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When choosing between white gold and sterling silver, you're not just picking a colour — you're deciding what fits your lifestyle, budget, and style goals. This guide compares everything from durability and composition to cost, skin safety, and care tips.
💎 Which Metal Suits Your Lifestyle?
What’s your ideal everyday look?
Sterling Silver
White Gold
🔬 What Is White Gold?
White gold is an alloy made by blending pure gold with metals like nickel or palladium. Most pieces are rhodium plated, which gives them their bright white shine and added scratch resistance.
- Common purities: 10k, 14k, 18k
- The higher the karat, the more gold content and value — but also the softer the metal
- Rhodium plating needs refreshing every 1–2 years
💍 What Is Sterling Silver (925)?
Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, contains:
- 92.5% pure silver
- 7.5% copper (for added strength)
It’s naturally softer than white gold, and over time, it can tarnish — but it’s easily polished and budget-friendly.
🛒 Explore our collection of sterling silver earrings and silver huggies.
| ⚔️ Feature | White Gold | Sterling Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Gold alloy + rhodium | 92.5% silver + copper |
| Appearance | Brighter, cooler tone | Warmer, greyish tone |
| Durability | More scratch-resistant | Softer, easier to scratch |
| Tarnish Resistance | High (rhodium layer) | Prone to tarnish |
| Skin Safety | Nickel-based alloys may irritate | 100% hypoallergenic |
| Cost | 5–10x higher | Affordable & accessible |
✨ Appearance: Shine & Colour
- White gold has a bright white finish thanks to rhodium, but it may yellow over time as the plating wears off.
- Sterling silver has a softer glow with a grey undertone and may develop a vintage-looking patina.
- Rhodium-plated silver mimics white gold — perfect for budget luxury.
💡 Try our rhodium-plated sterling silver studs for that polished look. All Galleria Armadoro jewellery is rhodium plated for extra shine and durability.
💸 Cost: Budget vs Investment
- White gold is a premium investment, often reserved for timeless jewellery like engagement rings.
- Sterling silver is budget-friendly, ideal for experimenting with trends or stacking multiple pieces.
💡 Want to build a stack? Explore the Ear Stories Collection for curated huggies, studs, and cuffs — designed to layer beautifully.
🤧 Is It Hypoallergenic?
- Sterling silver is nickel-free and safe for sensitive ears
- White gold may cause reactions — unless alloyed with palladium instead of nickel
🧪 Skin Safe Got sensitive ears? Choose our 925 silver earrings — hypoallergenic, nickel-free, and made to shine without irritation.
⚖️ White Gold vs. Silver vs. Platinum vs. Stainless Steel
- Platinum: Heavier, hypoallergenic, pricier than white gold
- Stainless steel: Tough and cheap, but lacks the prestige
- Silver with rhodium plating: Affordable and bright, but plating wears off quicker
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔁 Final Thoughts
- Choose white gold for durability, elegance, and heirloom value
- Choose sterling silver for versatility, affordability, and everyday fun
- Or get the best of both: shop 18ct gold-plated silver jewellery for style without the splurge
🛒 Explore our full silver collection and see what suits your story.
