White gold or platinum: which metal to choose?
White gold or platinum? At first glance, white gold and platinum look very similar, but they differ in many ways. In this article, we'll explain the differences between these two precious metals to help you make your choice. If you're looking for jewelry and are hesitating between platinum and white gold, you'll see that many factors can be decisive.
What is white gold?
White gold is composed of 18-karat yellow gold with the addition of 25% other metals such as pure silver or palladium. It is the addition of these metals that gives it its gray color and its durability. White gold has a very bright shine achieved through a rhodium plating applied in a very thin layer to the jewelry.
What is platinum?
Unlike white gold, platinum is not an alloy. It is a pure material that is naturally white. Platinum jewelry is composed of 95% platinum and 5% other metals.
Platinum or white gold: what are the differences?
To choose between platinum and white gold, you need to know their differences, which lie in color, maintenance, price, composition, purity and culture.
The color
The color of white gold is created by mixing gold with silver, nickel, palladium, and/or manganese. There is no such thing as pure white gold. The precious metal is often coated with an additional layer of rhodium for a whiter, shinier finish. This process must be repeated periodically, otherwise the color will revert to its primary ingredient, yellow gold. Platinum, on the other hand, has a naturally white color and does not turn yellow, as white gold jewelry does over time.
It may seem that white gold and platinum are the same color, but they are different. White gold has the distinctive color of silver, while platinum is grayish. It is recommended not to use the two precious metals together. For example, if you choose a diamond engagement ring in white gold, it is best not to choose platinum wedding bands.
The interview
Unlike white gold, which requires polishing every six months, platinum is a maintenance-free metal. Regular cleaning at home combined with an annual polish will keep your ring as brilliant as the day you first tried it on.
The difference between the two metals lies in their wear. A white gold ring loses its original rhodium plating, so the piece tends to turn yellowish.
Over time, platinum discolors differently. It doesn't turn yellow, but begins to lose its glossy finish and acquire a more matte, natural patina. Some people like this vintage finish on platinum jewelry set with a diamond because it accentuates the brilliance of the gemstone.
The price
The main advantage of choosing a white gold ring over platinum is price. Platinum is rarer and therefore more expensive. Only 160 tons of platinum are mined each year, which is very little compared to the 1,500 tons of gold. Platinum is also heavier than gold, and since the price of a precious metal is determined by its weight, it's not surprising that platinum is more expensive.
The composition and purity
Most white gold jewelry is available in 14 karat (58.3% pure gold) or 18 karat (75% pure gold). The higher the karat number, the more pure gold the piece contains. Gold in its purest form is 24 karat. However, it is too soft to make jewelry, so it must be alloyed with other metals.
Platinum is a very durable precious metal. It is stronger and heavier than gold and therefore not inexpensive. On the other hand, platinum jewelry is quite heavy, although this is a matter of personal preference. If you are allergic to nickel, platinum will be the best choice. An alloy of yellow gold and nickel is often used to produce white gold. Platinum is purer and considered hypoallergenic.
Culture
Gold symbolizes wealth, wisdom, and divinity. Golden years refer to happy times and a golden wedding anniversary, the 50th wedding anniversary. Gold can be considered the most traditional precious metal, especially for wedding rings. Gold is very durable and symbolizes eternal love. As for medals, gold is always associated with first prizes.
In conclusion, whether it's white gold or platinum, both options are precious, but it's important to be well-informed about the advantages and disadvantages of both precious metals before making a decision about your jewelry choice. For the best advice, feel free to visit our Bollwerk Joailliers jewelry and watch store in Mulhouse.
FAQ
What is the difference between platinum and white gold?
Unlike white gold, platinum is naturally white. However, it is more expensive and heavier to wear. White gold is less expensive, has a brighter, whiter hue, and is better suited for creating jewelry set with precious stones because it is easier to work with.
Which is more expensive, gold or platinum?
Platinum is more expensive than white gold because it requires more work in the workshop to make jewelry such as rings, wedding bands or solitaire rings.
Why is platinum called white gold?
Platinum is called white gold because the two metals are very similar in color when used in jewelry. However, platinum is more expensive and rarer than white gold.
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