So much of life is a battle between opposites. Night and day. Good and evil. Cats and dogs. And, of course, platinum and white gold jewellery. For the uninitiated, the distinction between the two precious metals can be confusing. They're both shiny. They're both white.
Still, there are key differences between the two — purity, form, price, and care, among others. Here's a quick guide to the intriguing differences between platinum vs white gold jewellery.
Purity
One of the most significant differences between platinum and white gold is purity.
Among all the precious metals used in jewellery fabrication, platinum is the purest — about 95% pure, to be exact. 18K white gold, on the other hand, is 75% pure gold. Based on that percentage of purity, 14-karat white gold is 58.33% pure, while 10-karat gold is 41.67% pure. In other words, the lower the karat, the lower the purity of the gold.
Appearance
While both metals may look similarly lustrous to the untrained eye, there are some subtle differences in appearance between the two.
Platinum has a natural white colour — reminiscent of silver — making plating unnecessary (although sometimes added for additional shine). It's a tad brighter in colour than white gold. This brilliant white hue is also permanent, so you never have to worry about it fading.
White gold, on the other hand, has more of a yellowish champagne tint because it's alloyed with silver. It's usually coated in rhodium to create a bright white finish. It's important to remember, however, that the rhodium plating on white gold will eventually wear away (between one and three years), revealing the light yellow-ish colour underneath. Replating restores it to look as good as new.
Price
Platinum is generally valued higher than white gold. The price difference is due to the rarity of the metal (platinum is about 30 times rarer than gold) and the fact that platinum is less malleable of the two, which means that platinum engagement rings or wedding bands take more effort to make. Of course, there's also the fact that platinum is the purer metal of the two and thus more expensive gram for gram.
White gold, is a safe choice for those whose cultural tastes prefer gold content for its market resale value. Gold prices do fluctuate, so you can always ask your jeweller to quote you the price of your desired jewellery in white gold versus platinum for better comparison.
Durability
Platinum is always going to be the bigger, bolder kid on the playground. A wedding ring made with platinum will last your lifetime and then some. That said, in spite of its outstanding durability, platinum can lose its high polish and sharp edges quickly. Because platinum is relatively soft, it reshapes and moves around like clay when scratched, resulting in small pits on the metal surface that are called patinas. Some people actually find this look quite pleasing, although it can be polished away if you prefer.
If you're looking for a piece that will retain its more intricate details (say a hand engraving, for instance), white gold is a better option. While not as dense or durable as platinum, the metal is strong and has more rigidity. The downside to white gold is that its rhodium plating fading away will require replating maintenance every few years to keep it looking sparkling new.
Conclusion
Now that we've explored the differences between the two metals, it's time to tackle the burning question: is platinum really better than white gold?
In terms of its physical properties, platinum is stronger and more durable than white gold. It also has a natural lustre that resists tarnishing, so it will retain its original beauty for years to come. But perhaps the most important factor to consider is price — if you're looking for an engagement ring that will maintain its beauty for a lifetime, then platinum is the clear winner. But if you would like to have fine details on your ring, white gold is an excellent alternative.
If price is a huge determining factor for you, ask your jeweller for a comparison of prices for both options, bearing in mind that prices are dependent on current market rates.
Embrace understated elegance with a touch of luxury. Featuring sophisticated designs and modern silhouettes, DeGem's platinum and white gold jewellery collection delivers something special for every outfit and occasion. Shop now for exquisite necklaces, engagement rings, bracelets, and more — available in-store and online.
