White Metal Jewelry Differences

Sterling Silver – Cost Effective and Stylish

Sterling silver is a no-brainer when considering expanding your jewelry collection, since it is a cheaper alternative compared to other precious metals. Silver has been always been considered of high value to mankind. Historical evidence shows minted coins containing silver dating back to 600 B.C. in the kingdom of Lydia in Asia Minor. Since then, this precious metal has been a symbol of wealth and has continued to remain popular. It is durable, cost effective, and appealing to the eye. Many reputable designers use Sterling Silver for their fine pieces such as David Yurman, Tiffany & Co, John Hardy, and Cartier. Sterling is a great way to add a bit of edge to the design. Tiffany & Co Somerset ring shows edginess while still exemplifying class. This is the metal to own in bulk, as it is cost effective and always stylish.

Gold – Wealth and Power

Gold is the most iconic symbol of wealth and has been for almost as long as metal jewelry have existed. From ancient civilizations hoarding it, to modern day hip-hop stars covering themselves in it, it has tenure in man’s idea of wealth and power. Since then, people have altered it for their desired look from its natural yellow form to white and pink tones. Gold has a unique quality that it takes the color of the minor metal in its compound. For example white gold is a combination of mostly yellow gold (differs depending on the carat of the item) with other metals such as zinc, nickel, palladium, or silver to give it a white tone. The piece is then coated with rhodium plating to increase its white color. Rhodium is very tough platinum class metal, however time will eventually take its toll as with everything, and wear will cause the piece to lose some of its original bright shine. Thankfully, the process of rhodium plating after re-polishing can be done to all aged white gold to give it that brand new look it once had. For this reason however, many women, myself included, choose platinum when choosing a white metal piece that will have a lot of use, like a wedding band which is worn continuously and exposed to the wear-and-tear of daily life. This effect however, has not affected the popularity of white gold as it continues to be one of the most popular choices in jewelry. The Chopard Happy Sport Snowflake earrings and a statement pair that like the Channel Set Diamond ring make for great white gold purchases.

Platinum – Durable and Dazzling

When a record is best of its class in popularity, selling over one million units, it is certified platinum. Platinum is at the top when it comes to jewelry. It is very durable and therefore keeps its dazzling look much longer than other metals. Gold has a melting temperature around 2000° (depending on the carat of the piece and the metals it is blended with) while platinum is around 3000°. A surprising fact: platinum actually sells for $200 an ounce less than pure gold – $950 an ounce against $1150 an ounce. So it’s a premium piece of jewelry because it melts at a much higher temperature and it’s a much harder metal to work with.

Owning any three of these metals is considered an achievement as they are all indicators of success and our peers will take notice. These are some of the basic differences in white metals; Sterling silver being the most cost effective in jewelry, white gold the most popular, and platinum being the most expensive and durable, which one, or blend you choose is entirely up to you, all that is evident is that high-end white metals are a must have for anyone trying to be consistent with fashion trends.

With winter now in full swing, let’s truly make 2017 a winter wonderland. Frost yourself loves, with gorgeous white metal pieces.