White Gold, stainless steel or sterling silver...

**Rhayne** · 12-15-2009, 01:48 PM

I have a question about jewelry. I didn't know where else to put it. My BF asked what I wanted for christmas and all I'm asking for is something to go on the necklace I got a few years ago. It is a 14k white gold box chain necklace 18 inches long. I was wondering if i picked out a charm or pendant or cross that's stainless steel or sterling silver, do you think that it would be noticeable that it's not the same metal? I'm pretty good about keeping my jewelry clean but I'm worried that after a few years the white gold and the stainless steel/silver would start to look different. I've really been looking for a white gold charm but I can't seem to find any that I really like. Does anyone have any experience with two different metals together?

**TigerGirl1226** · 12-15-2009, 01:54 PM

My engagement ring is platinum and my wedding bands are white gold. I can see a slight difference on the back side where my hand/finger rubs on stuff. On the front you can't tell a difference at all. I'd say mixing metals is okay.

**Josephhgoins** · 12-15-2009, 04:12 PM

mixing metals can be ok, sometimes. I would not put a stainless steel pendant on a gold chain. To some eyes the difference will be noticeable but more importantly the stainless which is much harder than the gold will wear chain as it movies. It would eventually destroy the chain.

Sterling is also remarkably harder than gold. I would suggest maybe a pair of earrings or a pin if you are going to switch metals.

**Rhayne** · 12-15-2009, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by Josephhgoins

mixing metals can be ok, sometimes. I would not put a stainless steel pendant on a gold chain. To some eyes the difference will be noticeable but more importantly the stainless which is much harder than the gold will wear chain as it movies. It would eventually destroy the chain.

Sterling is also remarkably harder than gold. I would suggest maybe a pair of earrings or a pin if you are going to switch metals.

Good point. I never even thought about how hard the metals are. I really want some kinda pendant to put on this necklace. Oh well, back to looking.

**Lora88** · 12-15-2009, 04:35 PM

white gold and sterling silver are very close in appearance however sterling is more reflective a trained eye will know right away stainless will not work at all totally different look If you would like to save money look for charms in 10k gold not as expensive as 14k I am a big jewelery geek I sold it for years i shop at jtv.com definately the best prices around check them out

**Contrary Housewife** · 12-15-2009, 04:41 PM

The sterling will change color much quicker than you expect.

If you cannot find that special pendant I second Josephhgoins suggestion of a different piece of jewelry for now.

**littleplum** · 12-15-2009, 06:05 PM

What about getting a charm you like in yellow gold and having it rhodium plated? You'll have to have it replated occasionally, but you'd probably have to do that with a white gold charm.

**sinopa27** · 12-16-2009, 05:23 AM

I have on a sterling silver necklace and a white gold necklace. Can't tell the difference.

**shoiji** · 12-16-2009, 03:57 PM

There are many different types of charms to pick from. A really nice size pearl in the color that you like would also be nice. Or a pendant with mixed metals would also be nice and probably less noticeable on the chain.

Personally, I like pearls. A pearl pendant and matching earrings would make a great gift.