Platinum vs. White Gold: What's the Difference?

Every couple has an exclusive love story, engraved on the ring of each other's love declaration, let each other always remember the love declaration, this is unique to two people's language. When choosing an engagement ring or wedding ring for your partner, you may want to make everything perfect. There are two popular choices: Platinum vs. White Gold. What is the difference, and which is better for a men's or women's ring? Read on to learn more about the differences between platinum and white gold before you make your choice!

• What is Platinum?
• What is White Gold?
• Platinum vs. White Gold: What's the Difference?
• Platinum & White Gold Pros and Cons Summary
• Summary
• Platinum vs. White Gold FAQs

What is Platinum?

Platinum is a precious metal naturally known for its white metallic color. It is so dense, malleable, and corrosion-resistant that it is suitable for long-lasting wear. It is more expensive than gold because of its rarity and density. Platinum (which contains 95% pure) is often alloyed with other metals (about 5%), such as iridium or ruthenium, to increase its strength and durability for use in engagement or wedding rings.

What is White Gold?

White gold is a metal alloy created by mixing pure gold with other white or silver color metals, including silver, palladium, or nickel. It is often plated with a rhodium coating for more whiteness and luster. White gold is generally more affordable than platinum but still offers a similar white appearance.

Platinum vs. White Gold: What's the Difference?

Platinum vs. White Gold: Composition

• Platinum is a white metal by nature. However, it is typically 95%-98% platinum purity used in jewelry, with the remaining percentage being other platinum group metals such as iridium, ruthenium, or palladium.
• White gold is an alloy of yellow gold mixed with other metals, such as silver, palladium, or nickel, giving it a white or silver color. The most common gold purities used in white gold jewelry are 14 karat white gold (58.5% pure gold), 18 karat white gold (75% pure gold), and 24 karat white gold (100% pure gold).

Platinum or white gold metals for engagement rings and wedding rings are not pure but mixed with other metals for better use. Platinum jewelry is often mixed with iridium, ruthenium, or palladium. White gold jewelry is often mixed with silver, palladium, nickel, or zinc.

White Gold vs. Platinum: Color

Both platinum and white gold have a similar white appearance. But upon closer inspection, there are subtle differences.

• Platinum is a naturally occurring silvery-white metal, often considered the purest of all precious metals. Platinum does not need to be plated with other white metals to achieve its white color, and it will not tarnish or fade over time.
• White gold has a white or silver color but is not naturally white like platinum. The white color of white gold is achieved by alloying pure gold with white metals. White gold without rhodium, which is used to enhance its whiteness and luster, can have a slightly yellowish tint. However, white gold with rhodium plating can wear off over time, allowing the natural yellow color of yellow gold to show through.

In general, platinum is naturally silver-white and doesn't need plating to achieve white color, while white gold can have a slightly yellowish tone, and is often rhodium-plated for more whiteness and finish.

Platinum vs. White Gold: Durability

• Platinum is one of the strongest and most durable precious metals. It is dense, durable, and corrosion resistant, making it suitable for engagement or wedding rings, for everyday wear, and for maintaining its luster and appearance.
• White gold is a metal alloy, and the mixed metals make it stronger and more durable than 24k white gold. However, compared to platinum, white gold is not as durable as platinum. It is more likely to scratch or bend. In addition, white gold used to be plated with rhodium, which can wear off over time. However, it can be replicated to restore the silver-white appearance.

In summary, platinum is stronger and more durable than white gold. Platinum is suitable for daily wear without scratching or bending, while white gold tends to do so. In addition, the rhodium plating on white gold can wear off over time. It must be re-plated to maintain its white color.

White Gold vs. Platinum: Weight

• Platinum is a dense and heavy metal with a density of approximately 21.45 g/cm³, which gives it a substantial and luxurious feel and weight when worn as jewelry. Platinum is generally heavier than white gold.
• White gold is denser and heavier than pure gold, but less dense and lighter than platinum with a density of approximately 12.7 to 14.0 g/cc. This makes it lighter and more comfortable to wear.

Platinum is denser and heavier than white gold, and white gold is denser and heavier than pure gold. If you prefer a substantial and luxurious feel, choose platinum for your engagement ring or wedding band. If you prefer a comfortable feel, choose white gold for your engagement or wedding ring.

Platinum vs. White Gold: Price

• Platinum is a rare and precious metal that is more expensive than white gold of similar design and weight. The rarity of platinum, as well as its density and durability, contribute to its higher price. It is often considered to be a luxury metal.
• White gold is a less expensive alternative to platinum. The price of a white gold ring is influenced by the purity of the gold used in the alloy (e.g. 14k or 18k) and the current market price of gold. However, there is an additional cost that you should consider, which is the plating cost. White gold may incur additional costs for rhodium plating over time.

White gold is less expensive than platinum. It is a popular choice for those looking for a precious metal option at a lower price point. It can also provide a similar white color and look luxurious as same as platinum.

White Gold vs. Platinum: Popularity

White gold and platinum are both popular choices for fine jewelry, each with its unique appeal and characteristics that appeal to different preferences. However, white gold engagement rings remain a popular option due to its affordability and versatility. Many engagement rings or wedding bands on the market are made of white gold.

But the final decision comes down to personal preference and style. White gold is favored for its affordability, versatility, and modern look, while platinum is prized for its luxury, durability, and prestige. The choice between white gold and platinum in terms of popularity ultimately comes down to personal taste, budget, and lifestyle considerations.

Platinum vs. White Gold: Care

• Platinum engagement ring requires less maintenance than white gold. It is relatively easy to clean. Just wipe it with a soft, damp cloth. This will remove dirt and fingerprints. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Will white gold tarnish? Yes, it will. White gold engagement ring may require more care than platinum. Most white gold jewelry is rhodium-plated to give it a brighter, whiter appearance. In addition to regular cleaning, white gold also needs to be rhodium-plated periodically because the rhodium coating can wear off over time.

Both platinum and white gold are durable metals that require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning and occasional rhodium plating can help maintain their appearance and luster over time.

Platinum & White Gold Pros and Cons Summary

Platinum Pros

• Rarity: Platinum is a rare and precious metal, making it exclusive and expensive.
• Purity: Platinum used in jewelry is typically 95-98% pure. This makes it hypoallergenic and suitable for those with sensitive skin.
• Durability: Platinum is extremely durable and resistant to scratches and dents.
• Density: Platinum has a substantial and luxurious feel and does not require rhodium plating.

Platinum Cons

• Price: Platinum is more expensive than white gold.
• Weight: Platinum is heavier than white gold.

White Gold Pros

• Affordability: White gold is generally less expensive than platinum. It offers a precious metal option at a lower price point.
• Comfort: White gold is lighter than platinum. This makes it comfortable for everyday wear.
• Availability: White gold can be customized with different alloys to achieve different shades of white to suit personal preferences.

White Gold Cons

• Maintenance: White gold may need to be rhodium-plated periodically, as it can tarnish when the rhodium coating wears off.
• Allergies: Nickel-based or other allergenic metals in white gold may cause allergies in some people.

Summary

After reading this help-you-decide guide, you may have a final decision between luxurious platinum engagement rings or vintage white gold engagements. If you have an ideal engagement ring but not in your favorite metal option, Juyoyo offers a customization service to personalize your unique engagement rings according to your own specifications! Feel free to email us!

Platinum vs. White Gold FAQs

Why is Platinum More Expensive than White Gold?

Platinum is more expensive than white gold due to its rarity, purity, density, durability, and hypoallergenic properties.

How to Tell if A Ring is Platinum or White Gold?

The easy way to distinguish is to look for hallmarks or stamps inside the ring band. Platinum jewelry is typically marked with "PLAT," "Pt," or "950" to indicate its platinum content, while white gold jewelry is usually stamped with "14K," "18K," or "585".

Is White Gold Hypoallergenic?

While gold itself is not a common allergen, as time goes by, the metals used in the alloy may show through due to the rhodium plating wear off, especially nickel, which can cause skin reactions in some individuals who are sensitive or allergic to these metals. But you can choose other nickel-free white gold.

Is Platinum Hypoallergenic?

Yes, platinum is hypoallergenic. That’s because platinum engagement rings contain almost 95% platinum and are less likely to cause skin reactions or allergies.

Does Platinum Scratch Easier than Gold?

No, platinum does not scratch easier than gold. Platinum is more durable, long-lasting,  and scratch-resistant than white gold due to its higher density and hardness.

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