White Gold vs Platinum: Is Platinum Better Than Gold?

When it comes to choosing the perfect metal for your ring, the decision can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for you. Two of the most popular metals for engagement rings and wedding bands are white gold and platinum. Is white gold or platinum better? While they may look similar, there are distinct differences between platinum and white gold. In this blog post, we will explore white gold and platinum in detail. Make an informed decision on which metal is best for your ring.

What Is White Gold?

White gold is quite a popular metal choice for engagement and wedding rings and jewelry in general. White gold is actually non-existent in nature. White gold is a mixture of metals. White gold is mixed with 24k pure yellow gold and white metals such as silver, palladium, or nickel. The amount of pure gold mixed with the white metals determines the gold content or karat of the gold. The most common karats for white gold are 14k and 18k. White gold was invented in the 19th century. It became commercially available in 1912 in Pforzheim, Germany. It gained popularity in the mid-1920s as a low-cost substitute for platinum.

In its original state, white gold has a slightly yellowish tinge in color. In order to have it look bright white like platinum, white gold is electroplated plated in rhodium. Rhodium is a very expensive precious metal in the platinum family. The rhodium finish electronically deposits a thin layer of the rhodium on top of the white gold, providing a rich white luster and enhanced durability. As a result, white gold has a lustrous appearance, with a protective coating that mitigates scratches and wear. The price of gold is less expensive than platinum because white gold is a lighter metal than platinum and platinum usually has a much higher content of precious metal than white gold.

What Is Platinum?

Platinum is a rare and precious metal that is known for its durability and luster. Platinum is naturally white and pure platinum develops a patina over time. It does not require rhodium plating to maintain its color. Platinum is denser and heavier than white gold. This makes it more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

What Is The Difference Between White Gold And Platinum?

One of the main differences between white gold and platinum is their composition. White gold is made by mixing pure gold with gold alloys, while platinum is a naturally occurring pure white metal. Platinum is denser and heavier than white gold. This makes it more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Since platinum is hypoallergenic, consequently it is a great choice for people with sensitive skin.

Pros And Cons Of White Gold vs. Platinum

White gold offers a range of advantages and disadvantages. One of the main advantages of 14k and 18k white gold is that it is more affordable than platinum. White gold is also a popular choice because it is versatile and can be easily customized. However, white gold does require some added maintenance to maintain its color and durability. Overtime, the rhodium finish can wear down, which reveals the bare metal that appears yellowish in color. In addition, white gold can also cause skin irritation in some people who are allergic to nickel.

Platinum also offers a range of advantages and disadvantages. One of the main advantages of platinum is its durability and resistance to wear and tear. Platinum is the only hypoallergenic metal. However, platinum is more expensive than white gold, which can be a disadvantage for those on a budget. Platinum is heavier than white gold, which can make it less comfortable to wear for some people. It also takes a higher skill level to work in platinum.

Why Choose A White Gold Engagement Ring?

A white gold ring is a popular choice for engagement rings. It is versatile and can be easily customized. It is also more affordable than platinum, which makes it a great choice for those on a budget. White gold can also be easily matched with other jewelry. As a result, it is a great addition for those who like to mix and match their accessories.

Why Choose A Platinum Engagement Ring?

Platinum is a popular choice for engagement rings because of its durability and resistance to wear and tear. Platinum is hypoallergenic, which makes it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. A platinum ring is the only alternative metal for someone who is highly allergic. Platinum is a naturally white metal, therefore it does not require plating to maintain its color. A desired platinum patina will develop over time. Platinum is a popular choice for those who prefer a heavier and more substantial ring.

Final Thoughts on White Gold vs Platinum

Choosing the perfect metal for your ring is a personal choice that depends on your preferences and budget. 14K white gold and platinum are both popular choices for engagement and wedding rings, but they have distinct differences. The cost of white gold is more affordable and versatile, while platinum is more durable and hypoallergenic. We hope this post helps you decide between platinum and white gold. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what is most important to you.

Here at Ziamond we work in both 14K and 18K white gold as well as platinum. While white gold is super popular, platinum is popular for those who have always worn platinum or aspire to wear platinum. Our skilled jewelers are experienced in working with these precious metals and our knowledgeable staff can discuss the benefits of platinum or white gold should you have any questions. Visit Ziamond for all your platinum jewelry and white gold jewelry needs.

FAQs about White Gold and Platinum

Which is better: white gold or platinum?

Both white gold and platinum have their own unique properties. What is "better" depends on your personal preferences and needs. White gold is created by mixing pure gold with other metals. Silver, nickel, or palladium are used to achieve its white color. Platinum, on the other hand, is a naturally white metal. Platinum is generally considered more durable, hypoallergenic, and resistant to tarnish compared to white gold. However, white gold can be more affordable and easier to work with in terms of jewelry design.

Is platinum more valuable than white gold?

Platinum is generally more valuable than white gold due to its rarity and density and high content of pure metal. Platinum is a precious metal that is scarcer than gold. This contributes to its higher price. Additionally, platinum is denser and requires more pure metal to make a piece of jewelry compared to white gold.

Can people tell the difference between white gold and platinum?

In most cases, it can be difficult for people to tell the difference between white gold and platinum by just looking at them. Both metals have a similar appearance. This is especially noticeable when polished and used in jewelry. However, platinum has a slightly darker and more grayish hue compared to white gold.

Why is platinum cheaper than white gold?

Contrary to the statement provided, platinum is generally more expensive than white gold. This is due to its scarcity and higher production costs. Platinum is a rarer metal. It requires more labor and resources to extract and refine compared to gold. Additionally, platinum's higher density means that more metal is needed to make the same piece of jewelry. This further contributes to its higher price.