TOP 10 ways to distinguish white gold from silver visually by eye and at home: characteristics of metals, main criteria for differences

If previously items on sale were most often made from yellow/red gold and silver, today the range of jewelry made from an alloy containing platinum group metals is rapidly expanding. Moreover, some of the species are similar in appearance. We are talking about white gold and also silver. Both metals are the same color, which often makes it difficult 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 learn how to distinguish white gold from silver. To do this, consider methods and choose one of 10 common options.

White gold and silver: characteristics of white metals. What is the difference - the main criteria of difference

White gold is an alloy that contains a significant proportion of Au itself. The composition may also include other alloying components: nickel, platinum, palladium, copper. The level of additives varies, 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, white. The metal gains hardness due to alloying additives. But on the outside it is always white thanks to the rhodium plating.

In comparison, silver often occurs naturally without additives. In this case, the metal is called a nugget; it does not need to be extracted from its ore, like gold. But there are different types of natural minerals, except pure. They contain impurities. The main difference between white gold and silver is hardness.

Hardness

There is a big difference in the hardness of the most popular jewelry alloys. 925 sterling silver is much softer than 585 gold. If the jewelry is used, then the silver looks more worn, there are many small scratches. Gold is much harder, so it retains its shine longer.

• This is interesting: Simple methods on how to restore the beauty of jewelry

If you try to scratch the surface with a metal object, it will slip on gold and leave a scratch on silver. The main thing is to apply the same force in both cases. You can also use the ancient “tooth test” method. You will definitely feel the difference in firmness.

If the jewelry is a ring, try bending it. This does not mean that it needs to be turned into an oval. You will immediately feel how easily silver can be deformed. It takes a lot more effort to bend gold. You should not use this method for very thin rings weighing 1 - 2 grams.

TOP 10 ways - how to distinguish white gold from silver at home

It is almost impossible to check the strength of metals while in a jewelry store before making a choice. The only way is to evaluate appearance. But this does not always give the desired result. This means that other techniques need to be used.

Some of the available methods are easy to implement and can be used at home or in stores, but there are also those that can only be implemented under certain conditions.

Appearance – the visual difference between color and gloss by eye

It is not difficult to understand how to distinguish silver from white gold. To do this, pay attention to external signs:

• color: silver has a cold steel tint, gold with platinum group metals in its composition is white;
• Shine: Silver does not shine as brightly as gold-based metals.

Hardness test

Checking the authenticity of silver yourself
Silver products and gold jewelry look almost the same in appearance, but they are different in structure, hardness, and ductility. Accordingly, they check not visually, but by physical properties. They conduct an experiment: they draw a line on a sheet of paper, silver will leave a mark, because it is softer than gold.

The sound of metal when falling

Metals make different sounds when dropped from different heights, so it is necessary to create the same conditions for testing different jewelry. Jewelry made from different alloys must be thrown onto a hard surface (preferably glass). The recommended height is 3-5 cm. To distinguish gold from silver, evaluate the sound effect that is created.

Gold jewelry falls loudly, and silver jewelry falls with a dull thud.

Silver Authentication

Needle test

The method allows you to determine whether the purchased product contains gold. You will need a needle; it can be used to make barely noticeable scratches, and it is important that they be on the inside, since the decoration can be easily damaged. Precious metals behave differently as a result of mechanical stress.

Silver jewelry is characterized by low hardness. Because of this, the precious metal can be easily scratched. An alloy containing platinum group components is much more difficult to damage. But it all depends on the sharpness of the needle and the force of its pressure.

Application of magnet

Gold does not contain ferromagnets. This means that bringing a magnet closer to it will not change the position of the jewelry being tested. This type of jewelry contains gold.

How to test gold with iodine

The most common way to test gold, or more precisely, to find out which sample it belongs to, is the use of iodine.

To begin with, it is worth noting that in our country gold jewelry is most often found in samples of 583 and 585; it is to confirm or refute these values ​​that iodine is used. You can use this method as follows:

• the decoration needs to be cleaned a little with sandpaper; it is advisable to do this procedure on the part of the product that is not noticeable;
• now you need to apply iodine to the area that has been cleansed;
• after that all that remains is to observe the chemical reaction that will certainly occur at the point of contact between iodine and metal;
• as a rule, the presence of a persistent stain indicates that this is real gold, classified as 585;
• otherwise it can be an ordinary metal such as brass, bronze or copper alloy.

This method is quite common among home testing of gold jewelry, and pawn shops often use it as the most effective and fastest in time.

It is important to remember that after such a study there is a need to clean the jewelry from traces of iodine. You can do it like this:

• use hyposulfite, which is usually used as a fixative in photography; you can purchase it at the pharmacy;
• you need to dilute this product in a glass of water;
• Place the jewelry in a container with hyposulfite and leave for 30 minutes to act;
• then wash the gold and wipe it dry with a cloth.

The difference between white gold and silver after rhodium plating

Silver and gold jewelry is coated with a protective layer, which preserves the properties of precious metals and also improves their appearance. After applying rhodium, the products become almost identical (visual assessment), but appearances are deceiving. Other parameters should also be assessed if, while in a store, you need to immediately determine the type of product.

Silver rhodium plating

Basic rules when buying gold products

To avoid getting into trouble and purchasing a fake item, you should start checking the authenticity of the product at the time of purchase. Firstly, you should only purchase gold jewelry in jewelry stores. The risk of buying a fake in a specialized jewelry store is much lower than when buying second-hand or at any dubious kiosks.

Secondly, the decoration must have a sample on it. Basically it is 585 or 583 (these were used during the USSR) sample. But abroad, the rules for certifying jewelry are completely different, and the hallmarks of gold may be different.

Thirdly, the gold product must have a tag indicating information about the manufacturer and the weight of the product.

In addition, when purchasing, carefully inspect the jewelry inside and out. If there are any scratches or inclusions on it, then you should not buy such jewelry. There is a high probability that this is a fake.

You can ask the seller to check the gold jewelry for authenticity. Usually jewelry stores have all the necessary tools for this. If the seller for some reason refuses to carry out an inspection, then this is a reason to doubt the authenticity of the metal.

Summary table: differences between silver and white gold according to physical and chemical parameters

While at home, there is a greater chance of recognizing the type of product, since jewelry is compared according to physical and chemical characteristics:

The values ​​are given in ranges, which are determined by the composition of the alloys. As you can see, 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.

Character of the insert stone

Due to differences in price, as well as physical and chemical properties, different stones are inserted into different frames. For example, diamonds are almost never set in silver: it does not hold such a hard stone well.

• Semi-precious stones are most often set in silver: agates, amethysts, chrysoprase, onyx, quartz, cubic zirconia, pearls. Silver of the highest standard can be inlaid with topazes and emeralds.
• Diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and natural pearls are often set in white gold.

Pros and cons of methods for determining precious metals

To distinguish alloys based on silver and gold, the method of determination “by eye” is used, as well as available methods and means. This approach has its advantages:

This approach has its advantages:

no costs: you can find out which group the jewelry belongs to at home, you don’t need to take it to the jeweler, which will avoid additional costs;

the speed of implementation of the method: often at home the type of jewelry is determined in a matter of seconds, while in the laboratory this can take more than one hour; the time spent on travel and payment for the organization’s services is also taken into account;

Simple algorithms are used for verification; anyone can perform them.

Disadvantages of home methods for checking the type of metal

it is not always possible to obtain a reliable result;

some methods have an aggressive effect on the metal;

There are also techniques that provide the same result when assessing the parameters of gold and silver (for example, during rhodium plating).

Samples on silver jewelry

Recommendations for care, cleaning and storage

Expert opinion

Vsevolod Kozlovsky

6 years in jewelry making. Knows everything about samples and can identify a fake in 12 seconds

It should be remembered that silver is afraid of acid, so any contact should be prevented. This also applies to working with household detergents. Also, jewelry made of both metals should be removed before visiting the pool, bathhouse, or sauna.

Decoration that has become coated or contaminated can be easily cleaned with special compounds; some folk methods also help.

How to care for white metal products

When comparing metals at home, take into account the features of caring for them. Silver does not withstand 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 and abrasives. They use milder chemicals, pastes without solid fractions. If possible, purchase special metal care products.

Regardless of what alloy the jewelry is made of: white gold or silver, you must follow simple rules for handling them:

• products must be removed before taking a bath, shower, going to the bathhouse, sauna;
• You should not exercise while wearing jewelry;
• if iodine, ink or other dye has come into contact with your jewelry, you must contact a specialist to restore its appearance;
• Rings, earrings and other items should be stored separately so that they do not come into contact with each other.

Testing with Chrompik reagent

Chrompik is a specialized compound used by jewelers to test precious metals. If you drop chromium on a silver item, the solution will begin to turn red. The brighter the red color, the higher quality the silver is in front of you. After removing the product, a “burn” will remain on the silver - a small mark in the shape of a drop. On white gold, the chromium pin does not change color and does not leave a mark after removal.

Buying jewelry is a special event. So that nothing overshadows it, and you are sure that you are purchasing real white gold and not cheaper silver, it is better to make purchases in trusted stores. Our showroom presents products made exclusively from gold. All our rings, earrings, pendants, cufflinks undergo mandatory testing in the Assay Office. The diamonds inlaid with the jewelry are accompanied by a certificate from the independent gemological center of Moscow State University. With us you can be sure of the quality of your jewelry!

Gold or silver: what to choose

It is necessary to compare jewelry according to a number of features:

Metals Information

White gold is a material in which you can see a dark yellow tint, but only professionals can do this. It is much more profitable than silver for several reasons:

• jewelry made from it are status items, as they are often very expensive;
• has healing properties;
• decoration design can be changed;
• is characterized by high strength;
• is constantly growing in price and can act as a long-term investment.

Silver is also a noble metal with healing properties. It is recommended to wear earrings made from it after ear piercing, as such jewelry is hypoallergenic. Healing of small wounds from ear piercings occurs faster when wearing silver. Products made from this metal are more affordable; even a young girl can afford them.

Customer Reviews

My silver always turns black quickly. I don’t use rhodium because of its low resistance to damage. For this reason, I had not previously considered white gold. But recently my husband and I came to buy me a gift, and I appreciated the beauty of rhodium-plated products. Only outwardly I didn’t see the difference between gold and silver. My husband told me that I need to check it by sound and weight.

Anna Lenskaya, Moscow

Natalya Zudina, Krasnodar

I wouldn't compare gold and silver jewelry. I always see the difference, it is huge. Silver is very different in design - the products are simple in appearance.

Silver is a light metal. I always look at the weight when I buy. I've never made a mistake yet. Additionally, at home I throw the ring on the glass a couple of times. But I think a test is enough.

Marita Gromova, Chelyabinsk

Archimedes' Law

The density of 585 white gold is higher - about 13 g/cm³, for silver this figure is approximately 10 - 10.5 g/cm³. Sufficiently accurate scales are required for determination. This method cannot be used for jewelry with stones and hidden voids, as they give a large error.

Let's look at all the stages in detail:

• We weigh the product;
• We tie it to a thread;
• Place a container of water on the scales and reset the scales;
• We lower the decoration into the water, it is important that it does not touch the bottom or walls;
• The result of the first weighing is divided by the value obtained in the liquid.

If the numbers obtained are close to 10, you have silver, if from 12.5 to 13, 585 gold.

Blackening

Another ancient traditional technique for decorating silver. Black is applied to the surface - sulfides of silver, sulfur and copper. The result is an “antique”, but completely new piece of jewelry, created especially for you. It looks noble; among silver lovers there are many connoisseurs of blackened jewelry.

Jewelers try to create reliable and beautiful silver jewelry. There is always something to choose from. Our catalog contains jewelry with different treatments, but rest assured: the beauty of each is durable!