What are the Differences Between White Gold and Platinum?
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Most fine jewelry today is made of gold or platinum. This is especially true of engagement rings and wedding bands, which are most commonly white gold.
Many people wonder about the main differences between these metals. Here are some of the key differences between white gold and platinum (and how to choose which one is the best for you).
Maintenance: White gold and platinum will both require some maintenance. White gold jewelry requires rhodium plating over time as it wears. (Most of our customers get their white gold rings rhodium plated about once per year.)
Platinum, on the other hand, does not require plating. However, over time, platinum rings can develop a “patina” from small ridges on the surface. This look is often considered attractive, but it can also be quickly polished out if it is not desired.
Hypoallergenic: Platinum is a hypoallergenic metal. Gold is also hypoallergenic. However, since white gold is mixed with other metals, it is possible for white gold to cause an allergic reaction in some wearers.
Pricing: The price of platinum and white gold fluctuates with the market. At one time, platinum was much more expensive than gold, but the gap has recently become much smaller. Today, most platinum jewelry is only slightly more expensive than comparable white gold jewelry.
Start by considering what is most important to you. If you are very budget-conscious, you might want to stick with white gold. If you are willing to spend slightly more to get jewelry that is hypoallergenic, more durable, and requires less maintenance, then we recommend going with platinum.
In the end, both white gold and platinum are excellent choices for jewelry, including engagement rings and wedding bands.
Many people wonder about the main differences between these metals. Here are some of the key differences between white gold and platinum (and how to choose which one is the best for you).
What is White Gold?
As you know, gold is not naturally white but yellow in color. White gold is made with a mixture of pure gold and other metal alloys to give it a white appearance. To give the metal its bright white finish, white gold is plated with rhodium.What is Platinum?
Platinum is a naturally white metal. Unlike gold, when platinum is used in jewelry, it is generally very pure (about 95 percent). Platinum is rarer than gold, and it is also heavier and harder.What are the Differences Between White Gold and Platinum Jewelry?
Durability: Both white gold and platinum are durable metals. However, platinum is more durable than white gold because platinum is denser, difficult to scratch, and almost impossible to break.Maintenance: White gold and platinum will both require some maintenance. White gold jewelry requires rhodium plating over time as it wears. (Most of our customers get their white gold rings rhodium plated about once per year.)
Platinum, on the other hand, does not require plating. However, over time, platinum rings can develop a “patina” from small ridges on the surface. This look is often considered attractive, but it can also be quickly polished out if it is not desired.
Hypoallergenic: Platinum is a hypoallergenic metal. Gold is also hypoallergenic. However, since white gold is mixed with other metals, it is possible for white gold to cause an allergic reaction in some wearers.
Pricing: The price of platinum and white gold fluctuates with the market. At one time, platinum was much more expensive than gold, but the gap has recently become much smaller. Today, most platinum jewelry is only slightly more expensive than comparable white gold jewelry.
Is White Gold or Platinum Best for You?
Now that you know some of the key differences between white gold and platinum jewelry, how do you decide which is best for you?Start by considering what is most important to you. If you are very budget-conscious, you might want to stick with white gold. If you are willing to spend slightly more to get jewelry that is hypoallergenic, more durable, and requires less maintenance, then we recommend going with platinum.
In the end, both white gold and platinum are excellent choices for jewelry, including engagement rings and wedding bands.
