If previously it was more common to find products made of yellow/red gold and silverThe number of platinum-group alloy jewelry items is rapidly expanding today. And in appearance, some of the types are similar. We are talking about white goldThe metal is the same color, often making it impossible to tell the difference. Both metals are the same color, which often makes it impossible to distinguish products from each other. But there is a huge difference between them - the composition, which determines the properties of the materials. In order not to make a mistake when choosing, you should know how to distinguish white gold from silver. To do this, consider ways, choose one of the 10 common options.
White gold and silver: characteristics of white metals. What are the differences - the main criteria for distinction
White gold is alloywhich contains a significant portion of Au directly. The composition may also include other alloying components: nickel, platinum, palladium, copper. The level of additives is different, which determines the properties of the metal.
Depending on the composition, the color of the alloy differs: greenish (if silver predominates), light yellow, rich yellow, gray, and white. The metal acquires hardness due to alloying additives. But it is always white on the outside thanks to the rhodium coating.
In comparison, silver is often found in nature without additives. In this case, the metal is called a nugget; it does not need to be extracted from ore like gold. But there are different kinds of natural minerals other than pure. They contain impurities. The main difference between white gold and silver is the hardness.
Other signs:
- Silver jewelry should not be exposed to acid, by comparison, an alloy based on platinum group metals will not change color in such an environment;
- silver items are more susceptible to deformation;
- silver has almost no shine, while the alloy containing platinum group metals has a shine.
Top 10 ways - how to tell white gold from silver at home
It is practically impossible to check the strength of metals when you are in a jewelry store to choose from. The only way is to evaluate the appearance. But this does not always give the right result. So, it is necessary to use other techniques.
Some of the available methods are easy to implement and are used at home and in the store, but there are also those that are feasible only under certain conditions.
Appearance - visual difference between color and shine to the eye
It is not difficult to understand how to distinguish between silver and white gold. To do this, pay attention to external signs:
- color: silver has a cold steel hue, while gold with platinum group metals in its composition has a white hue;
- brilliance: silver does not shine as brightly as a gold-based metal.
Hardness test
Silver and gold jewelry look almost identical in appearance, but they are different in structure, hardness, and plasticity. Accordingly, they are checked not visually, but by their physical properties. They conduct an experiment: they conventionally draw a line on a sheet of paper, silver will leave a trace, as it is softer than gold.
The sound of metal as it falls
Metals make different sounds when they fall from different heights, so it is necessary to create the same conditions for testing different jewelry. Jewelry made of different alloys should be dropped on a hard surface (preferably glass). The recommended height is 3-5 cm. To distinguish between gold and silver, assess the sound effect that this creates.
A gold piece of jewelry falls with a ringing sound, while a silver piece falls with a thud.
Needle test
This method allows you to determine whether the item you have purchased contains gold or not. You need to use a needle to make barely visible scratches with it, and it is important that they be on the inside, as your jewelry is easily spoiled. Precious metals behave differently when subjected to mechanical impact.
Silver jewelry is characterized by low hardness. Because of this, the precious metal can be easily scratched. Alloy, which includes components of the platinum group, is much more difficult to damage. But it all depends on the sharpness of the needle, the strength of its pressure.
Magnet application
Gold does not contain ferromagnetics. This means that approaching it with a magnet will not change the position of the jewelry being tested. The composition of such jewelry includes gold.
Checking with vinegar
Using this method, determine contrast white gold from silver jewelry can only be used at home, you can't use it in a store. If you get vinegar on your gold jewelry, the changes will be minimal, silver The same time, it will darken considerably.
If you immerse the product in a container of acid, the water will become turbid because of the Ag content.
Reaction to chlorine
Due to the fact that Au - Inert precious metal, they check the quality of the jewelry by using aggressive agents such as chlorine gold. If you put it on two pieces of jewelry that look similar (white, shiny), it will turn out that one of them does not contain gold - it has changed its appearance. Other metals lose color, some fizzle.
Complex method based on Archimedes' law
The calculation method is used: determine the mass in liquid and air, and then determine the volume and density. A thread is tied to the product, immersed in a beaker of water, and then the dry product is weighed on a scale outside the container. Due to the difference in values, the volume and then the density of the materials are determined.
Such actions are performed with each of the jewelry pieces. Then compare the obtained density with the nominal values (tabulated), which will allow you to understand what kind of precious metal the jewelry is made of.
Branding and hallmark
If you're wondering what the difference between white gold and silverFor example, if a piece containing Au is branded as 583 or 585, then it is necessary to examine its appearance: they compare the assay and mark it as 583 or 585, 750 (common variants), if the composition is predominantly silver, the hallmark is different (875, 925, 960).
Stone inlay
When the jewelry contains inserts, the hallmark in this case will be different. There are many variations of gold jewelry that differ in composition (including less values 583). The presence of gemstones puts a ring or bracelet in a different category. Such items can be identified by the presence of 585 stamps or 750. They are inlaid with stones:
- diamonds;
- fianite;
- pearls;
- emerald;
- sapphire;
- ruby;
- Swarovski stones.
Silver jewelry is also inlaid with stones of certain kinds. The inlays are most often of natural origin:
- agate;
- amethyst;
- Onyx;
- pearls;
- emerald;
- quartz;
- sapphire;
- topaz;
- fianite.
Cost and popularity
Silver jewelry has long been widespread. However, recently they have been overtaken in popularity by alloys based on components of the platinum group. Both materials are white in color and look noble, which makes it difficult to compare them. But gold, without a doubt, belongs to a higher category of products, valued higher. This also has an impact on the price.
The difference between white gold and silver after rhodium-plating
Silver and gold jewelry is coated with a protective layer that preserves the properties of precious metalsIt also improves the appearance. After rhodium plating the items become almost identical (visual evaluation), but appearances are deceptive. Other parameters should also be evaluated if, when in a store, you need to immediately determine the type of product.
Summary table: the differences between silver and white gold in physical and chemical parameters
Being at home, there is a better chance of recognizing the type of product, as the jewelry is compared on the basis of physical and chemical characteristics:
| Temperature at which metals melt, °C | Density, g/cm3 | Hardness, kgf/mm2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Gold | 870-1215 | 12,85-16,78 | 70-170 |
| Silver | 1235 | 10,5 | 25 |
Values are given in ranges, which is determined by the composition of the alloys. As can be seen, gold based on platinum group metals is superior to silver in basic parameters. The temperature level at which the product begins to melt is almost the same.
Pros and cons of precious metal determination techniques
To distinguish between alloys based on silver, gold, they use the method of determining "by eye", as well as improvised ways, means. This approach has its advantages:
How to take care of white metal products
When comparing metals in the home, take into account the peculiarities of their care. Silver is not resistant to the effects of aggressive substances, and rhodium-plated gold is not resistant to mechanical stress - it is easily damaged.
It is recommended to choose universal care products, avoiding the use of acids, abrasives. Use milder chemicals, pastes without hard fractions. If possible, purchase special care products for metal.
Regardless of what alloy jewelry is made of: white gold or silver, you must follow simple rules for handling them:
- The product should be removed before bathing, showering, going to the bathhouse, sauna;
- You should not play sports while wearing jewelry;
- If iodine, ink or other dye was spilled on the jewelry, it is necessary to contact a specialist to restore its appearance;
- Store rings, earrings and other items separately so that they do not come into contact with each other.
Gold or Silver: What to Choose
It is necessary to compare the jewelry on a number of features:
| Benefits | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|
| White Gold | noble appearance; hardness; resistance to acids; more options for rings, earrings, which are distinguished by the sophistication, complexity of design, which is due to the plasticity of the material. | high price; the need to regularly restore the rhodium coating. |
| Silver | low price; positive effect on the body. | the natural process of darkening jewelry (unless they are coated with rhodium), low hardness, jewelry turns black if the composition of body fluids (sweat) in the human body |
Video: how to distinguish white gold from silver when buying in the store and at home in the kitchen
Customer Reviews
My silver always blackens quickly. I don't take rhodium because of its low resistance to damage. For this reason I did not consider white gold before. But recently came with my husband to buy me a gift, I appreciated the beauty of rhodium-plated pieces. Only outwardly I did not see any difference between gold and silver. My husband told me that you have to check by the sound and the weight.
I wouldn't compare gold jewelry to silver jewelry. I always see the difference, it's huge. Silver is very different in design - the pieces are simple in appearance.
Silver is a light metal. I always look at the weight when I buy it. I have never made a mistake. Additionally, at home, I throw the ring on the glass a couple of times. But I think that the silver hallmark is enough.
Jeweler's comment
