It can be challenging to decide which of these two precious metals you should use for your jewelry. At first glance, the difference between Platinum vs white gold is even more difficult to tell. Still, they both have unique features that can interest you.
There are a lot of decisions to make when choosing your jewelry pieces, especially if you want your engagement ring to stand out uniquely; for an elegant, brilliant, and lasting piece, you want to be careful with your choices, so you can be excited with the result at the end of the day.
If you find it difficult to decide between these two white metals, you have found yourself in the right place. We have made it easy to know the difference between Platinum and white gold. By the end of this article, you will make a confident choice for your engagement ring and other pieces of jewelry.
The Meaning of Platinum
Platinum is a metal used to make jewelry; it is a shiny material that is silver-grey in color. Platinum is a very rare precious metal; it is mined in South Africa, with just a few hundred tones found every year. It is, however, not used in jewelry making alone; platinum is also used in the electronic and automobile industry.
Platinum is a dense metal that wouldn’t bend out of shape easily after years of using it, especially because it is 20% denser than white gold. However, it can get scratched; you have to polish it over time to maintain its look. Platinum has some special properties that make it more valuable. It has a higher resistance to corrosion than other metals. It is less reactive than other metals; this makes it easy to use for different purposes.
On its own, Platinum is too soft and can’t survive the usual wear and tear, so it has to be formulated with an alloy. Given its composition of 95% Platinum and 5% palladium or cobalt, this composition is represented in the jewelry industry as “950 platinum”. Platinum can also compose 90% platinum and 10% other material.
The Meaning of White Gold
White gold is another metal used in making jewelry, such as an engagement ring. It is an alloy composition of pure yellow gold mixed with durable metals like copper, nickel, and zinc, making the white gold stronger and giving it its whiter color.
This gold is usually used with either a 14k, 58% gold, or 18k, 75% gold; this ensures that the white gold is more durable and scratch-resistant when mixed with other metals. White gold is of course more popular than Platinum, and it is also more affordable.
Platinum and White Gold: The Difference
Here are basic factors you need to consider before making your final decision between Platinum and white gold engagement rings or other jewelry.
Start With the Color
White gold and platinum look similar and have the same color to a person who isn’t an expert; you will probably not be able to tell the difference because they both have a lovely and brilliant white and silvery grey look.
White gold is more popular; they have been a part of our fashion trend for many years. Most people believe that white gold is actually pure white metal; this is actually not true. Instead, white gold is made from yellow gold. How is this done? White gold that is made from yellow gold is mixed with other metals and then covered in rhodium plating.
White gold is mixed with palladium alloy to get its natural white look. Palladium is a precious metal more expensive than white gold; it makes white gold more durable and does not need the usual rhodium plating
Unlike white gold, Platinum is very rare and is naturally white in color; you can decide not to mix it with an alloy, but doing so would make it more durable and more likely to last over time. Experts believe Platinum would keep its white over the years, and it is unlikely to turn and lose its metallic color.
Regardless, they both look great and have a brilliant finish.
Long Term Maintenance of the Metals
Platinum and white gold metal do not wear the same way, nor do they appear the same way once you use them over the years.
Without a doubt, White gold is a great and valuable choice; however, you need to be aware of what happens to it as time goes by to help you make a better choice. as earlier mentioned, white gold is not made out of pure gold. When making white gold, it is usually mixed with nickel, silver, or other white metal with 24k yellow gold. The white gold is then “rhodium plated” to give it its whiter look making it look similar to a platinum piece at a glance.
Here is the thing, depending on how often you wear your ring, the rhodium plating would wear off, and you will begin to notice the yellowing color on the jewelry; when you begin to see the yellow color, you have to take it back to the jeweler to have it rhodium plated again. You have to pay for this service every time you do this. If you choose to buy white gold jewelry, a big part of it is maintaining it, which might not be so convenient for you because of the cost over time.
Platinum is one of the purest metals having at least 95% Platinum. It wears away differently compared to white gold; it does not change to yellow; instead, its brilliance begins to dim and creates a natural patina. In this state, the Platinum ring looks shinier and glossy. You can take it to the jeweler to have it polished; this would restore it to its original look.
The Durability of the Metal
Durability is another factor to consider between platinum and white gold, especially if you are making them into wedding bands and engagement rings which you are likely to wear every day.
White gold is just right for everyday wear because it is mixed with other durable metals that give it more strength and make it more durable.
However, Platinum, which is heavier than gold and is more of a purer metal, can easily be bent; its density makes it prone to scratches as time goes by. Therefore, Platinum requires regular cleaning and polishing to keep its appearance smooth and shiny.
The Price Difference
There isn’t much difference between the price of Platinum and white gold; both precious metals have a high value. However, Platinum metal is more expensive than white gold for different reasons.
First, Platinum is about 40% more expensive than white gold because it is rarer than gold and can only be found in a few countries. A specific amount is mined each year. When making a piece, more Platinum is required because of its density compared to white gold, which is more of a mixture of durable metal, lowering its price and making it more affordable compared to Platinum.
Overall, buying white gold might cost you less, but it must be re-plated after at least 10 years to keep its color; on the other hand, Platinum is more expensive and requires less maintenance.
They Are More Ethical
Mining tends to harm the environment; gold mining causes harmful waste, which can affect and cause damage to our environment.
However, there are regulations in various parts of the world to ensure all practices involved in gold mining are ethical. A high standard for ensuring that only sustainable mining practices are carried out is likely to see the price of your jewelry go up.
The same can be said for platinum mining; it is not the best thing for the environment. Platinum is rare, and due to this, the process of mining and platinum refinement causes a lot of waste.
At Clean Origin, whenever possible our precious metals, including white gold and platinum, are recycled and certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council. This way, we avoid mining all together, and still provide you with the best quality jewelry.
The Popularity of the Metal
The popularity of the metals is more often than not determined by what is in vogue. White gold is popular, but Platinum is more popular, especially for engagement rings. The reason is not too difficult to figure out; people tend to appreciate rare and durable materials.
Platinum engagement rings also can look more elegant than white gold engagement rings. Nevertheless, they are a show stopped whenever you have either metal on.
Platinum vs White Gold: Other Considerations
We are not done yet; just before you head out to get that lovely engagement ring with the above information, there is more we have for you to know; here are other helpful tips to help you with your final decision.
Do You Have Sensitive Skin? Choose Platinum
White gold contains nickel; nickel is part of the white gold composition, and some people are allergic to nickel. So, if you want to wear white gold, make sure you do not have allergies to nickel.
If you have sensitive skin, Platinum instead of white gold would be a great choice for you.
A Good Jeweler Will Make a Good Jewelry
Finding a good jeweler is very important if you want a good result. Do your research, and do not hurry to make decisions. Remember, this is a big deal for you, and you want to avoid costly mistakes. An honest and good jeweler will help you make all the right choices and help you achieve a good result. It is also important that you stick to what you can afford. If you have questions schedule a virtual appointment with one of our jewelry specialists today.
Matching Metals Looks Better
Having the same ring made out of the same metal is a brilliant idea. This way, your band and ring combination will always look very effortless. Use the same metal for your wedding band and engagement ring; it will give it a more fashionable and elegant look. Regardless, it is still up to you to decide the combination that works for you.
Is Platinum Superior to White Gold?
Nope. Platinum has fewer long-term costs than gold, however, it looks very comparable to white gold. This metal is not required considering that 14K and 18K are durable. Platinum scratches and requires more care in use. White gold is an iconic look that offers an amazing combination of materials. White gold is much cheaper and is the ideal choice for fine jewelry.
Platinum Engagement Rings
Platinum-based wedding rings are a very good alternative to traditional styles. The glossy finish resembles white gold in color. Platinum jewelry has been deemed a durable metal used in wedding bands and engagement rings. Unlike gold, it will never rust and requires little maintenance over the long term. The steel is also much heavier than other steel in strength and toughness. The platinum setting feels luxurious and helps ground your rings.
Why You Should Choose the Platinum Engagement Ring
- You don’t mind the maintenance that comes with wearing platinum rings.
- If you have sensitive skin or have nickel allergies.
- You don’t want a ring that gets easily dented.
- Platinum rings give you the prestige you desire.
- You prefer a ring that has a higher value.
White Gold Engagement Rings
Gold wedding bands are a common wedding choice, especially white gold. Unlike other names, it is more like silver. White gold is available in various forms and sizes. White gold is a popular choice for engagement rings.
This precious metal is popular and gives your ring a versatile and elegant look. It is a good choice for modern styles and vintage rings, made possible because of the metal’s broad appeal. White gold is a good choice for any engagement ring setting.
Why You Should Choose the White Gold Engagement Ring
- It’s a more affordable ring.
- You like the Sparkling look that rhodium-plated white gold ring gives.
- It’s a ring that doesn’t scratch easily.
- You want a ring you can wear every day without it washing off.
