Wedding Band- sterling silver vs white gold?

White Gold 100%

I got white gold because my e-ring is white gold, so wear/color will match.

I was originally looking for a sterling silver e-ring, but fell in love with a ring that was made in white gold.

Sterling silver is more durable and cheaper. It can be brighter in color. But it also requires more maintenance because it can tarnish.

White gold is less durable, but won't oxidize or tarnish.

Really its a matter of taste, and how much you want to spend.

@Jessica, white gold shouldn't fade to yellow unless it is yellow gold plated in white gold. White gold is an alloy containing gold, silver and copper (sometimes nickel), so as long the composition is correct it shouldn't fade.

I have white gold & didn't realize that it would need to be replated in rhodium or palladium...but it does.

If I had known, I would have went with platinum.

I'm allergic to silver, so white gold for me! Silver doesn't wear as well anyway. It tarnishes easily and doesn't last as long.

Huh? I have a white gold engagement ring that was given to me in 1980. Thirty-seven years later, It has not faded to yellow -- not even slightly. It's still a bright silver color. Is it supposed to fade, or did I just get lucky?

OP, gold, white or yellow, costs more than silver, substantially more, for many reasons. To begin with, silver tarnishes, and if you wear it all the time (or don't), you'll spend a lot of time polishing it. You can always google "gold vs. silver" for more info.

I've never been told I need to plate it. Older white gold rings, maybe if their composition isn't correct. Or if you want a brighter white than it is naturally. My FMIL has a white gold ring, and has never had it plated. They've been married for 35 years.

@jessica white gold doesn't fade unless it's plated over yellow gold. I have a lot of white gold jewelry and it's very durable.

White gold

If your band will have any stones, then 100% white gold/platinum/palladium over silver. Silver is too soft to hold stones in daily use jewelry.

Silver has been tempting me because it is only a fraction of the cost of white gold. I had read about them both (eBay has a fantastic comparison) but wanted to hear some first hand experiences and find out if white gold is worth the investment. I have both of my rings and I am in the process of researching for my fiance's band.

From everyone's comments I think I will be going with a white gold comfort fit band.

Thank you all for your input so far!

Platinum plated silver or white gold

I'm making ours from sterling silver but I do silversmithing work. I spoke to my local jeweler about white gold and he told me it all depends on the ring. It sounds like older rings typically stay silver colored better, as many take shortcuts now and the composition isn't what it should be, so they end up needing replating.

If you have a copper allergy stay away from sterling, as most contains a small amount of copper.

The way sterling tarnishes also depends on the individual. We all have different body chemistry and that plays a part in it. My rings are always shiny.

I also like that sterling is a stronger metal and definitely cheaper. I would find a good local jeweler and talk to them about your concerns, don't go to one of those big chains. Talk to the person that actually makes the jewelry and not someone who is just a sales person.

Good luck!

If you wear the sterling jewelry, it should not tarnish. Except if you go in salt water.

My rings are platinum and about 85 years old. Except for getting a prong built up 30 years ago, they have required no maintenance.