HARDNESS OF METALS The Mohs scale evaluates how easily the surface of a material is scratched. On the Mohs scale, in order from softest to hardest, there are sterling silver, 18-carat gold, 9-carat gold, platinum and then palladium. White gold is stronger and more durable than silver, making it an attractive option for those looking to make an Investment in Gold. The combination of metals gives white gold its color and durability. Without it, pure gold is as soft as pure silver.
In addition, white gold may be rhodium-plated, giving it a shiny top layer. No, 14-karat gold is harder than sterling silver. This is due to their properties that make gold and silver quite soft in their natural, pure states. Silver is usually weaker than gold.
However, there are different types of silver and gold, so the answer may vary depending on the precious metals you decide to compare. Most of the time, gold is much stronger and more durable than any type of silver you'll find. Of course, gold is in the highest demand of all precious metals, but that doesn't mean it's the only option. Since gold has a very intense yellow tone, adding up to a quarter of zinc and silver is not enough to transform the color.
Some people believe that gold is far superior to silver, while others see no difference in metals beyond their prices. And if you plan to keep the jewelry forever, the slightly higher price will pay off for the years of resplendent beauty and love that gold jewelry will bring you. That said, no matter how much gold costs, if your heart is determined to buy a ring or bracelet that you'll wear regularly, gold is still a much better investment. The price of silver and gold skyrockets when people don't know if the dollar will rise or fall.
Sterling silver is 92.5% silver with only 7.5% of other metals such as zinc, copper or nickel added to make it stronger and a little harder. So, in the end, the answer to “Is silver or gold a better investment?” depends on the type of jewelry you want to buy, how often you plan to wear it and your personal perception of metals. Gold plating allows you to get the price tag on sterling silver jewelry in metallic colors other than white. Gold requires this higher proportion of alloys because it is the softest and most malleable metal on Earth.
This means that, from a jeweler's perspective, unless you know what consumer base your store is most suited to, you should have silver and gold jewelry available in your store. If your white gold is based on palladium, the color will be more like that of a white metal and you may not need a rhodium plating. Since ancient civilizations ruled, gold and silver have been highly sought after and coveted precious metals. White gold is expensive, but less expensive than platinum (another precious metal even more valuable than gold, which is often used as a collector's option in jewelry).
