Platinum Vs White Gold- Which One Will You Choose?
The confusion is perpetual when it comes to engagement rings and wedding bands. You have to consider options in style, design, and quality and ensure that it fits your budget too.
Apart from the design and style, there is one more option to consider while selecting the jewelry. It is about metal! Will you go with white gold or platinum?
We are here to guide you in making the best choice.
Let us know the difference between platinum and white gold.
Platinum Vs White Gold- An Introduction
Platinum, a rare element, is one of the six naturally occurring isotopes found in the Earth’s crust. It exists as secondary deposits in the alluvial sands of various rivers. The pre-Columbian South American natives produced artifacts from it. Now, it is mined from South Africa, India, and the Ural Mountains in Russia.
White gold was originally started to imitate platinum. The gold is mixed with other metals such as nickel, zinc, silver, or palladium to make it hard. The color variation is induced by the metal mixture. Rhodium is plated on gold to give it the shine of platinum and make it more durable.
FACT: Did you know that Platinum is inspired by the Spanish word Platino which means little silver?
Platinum Vs White Gold- Durability
Platinum has excellent corrosion resistance properties. Its physical characteristics and chemical stability make it the perfect choice in fine jewelry like wedding bands and engagement rings.
Platinum is strong and hence more durable than white gold. It is the best in diamond rings because the prongs hold the stone in place securely. In fact, many jewelers prefer to have platinum prongs in engagement rings made of white gold.
There is also another crucial difference in the surface scratches. When white gold jewelry is scratched, the surface rhodium is lost. Also, over time, the rhodium plating wears down, exposing the gold inside. It becomes necessary to polish it again.
But when platinum jewelry is scratched, the platinum is not lost. It just moves to the side and develops a ridge giving it a patina or an antique finish. While polishing, it is possible to restore the platinum to its original place. Thus the platinum is not lost like in the white gold. Over time, platinum also fades but develops a natural patina finish. You can prefer to keep it this way in engagement rings because it enhances the sparkle of diamonds. Or else, you can polish to bring back the shine of platinum. Whatever you do, your platinum jewelry lasts for generations.
FACT: The Queen Mother’s Crown, is the only crown for a British king or queen made of a platinum frame.
Platinum Vs White Gold- Composition
While making gold jewelry like engagement rings or wedding bands, 18 Karat (75% gold) or 14 Karat (58.3% gold) is used. Other durable metals like nickel, silver, and zinc are mixed with gold to form a strong alloy and get the silver color. Also, a rhodium plating ensures that the gold gets its silvery shine and imitates platinum in its looks.
On the other hand, platinum metal is strong and does not need to be mixed with other metals to form an alloy. But it is malleable, which means it can be easily bent or flexed. Hence it is preferred for occasional use. But gold is durable for everyday wear.
FACT: Platinum is hypoallergenic. It does not cause you to have metal allergies.
Platinum Vs White Gold- Price
Platinum is found in native deposits in South Africa and Russia. Only a few hundred metric tons of platinum are produced per year while 2700 metric tons of gold are mined annually. It is a precious commodity and enjoys high valuations.
The price of platinum is 40-50% more expensive compared to gold. Also while making jewelry, more platinum is required since it is denser than gold. So, the same engagement ring would contain more platinum than gold when measured by weight.
FACT: Sensing the rarity of platinum, King Louis XV of France declared it the only metal fit for a king in the 18th century.
Platinum Vs White Gold- Popular Choice
Platinum is always regarded a notch higher than gold. The rarity and price are factors that have contributed to its popularity. The platinum standard is considered better than gold.
When opting for wedding bands and engagement rings, many prefer to have them made in platinum. Even though it is expensive as an investment, it is cost-effective in the long run when compared to white gold.
Wrapping Up The Platinum And White Gold Difference
Now that you know the platinum and white gold differences, we hope it is easy for you to make the choice. If you have a limited budget, you can opt for white gold. If you can afford to buy platinum jewelry, go for it. Wedding bands and diamond engagement rings of platinum are durable and lasts for a lifetime!