compositions to create original jewelry.

What are white gold and silver made of ?

The color of white gold is similar to both silver and platinum. But then, how to distinguish white gold from silver ?

The composition of white gold is an alloy of pure gold and palladium, silver, copper or even zinc. We thus find:

20 carat white gold: 83.3% pure gold + 16.7% palladium;
18 carat white gold: 75% pure gold + 18.5% silver + copper + zinc;
9 carat white gold: 37.5% pure gold + 62.5% silver.

On the other hand, engagement rings, wedding rings, diamond rings and even watches have a layer of rhodium on the surface. Indeed, rhodium plating gives shine and luster to white gold and protects the metal.

For its part, solid silver can be composed of:

80% silver + 20% copper: silver called 800 thousandths;
92.5% silver + 7.5% copper: so-called 925 thousandths silver or sterling silver.

White gold and silver alloys are made to provide greater strength and therefore create jewelry of all shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the metals used in the mixtures offer increased resistance against damage.

The different methods for recognizing silver and white gold

White gold and silver both have a platinum white appearance which should be differentiated. In fact, gold and silver do not have the same prices, and resale is therefore not done at the same price.

The first step to knowing if the ring, earrings or bracelet in your possession is made of precious metal is to approach a magnet. Precious metals are not attracted to magnets.

Then you need to look for a punch. Indeed, gold and silver hallmarks are not identical. You find for gold:

Seahorse: 24 carat gold;
Eagle head: 18 carat gold;
Clover: 9 carat gold.

As for silver, the hallmarks used in France are:

Amphora: 999 thousandths silver;
Head of Minerva or 925: 925 silver.

Finally, you can contact a professional. Expert jewelers or Gold Union agencies can test gold and silver with certain products. In addition, they have special scales that determine the weight of the object. Thus, it is possible to know the composition of the jewel, without any margin of error.

HOW TO PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN WHITE GOLD AND SILVER ?

White gold and silver are precious metals that require regular maintenance to maintain their luster and purity.

Where to keep your white gold and silver objects ?

Jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, rings with diamonds and even engagement rings are precious objects that can deteriorate. So, when you are not wearing them, it is recommended to wipe them with a microfiber cloth before replacing them in the original boxes.

If you no longer have the media, you can store them away from light and dust in a safe. To do this, you must space them out so that they do not touch each other and place them gently on a soft, lint-free fabric.

Finally, if your collection is too large or valuable, do not hesitate to invest in a safe or deposit your personal effects in a bank, with your bars and investment coins.

How to maintain white gold jewelry ?

Naturally, the color of white gold can tarnish over the years. Indeed, white gold has a thin layer of rhodium on the surface which is subject to all external attacks. To avoid damaging it further, avoid all corrosive products, or products designed to clean silver.

Here are tips for taking care of your white gold jewelry:

Remove your jewelry when carrying out maintenance work;
Gently wipe your jewelry with a chamois;
Use Marseille soap regularly: it cleans and degreases while respecting white gold;
Take your jewelry to a professional: he will be able to restore the damaged rhodium layer. Rhodium plating allows a layer to be redeposited by electrolysis.

How to care for silver jewelry ?

Silver, like white gold, requires some cleaning precautions. So, you should ban toothbrushes with hard bristles and harsh chemicals.

It is preferable to use natural products, such as white vinegar or baking soda. They allow you to clean the surface of the jewelry delicately. All you have to do is rinse them with lukewarm water, then dry them. If you are unable to match the color or shade correctly, then you need to go to a jeweler.

You would like to know more about gold and silver ? Make an appointment at one of our Gold Union agencies! Specializing in the purchase of silver, our advisors and experts will answer all your questions. Purchase or sale of gold and silver, Gold Union supports you in all your steps.