Sterling silver, white gold and platinum all look white, but they are different metals at very different prices. The fastest way to tell them apart is the stamp: 925 for sterling silver, 10K, 14K or 18K for white gold, and PT, PLAT or 950 for platinum.
Quick comparison
| Metal |
Stamp |
Feel |
How it wears |
| Sterling silver |
925, STER |
Lightest |
Can tarnish; polishes back |
| White gold |
10K, 14K, 18K (417, 585, 750) |
Heavier than silver |
Rhodium plating can wear and show a warm tint |
| Platinum |
PT950, PLAT, 950 |
Heaviest |
Develops a soft gray patina, does not tarnish |
Sterling silver
Sterling is 92.5% silver. It is real precious metal, just more affordable than gold. It can darken over time, especially in humid rooms, and a polish brings it back.
White gold
White gold is real gold mixed with white metals, then usually plated with rhodium for a bright finish. When the plating wears, a slightly yellow tone can show through. That is normal; a re-plate fixes it. Read Why White Gold Turns Yellow.
Platinum
Platinum is dense, durable and naturally white. It feels noticeably heavy for its size and costs more. Over time it takes on a soft matte look that many people like; it can be polished back to shine.
No stamp?
Stamps wear off and get removed during repairs. A jeweler can test the metal. Bring it to 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800. See also Yellow, White and Rose Gold.
Silver vs White Gold vs Platinum: How to Tell Them Apart
Sterling silver, white gold and platinum all look white, but they are different metals at very different prices. The fastest way to tell them apart is the stamp: 925 for sterling silver, 10K, 14K or 18K for white gold, and PT, PLAT or 950 for platinum.
Quick comparison
Sterling silver
Sterling is 92.5% silver. It is real precious metal, just more affordable than gold. It can darken over time, especially in humid rooms, and a polish brings it back.
White gold
White gold is real gold mixed with white metals, then usually plated with rhodium for a bright finish. When the plating wears, a slightly yellow tone can show through. That is normal; a re-plate fixes it. Read Why White Gold Turns Yellow.
Platinum
Platinum is dense, durable and naturally white. It feels noticeably heavy for its size and costs more. Over time it takes on a soft matte look that many people like; it can be polished back to shine.
No stamp?
Stamps wear off and get removed during repairs. A jeweler can test the metal. Bring it to 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800. See also Yellow, White and Rose Gold.