The main difference between platinum and white gold is in their composition. Platinum is a pure metal, while white gold is alloyed with other metals, such as palladium or silver. As a result, platinum is more expensive than white gold. Still, both metals are durable and have a beautiful white color that makes them popular choices for jewelry. When deciding between the two, it’s important to consider your budget and the type of jewelry you’re looking for.
There are a lot of decisions to make when choosing your jewelry pieces, especially if you want your engagement ring to stand out uniquely. You want to be careful with your choices so you can be excited with the result at the end of the day.
Platinum and white gold are two white metals that are often used in jewelry. If you are having trouble deciding between the two, this article will help you know the difference so that you can make a confident choice.
What is Platinum?
Platinum, a metal that is naturally white, is mostly used in its nearly pure form for jewelry, from 95-98%. It is almost indistinguishable from white gold and will keep its appearance for many years if both are properly maintained and cared for.
Platinum engagement rings cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000 depending on the style, vendor, and amount of platinum used.
There are some things to consider before buying a platinum ring, such as the pros and cons. Platinum is a very strong and durable metal, so it is good for everyday wear. However, it is also one of the most expensive metals. You will need to decide if the increased cost is worth it for you.
The pros of platinum include that it’s:
- Hypoallergenic.
- Rarer than gold.
- Often considered a symbol of prestige (i.e. “platinum” credit cards have greater privileges than “gold” cards).
- Heavier and more durable than white gold.
- Tends to look best with fair and rosy skin tones.
The cons of platinum include that it:
- Is significantly more expensive than white gold even though it looks nearly identical.
- Will get scratched and dull over time.
- Requires cleaning and polishing every few years, although this strips away some of the platinum.
What is White Gold?
White gold is an alloy of gold and other strong metals, like zinc, nickel, and copper, which is what gives it extra strength and its whiter color. Most white gold rings are made with 14K or 18K gold. 14 karat gold is 58.3% gold and 18 karat gold is 75% gold.
Platinum vs. White Gold
There are some basic things you need to think about before you decide whether to get a Platinum or white gold engagement ring or some other kind of jewelry.
Start With the Color
Both white gold and platinum have a lovely, brilliant white/silvery-gray appearance that is indistinguishable to the untrained eye.
White gold has been a popular part of our fashion trend for many years. Most people believe that white gold is actually pure white metal; however, this is not true. White gold is made from yellow gold mixed with other metals and then covered in rhodium plating.
. An alloy of palladium is mixed with white gold to give it its natural white appearance. Palladium is a precious metal that is more expensive than white gold and makes it more durable. It also does not need the usual rhodium plating.
Platinum is more rare than white gold and is naturally white in color. You can choose not to mix it with an alloy, but this 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.
Both of them look great and have a brilliant finish.
Platinum vs White Gold Price
The main difference between white gold and platinum is only found in the higher price of platinum. Though similar in price per gram, more platinum is required to make a ring because it is denser. Platinum rings end up being considerably more expensive than white gold rings.
Platinum vs White Gold Composition
The difference between 18 karat and 14 karat gold jewelry is the amount of gold they contain. 18 karat gold jewelry is made of 75% gold, while 14 karat gold jewelry contains 58.3% gold. The rest of the jewelry is made up of durable metals like nickel, zinc, and copper, with a rhodium plating. This is because gold by itself is relatively soft.
Although platinum is more pure than gold, it is not as strong. Platinum is the heaviest and densest precious metal, however it is not as strong as gold.
Platinum vs White Gold Color and Care
Platinum and white gold are both very light in color and it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. For example, these two rings from James Allen are both white gold and cushion cut, but the ring on the left is platinum while the ring on the right is white gold. Alternatively, yellow and rose gold are much easier to distinguish from platinum and white gold because they have a very different color.
Though platinum is more scratch-resistant than lower karat gold, it requires more frequent cleaning and polishing to maintain its lustrous appearance. In comparison, gold will need to be re-polished and re-plated less often than platinum.
The Durability of the Metal
How long each metal will last is something to think about when choosing between platinum and white gold for wedding bands or engagement rings, which are typically worn every day.
White gold is a good option for everyday wear because it is mixed with other strong metals that make it more resistant to damage.
Platinum is more pure than gold but it is also more susceptible to scratches and bends. Over time it will require regular cleaning and polishing to maintain its appearance.
The Price Difference
There is only a slight difference in price between Platinum and white gold, as both are valuable metals. However, Platinum is more expensive than white gold for different reasons.
First, platinum is 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, so when making a piece, more platinum is required because of its density compared to white gold. White gold is more affordable than platinum because it is a mixture of durable metal.
If you’re looking for a metal that will last longer and require less maintenance, platinum may be a better choice for you, even though it comes at a higher cost. White gold, on the other hand, is less expensive up front but will need to be replated every 10 years to keep its color.
They Are More Ethical
Mining can cause a lot of damage to the environment. It can create harmful waste that can contaminate the air, water, and land. This can cause problems for plants, animals, and humans.
There are regulations around the world to ensure that all gold mining practices are ethical. If these regulations are followed, the price of jewelry will likely increase.
While platinum is a valuable resource, the process of mining and refining it causes a significant amount of environmental degradation.
At Clean Origin, we recycle precious metals whenever possible, including white gold and platinum. We are certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council, which allows us to avoid mining all together. This allows us to provide you with the best quality jewelry.
The Popularity of the Metal
The popularity of metals is often determined by what is in style. White gold is popular, but platinum is more popular, especially for engagement rings. The reason is that people tend to appreciate rare and durable materials.
Platinum engagement rings look more elegant than white gold engagement rings but either metal will stop people in their tracks.
Long Term Maintenance of the Metals
While platinum and white gold may look similar, they wear and age differently. Platinum is more durable and will retain its original appearance for longer, while white gold may start to look yellow over time.
The thing is, rhodium is a rare and expensive metal, so the plating does not last forever. In time, the white gold will start to show through the rhodium and will have a more yellowish color to it There is no doubt that white gold is a great and valuable choice; however, you need to be aware of the fact that it will start to show its yellowish color over time as the rhodium plating wears off.
The text is saying that if you buy white gold jewelry, you will have to pay to have it re-plated with rhodium every so often, which can be costly.
Platinum is one of the purest metals and contains at least 95% platinum. It wears down differently than white gold and does not change to yellow over time. Instead, its brilliance begins to dim and it develops a natural patina. In this state, the platinum ring looks shinier and glossier. You can take it to a jeweler to have it polished and restore it to its original look.
Platinum Engagement Rings
If you’re looking for a beautiful, durable metal for your wedding ring or engagement ring, consider platinum. It has a white gold-like color and is much tougher and higher quality than other jewelry metals. Plus, it won’t rust and will require little maintenance over the years.
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
Many couples choose white gold for their wedding bands because it is similar in color to silver but does not require as much maintenance. White gold is available in a variety of styles and sizes, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
This metal is popular for rings because it is elegant and versatile. It can be used for modern or vintage styles.
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.
Conclusion
The main types of metals used for diamond rings are gold, platinum, and silver. You can choose a metal based on its color, hardness, and price.
Although white gold and platinum may appear similar to the naked eye, platinum is significantly more expensive. It is often advised to spend a greater portion of your budget on the diamond rather than the platinum setting.
The color of gold you choose is a matter of personal preference, skin tone, and current fashion. There is no definitive answer as to which color gold is best (yellow, rose, or white).
The short answer to “Is platinum better than gold?” is “No.” Platinum and white gold are virtually indistinguishable.
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