Gold is yellow. White gold is has very high reflectivity and therefore shines much brighter and whiter when new. So, two brand new, unworn rings, one platinum and one 18ct white gold would look very similar, indeed, many people would find it difficult to choose between them. We have often been asked by customers what the differences are between white gold and platinum. Platinum is somewhat whiter, somewhat stronger, and definitely more expensive than white gold. The greatest contrasts among platinum and white gold are that platinum is a normally white metal and is more thick and sturdy. Platinum is purer than white gold. White gold VS platinum, what is the difference? Gold and platinum are the two most commonly used metals for engagement and wedding rings. In a way this is true, but not exactly correct. The main advantage of white gold over platinum is that it is much more affordable. Read our comprehensive Hallmarking article if you’d like to learn more. Platinum is a naturally occurring white metal. On this scale, 24K is the maximum and it represents pure gold. However, as we’ve already covered, pure gold is too soft for use in jewellery. While the key differences between these two precious metals are composition and price, they look nearly identical to the naked eye. What is Garnet? Your Wedding and Engagement Ring On Which Finger? He said to even test it he would have to remove the crown away from the yellow gold band because with them together it would give a false reading. This video discusses the differences between platinum and white gold: What factors have created this difference? What Type of Engagement Ring Is Best? For this reason, both yellow gold and white gold have to be mixed with harder alloy metals, to make them more rigid and durable in jewellery. While platinum is naturally white, gold is naturally yellow. Wh… What is White Gold White gold is made by mixing about 75% of yellow gold with elements such as silver and palladium to make up to the rest of the 25%. Differences Between White Gold and Platinum. We have often been asked by customers what the differences are between white gold and platinum. This process is called "flotation" or "mineral beneficialness". White gold has the same properties as yellow gold. Effectively your net platinum weight will not change over time, due to scratching. Platinum has a natural white color with a tinge of bluish hue. Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise. Visit TheDiamondStore.co.uk to view beautiful platinum and white gold jewellery. It’s platinum’s rarity that makes it generally more valuable than white gold, hence the higher price tag. Platinum is about 40% denser than white gold, much more stronger and heavier. Platinum is a very stable, non-toxic metal. Guide to Buying Aquamarine Jewellery - 10 Facts, What is an Illusion Setting? Platinum does not lose metal when scratched, the metal is only displaced. Usually at about 95%. As these two kinds of gold are in question, let us weigh them ourselves. What Jewellery Suits My Dress? Platinum is a natural white metal, while white gold is given its color artificially by alloying gold with silver or palladium and by adding rhodium plating to it. But once you’ve decided that, you probably have another decision to make between a white gold ring and a platinum ring. Why not follow us on Facebook and Instagram? Finally, both gold and platinum in their pure state can be scratched even with the nails; however, platinum is heavier and unlike gold, it is white by nature. Platinum is about 60% heavier than 14K gold and about 40% heavier than 18K gold. Though rare, there can be allergic reactions from White Gold. The rhodium in both white gold and platinum eventually wears off giving a dull grey look, but the shine can be replaced by re-plating the rhodium. 10 FACTS: Revisiting Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring. The measurement is on a scale of 24. Looking at current bullion prices there is not much difference between an ounce of pure gold and an ounce of pure platinum, which leads people to assume the prices of a finished jewelry piece would be approximately the same in either metal. Platinum is also more durable than gold, particularly when it is blended with a small percentage of Iridium or ruthenium to toughen it up, which is one of the reasons it is a popular choice for engagement rings. For diamond engagement rings or wedding rings, the popularity of platinum and white gold has increased dramatically in recent years. This means that knowing that platinum is one of the best precious metals is not enough. ($45,236 per kg and $1,407 per oz on Jul 28, 2012). White gold is created as an alloy of the naturally occurring gold with white metals like silver and palladium to get a white hue. For example, compare these two complete rings from Jame… Platinum also has a shine, but it does not last very long. Hardness is essentially the metal’s resistance to scratching and denting. Platinum is also usually heavier than white gold. Platinum: Density Platinum is a very dense metal and much heavier than gold. One is the difference between white gold or platinum in terms of price. White gold starts out as gold. There are many precious metals such as gold, silver, diamond, platinum, and so on. < >. Unlike white gold, both platinum and palladium are not rhodium plated since they are naturally a bright white color. This “ridging” is natural, as the metal gets pushed to one side and another while the jewellery’s owner wears it. However, the scratch on platinum is merely a displacement of the metal and none of its volume is lost. To help you make an informed selection for your ring or band material, below are a few basic factual statements about the differences between platinum and white gold. Any prices quoted in this article are meant as guidelines, not offers, and may change any time after the publishing. It tells you how much gold is in your jewellery. Pros: Palladium is slightly harder than platinum on the Mohs scale and is slightly more scratch resistant than platinum. Platinum is also highly reflective and is 60% denser than gold. White gold is chosen by many people due to its silver color, although it is sometimes more expensive when it is mixed with platinum or titanium. 12 Best Princess Diana’s Rings and Jewellery – Where Are They Now? So if 18-karat yellow gold is made with 75% gold and 25% other metals like cooper and zinc, 18- white gold is made of 75% gold mixed with 25% of whiter metals, like silver and palladium. After discussing these factors, I will even give you our suggestions about how to make this choice. The patina shows an item of platinum jewellery is much loved and used, and gives it an antique heirloom feel. White Gold. The gold carat weights most commonly seen in jewellery are 9K, 14K and 18K: In the UK, all gold jewellery items above 1 gram in weight must be hallmarked. Platinum is 30 times rarer than gold. The two main differences between platinum and white gold are the composition and price. Meaning of Jewellery Symbols and Signs – Which is Yours? White gold isn't rare since its base (yellow gold) isn't very rare. Diffen LLC, n.d. All jewellery is therefore made with precious metal alloys, containing set carat weights of gold. Platinum is rare. 12 Tips Before You Buy. Gold is quite expensive ($1,623 per oz on Jul 28, 2012). You may have heard the term “carat”, abbreviated with the letter ‘K’. Platinum jewellery, on the other hand, is initially more expensive than white gold, which can be limiting if you’re on a low budget. And even when you think you have some sort of idea about the differences between these two metals, choosing one over the other can seem quite impossible. However, the disadvantage is that you may need to have your white gold item recoated in rhodium every so often. Platinum is used in jewellery, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts, dentistry, and automobile emissions control devices. Platinum is almost 3 times the rate of white gold. Platinum jewelry contains 90% to 95% of platinum and the remaining 10% to 5% is mixed with an alloy such as iridium or ruthenium. For jewellery, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts, dentistry, and automobile emissions control devices, Platinum alloys are usually purer than white gold, Platinum is denser, so more metal is needed to make a ring the same size as white gold, Platinum is more difficult to work with and most often requires really fine craftsmen, increasing the labor costs. 2 Jan 2021. What actually happens is that while platinum doesn’t actually scratch (in the sense of losing particles), its surface can develop little bumps and ridges. Nickel used to be a very popular metal used to create white gold, but is no longer used as much since there were studies [1] showing its adverse effects. Platinum is heavier (specific gravity: 21.4) than gold (specific gravity: 19.3). White Gold vs. Platinum is said to be 35 times rarer than gold. In addition, white gold pieces are often covered with a thin plating of rhodium, a platinum group metal, for strengthening and a whiter appearance. Platinum is a naturally occurring white metal. To be more specific, 2,700 tons of gold are mined per year compared to … Platinum vs White Gold . Platinum is also denser and therefore more heavy than the same size ring in gold. Nikhil Says: January 30th, 2014 at 1:28 pm. SHOP engagement rings https://brls.uk/2s76K7iPlatinum or white gold engagement ring? One of the most expensive metals. White gold is also white because of the rhodium plating. Generally, white gold is pretty reasonable when it comes to price and is the more popular option when it comes to jewelry. Did you find this article useful? Platinum and white gold resemble each other aesthetically, but differ in composition, density, hardness and other properties. Diffen.com. It takes knowing the exact differences between white gold and platinum for you not to confuse jewelry made of platinum and white gold. White gold alloys can be used for different purposes; while a gold-nickel alloy is hard, strong and therefore good for rings and pins, white gold-palladium alloys are soft, pliable and good for white gold gemstone settings. Platinum and white gold are two altogether different metals. You may not know; Platinum is more than ten times rarer than gold and also comes in different qualities just like gold does. White gold, since made from gold, has a chance of wearing off it's white hue and hence isn't of the best quality in this context. Over time platinum develops a natural patina, which many people find just as attractive as a polished finish. Web. White gold and platinum are different metals. While prices for both metals have come to be fairly comparable, platinum is still more expensive than white gold on account of the following: If you read this far, you should follow us: "Platinum vs White Gold." White gold became popular in the 1920's as an inexpensive alternative for platinum. While both metals are extremely durable and can last for years, platinum is heavier and slightly more durable than white gold, and loses very little weight in daily wear or polishing. Thank You Arlene Belk. Most rings or wedding bands are made from one of three metals: platinum, white gold or yellow gold. Sometimes these micro scratches can leave white gold looking a bit yellowish. Platinum doesn’t fade to yellow like white gold but the finish will dull, so like white gold, platinum jewelry may require some maintenance to keep it shiny. Not all platinum is the same, you do see on the market platinum pt600 or pt800. This article explains: Not everybody knows it, but white gold doesn’t exist naturally. The main distinguishing physical characteristic between gold and platinum is color. Platinum is between 90 - 99% pure whereas 14K white gold is only 58.33% pure gold with the rest being alloys. Because of its hardness, platinum can be used in a purer form than gold. Platinum is more dense than gold, and by law jewelry that is labeled “platinum” must be at least 95% pure platinum, so a platinum ring will weigh, and therefore cost, more that a gold ring of the same size. Burnishing a platinum ring will smooth out these infinitesimal furrows and restore the ring's original appearance. As mentioned above, platinum will always stay white but white gold needs to be re-polished and re-plated occasionally to avoid a yellow hue. This surface ridging in platinum jewellery is called “the patina of age”. 1. To renew the luster of a white gold ring, a small amount of metal is often added during polishing to replace the gold lost to scratching. The most frequently used colors of gold are white and yellow. Platinum. A while ago I published a post that talked about the Difference Between Yellow White & Rose Gold. The main distinguishing physical characteristic between gold and platinum. This final rhodium finish gives white gold its luminous sheen. For white gold, the price depends on how much gold goes into the jewelry. Ten tons of platinum ore is required to process a single ounce of pure platinum. Platinum does not micro-scratch the same as Gold, but actually “furrows” instead. Platinum is the original luxury precious metal of choice. The "clever and beautiful" diamond jewellery setting, The 10 Engagement Rings of the British Royal Family, How Many Sapphire Colours Are There? Being a Jeweler would he not be able to tell the difference between white gold and Platinum. Platinum is a better quality metal than gold. Because of its hardness, platinum can be used in a purer form than gold. More platinum is needed to make a ring though, causing the price to be 40-50% more. The main difference between platinum and white gold is on how they are formed; platinum is a pure metal while white gold is an alloy. Compared to platinum, palladium jewelry is generally less expensive (about 0.6-0.8 times) and more in line with the cost of gold jewelry. January's Birthstone Meaning. One of the biggest selling points of white gold over platinum is cost. Today I would like to clarify the differences between Platinum and Gold. Most wedding rings or engagement rings Philippines are manufactured from among three metals: platinum, white gold or yellow gold. White gold consists more of a mixture of durable metals like nickel, zinc and copper while platinum is more pure with 95-98% platinum composition. White gold is usually coated with rhodium, which gives it a nice shine. This yellow hue usually appears several months to several years after polishings, … In order to obtain pure platinum, the ore is crushed, made into a slurry, and then mixed with a detergent containing 'collector' molecules. The reason why white gold is combined with alloys is because gold, as a metal, is extremely soft. Hence, the main difference between white gold and platinum is that platinum is a metal while white gold is an alloy. The highest quality white gold is usually at least 17 karat, and made up of gold and palladium, sometimes with trace levels of platinum for weight and durability. 9K Gold VS 18K Gold - What is the difference between 9K and 18K gold? Usually at about 95%. COLOR. White gold is whiter and brighter than platinum, which has a more opaque color. Platinum is a naturally occurring white metal. At first glance, platinum, silver and white gold look virtually interchangeable. Platinum has the most luminescent white hue of all metals used for jewelry. If pure gold was used on its own in jewellery, it would bend out of shape very quickly. Afterwards, it’s given a beautiful coating with a rare, silvery-white metal called rhodium. The difference in color between palladium and platinum is very minimal. 3 Best Ring Types. Hallmarking means a small stamp imprinted onto your jewellery, stating the carats. These factors will help you in learning how to tell platinum from white gold. It is rarer than gold, and much heavier and harder. This is. However, it can be argued that platinum is better than white gold because it is more cost-effective in the long run (no need for recoating) and has better investment value in the long term. The color of platinum is naturally white. It is viewed as something desirable. Nickel used to be a very popular metal used to create white gold, but is no longer used as much since there were studies [1] showing its adverse effects. Platinum is itself a white metal. 4 Rules to Create an Impeccable Look, 10 Best Celebrity Engagement Rings of 2020 – Brooklyn Beckham, Boris Johnson, Jeezy and more. ), What Size Carat Engagement Ring? Platinum is an industrial commodity so its price is more volatile than gold. Gold comes in different karats and color forms. If you want a yellow ring, then gold (also termed yellow gold) is the best option. The distinction in expense is principally because of platinum’s extraordinariness and more elevated level of immaculateness in platinum gems. Platinum is denser, heavier and stronger than white gold. Air is then blown through the mixture, enabling the grains of metal minerals to be separated from the rest of the mixture. For diamond engagement rings or wedding rings, the popularity of platinum and white gold has increased dramatically in recent years. All precious metals can scratch, and platinum is no exception. It is highly reflective and is not subject to tarnish. This is inconvenient and the cost can add up over the years. Made by alloying naturally occuring yellow gold with other metals. It is rarer than gold, and much heavier and harder. Platinum is a  chemical element with the atomic symbol Pt and an atomic number of 78. Platinum is a natural white metal, while white gold is given its color artificially by alloying gold with silver or palladium and by adding rhodium plating to it. Platinum and palladium are both naturally white metals that will stay white forever. White gold and platinum have their own properties that make them unique. The next step is smelting. However, if you want a white ring, you can opt for platinum or white gold. You can easily identify platinum and white gold based on their weight difference. 10 Engagement Rings of the British Royal Family, 4 Jewellery Styles to Suit Your Wedding Dress, Why Choose Coloured Gems for Your Bridal Look, However, the disadvantage is that you may need to have your white gold item recoated in rhodium every so often. However, unlike gold, platinum is very heavy, up to one third heavier than 18 karat gold. Well, that’s what we’re here to explain to you, and what the pros and cons are of each. Prices for white gold and platinum are constantly changing. It’s made from yellow gold mixed with white metal alloys like palladium or silver. Platinum jewelelry is consequently more expensive than gold jewellery. This measurement is used to describe the purity of gold. In its pure form, platinum is a soft metal and hence is very malleable, similar to gold. White gold isn't as pure or durable. What diamond cut is best for my engagement ring? This is also one reason which makes white gold cheaper than platinum. In Great Britain, all hallmarking is carried out by Government Assay Offices. The first difference between white gold and platinum is the most basic and is the foundation of all the other differences. He said you cannot tell the difference by looking at it. We choose to use pt950 it is alloyed with a small amount of other metals for its brilliance and strength. What’s the difference, we hear you asking? Platinum is hypoallergenic; the remaining 5% in a 95% Platinum piece is either Iridium, Ruthenium or Cobalt. Many people believe platinum is “scratch-proof”. Platinum will almost always be more expensive than white gold because it is 30 times more rare and mined much less than gold. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. On the other hand, when Gold is micro-scratched, the Gold metal is actually removed. Although white gold and platinum look similar, sharing a silvery hue, the two are actually quite different in terms of color, durability, and price. This means that platinum is heavier while white gold is lightweight. If the gold content meets their strict requirements, they stamp it with the corresponding hallmarking symbol. There are 3 primary factors to consider: Color, Weight, and Cost. Read on to … We can outline several differences between these types, including their advantages and disadvantages. So, if you have a ring made of 18K white gold and an identical sized one made of platinum, the platinum ring will be almost one and half times heavier than the white gold ring. This is especially true for engagement and wedding rings worn on your hand day in day out, as they come into constant contact with hard surfaces. Platinum is 60% more dense than Gold. Platinum rings are generally about 1 shade whiter than palladium, but there truly is a very small difference. Hardness and Malleability. The difference between platinum rings and white gold rings is that these so-called micro-scratches do not remove platinum from the ring. White gold is made by alloying yellow gold with metals like nickel, palladium etc in different proportions. Both platinum and white gold have to be periodically re-plated to maintain the shine, although platinum can go longer without being replaced or re-plated. When it comes to engagement rings, people prefer platinum over other metals because of its sparkling beauty, elegance, whiteness, and durability. However, when it comes to shopping for an engagement ring or wedding band, the differences between these similar-looking precious metals become quite pronounced, both in terms of quality and of price. (Not All Are Blue! … White gold is an alloy of gold and has the same symbol as gold Au. When a piece of jewellery arrives at an Assay office, they examine it in their laboratory. What Is a Promise Ring and When Should You Give One? The more that is added, the more the price will increase. Platinum is not measured on a karat scale, but … Measured in parts per thousand, platinum jewelry is typically 850-999 parts pure platinum (85%-99.9%), with the remainder made up of other metals. Mixed with white metals that will stay white but white gold looking a bit yellowish small difference and platinum! 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