Picking the right metal is deceptively tricky. But when you’re on a quest for the perfect piece of jewellery, especially when it comes to meaningful tokens like wedding and engagement rings, two precious metals often come to the forefront: platinum and white gold.
Both metals are cherished for their beauty and durability, sharing a lustrous appeal and a prestigious status in the world of fine jewellery. However, they diverge in aspects such as colour—with platinum offering a deep, rich white and white gold a bright, reflective sheen thanks to rhodium plating—and cost, with platinum generally commanding a higher price due to its rarity and density.
Just like platinum is often confused with silver, the uninitiated often mistake platinum for white gold. To help untangle their similarities and differences, this guide delves into the nuances of platinum and white gold, helping you make an informed decision for your next significant piece.
In a nutshell: what are the differences between platinum and white gold?
Platinum and white gold differ in several key areas, including colour, purity, cost, weight, durability, and hypoallergenic properties. While platinum is naturally white and incredibly pure, white gold is created by alloying yellow gold with white metals and coating it in rhodium for a bright finish.
Platinum's density and weight give it a substantial feel, whereas white gold is lighter. Over time, white gold may require replating, potentially adding to its cost, whereas platinum's main investment is upfront.
Durability-wise, platinum is more prone to developing a patina, while white gold may wear down, only retaining its shine with maintenance. For those with sensitive skin, platinum's hypoallergenic nature makes it a superior choice.
Colour
Comparing platinum vs white gold by colour, you notice platinum is a deep, rich white that doesn't fade or tarnish over time. This natural lustre and radiance make it a sought-after choice for jewellery that stands the test of time.
White gold, by contrast, boasts a similar shiny white appearance thanks to its rhodium plating. It might look the same at first glance, but this coating may wear off, necessitating reapplication to maintain its gleam.
Purity
Platinum's purity is one of its hallmark traits. Platinum jewellery typically consists of 95% platinum and 5% other alloys. This high level of purity contributes to its hypoallergenic properties and substantial feel.
By definition, white gold is impure since pure gold is only ever yellow. White gold's purity varies depending on the karat, with common varieties including 14K and 18K, made by alloying gold with metals like palladium or silver.
Cost
Cost is one of the easiest ways to tell these mental apart when comparing platinum vs white gold on price. But maybe not how you think.
Initially, platinum tends to be more expensive than white gold due to its rarity and higher density. However, the need for periodic replating of white gold can add to its long-term cost, making platinum a potentially more cost-effective option over time.
Understanding the cost difference between white gold and platinum is crucial for budgeting for your jewellery purchase.
Weight
Platinum's density makes it significantly heavier than white gold of the same size. That’s a quality that many associate with luxury and durability. This weight contributes to the overall feel and wearability of platinum jewellery, offering a sense of permanence and security on the finger.
The substantial heft of platinum not only enhances its feel on the skin. It also serves as a constant reminder of the metal's inherent value and the craftsmanship that goes into each piece.
For those who prioritise the tactile experience of their jewellery, platinum's weight ensures that each moment worn is imbued with a sense of significance and depth, elevating everyday wear into a luxury experience.
Durability and hardness
Is platinum harder than white gold? In short, yes.
While both metals are durable enough for everyday wear, platinum's hardness allows it to withstand scratches and dents better than white gold. However, platinum will develop a patina over time, a characteristic that many cherish for the storied look it gives the jewellery.
White gold, meanwhile, requires more maintenance to keep its shine but is less prone to visible wear thanks to its hard alloy components and protective rhodium coating.
Hypoallergenic properties
Metal allergies are typically caused by reactions to nickel and other alloys used in jewellery, leading to skin irritation. Pure platinum, known for its hypoallergenic properties, is a safer choice for those with sensitive skin.
Unlike white gold, which may contain nickel to achieve its colour and strength, platinum is usually 95% pure, significantly reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions. This makes platinum a comfortable option for everyday wear, ensuring elegance without compromising skin health.
Ability to Resize
Here’s somewhere where platinum might be more bother. Both platinum and white gold can be resized, but platinum requires a skilled jeweller due to its density and melting point. White gold is more straightforward to resize, but you need to consider the need for replating after alterations.
Can you wear white gold and platinum together?
All their other qualities aside, what jewellery often comes down to is appearance, so it’s worth asking the question: if they look so similar, do they mix?
Well, mixing white gold and platinum in jewellery, such as pairing an engagement ring with a wedding band, is technically possible but not recommended. The harder platinum can wear down the softer white gold over time, especially in rings that are worn daily.
However, if you’re really keen to wear them, soldering two different metal rings together can mitigate this issue.
Shop pure platinum and gold jewellery at 7879
Ready to invest in platinum? Our collection of platinum rings offers timeless elegance and durability, making them the perfect choice for wedding bands and engagement rings.
For those considering gold as an alternative, explore our range of 24k gold jewellery, which provides the unmatched warmth and classic beauty of gold without the need for alloying found in white gold.