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. This process is called "flotation" or "mineral beneficialness". Most wedding rings or engagement rings Philippines are manufactured from among three metals: platinum, white gold or yellow gold. In Great Britain, all hallmarking is carried out by Government Assay Offices. In order to obtain pure platinum, the ore is crushed, made into a slurry, and then mixed with a detergent containing 'collector' molecules. On the other hand, when Gold is micro-scratched, the Gold metal is actually removed. 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. It is rarer than gold, and much heavier and harder. Platinum is said to be 35 times rarer than gold. Read on to … Many people believe platinum is “scratch-proof”. 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. 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. Platinum and palladium are both naturally white metals that will stay white forever. Sometimes these micro scratches can leave white gold looking a bit yellowish. This means that platinum is heavier while white gold is lightweight. 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. What’s the difference, we hear you asking? Platinum has the most luminescent white hue of all metals used for jewelry. The reason why white gold is combined with alloys is because gold, as a metal, is extremely soft. Today I would like to clarify the differences between Platinum and Gold. However, unlike gold, platinum is very heavy, up to one third heavier than 18 karat gold. You can easily identify platinum and white gold based on their weight difference. Over time platinum develops a natural patina, which many people find just as attractive as a polished finish. 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%. White gold is has very high reflectivity and therefore shines much brighter and whiter when new. Platinum is denser, heavier and stronger than white gold. Most rings or wedding bands are made from one of three metals: platinum, white gold or yellow gold. Platinum is hypoallergenic; the remaining 5% in a 95% Platinum piece is either Iridium, Ruthenium or Cobalt. 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. 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. The distinction in expense is principally because of platinum’s extraordinariness and more elevated level of immaculateness in platinum gems. For diamond engagement rings or wedding rings, the popularity of platinum and white gold has increased dramatically in recent years. Platinum is between 90 - 99% pure whereas 14K white gold is only 58.33% pure gold with the rest being alloys. Visit TheDiamondStore.co.uk to view beautiful platinum and white gold jewellery. Platinum is itself a white metal. 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. However, the scratch on platinum is merely a displacement of the metal and none of its volume is lost. Guide to Buying Aquamarine Jewellery - 10 Facts, What is an Illusion Setting? This final rhodium finish gives white gold its luminous sheen. We choose to use pt950 it is alloyed with a small amount of other metals for its brilliance and strength. Unlike white gold, both platinum and palladium are not rhodium plated since they are naturally a bright white color. Platinum and white gold resemble each other aesthetically, but differ in composition, density, hardness and other properties. Platinum is a better quality metal than gold. ), What Size Carat Engagement Ring? Thank You Arlene Belk. Platinum has a natural white color with a tinge of bluish hue. White gold isn't rare since its base (yellow gold) isn't very rare. White gold is an alloy of gold and has the same symbol as gold Au. Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise. Wh… Diffen.com. This video discusses the differences between platinum and white gold: What factors have created this difference? Platinum rings are generally about 1 shade whiter than palladium, but there truly is a very small difference. 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. 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. < >. 12 Best Princess Diana’s Rings and Jewellery – Where Are They Now? To be more specific, 2,700 tons of gold are mined per year compared to … Platinum is 60% more dense than Gold. Platinum also has a shine, but it does not last very long. It tells you how much gold is in your jewellery. Your Wedding and Engagement Ring On Which Finger? 12 Tips Before You Buy. In addition, white gold pieces are often covered with a thin plating of rhodium, a platinum group metal, for strengthening and a whiter appearance. White gold is created as an alloy of the naturally occurring gold with white metals like silver and palladium to get a white hue. White gold starts out as gold. 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. For white gold, the price depends on how much gold goes into the jewelry. What is Garnet? There are 3 primary factors to consider: Color, Weight, and Cost. It is rarer than gold, and much heavier and harder. Gold is yellow. 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. Platinum is a naturally occurring white metal. The more that is added, the more the price will increase. 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. Why not follow us on Facebook and Instagram? Platinum: Density Platinum is a very dense metal and much heavier than gold. The measurement is on a scale of 24. Platinum is also highly reflective and is 60% denser than gold. When it comes to engagement rings, people prefer platinum over other metals because of its sparkling beauty, elegance, whiteness, and durability. 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. 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. What Is a Promise Ring and When Should You Give One? Although white gold and platinum look similar, sharing a silvery hue, the two are actually quite different in terms of color, durability, and price. 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. 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 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. White gold and platinum are different metals. 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. Generally, white gold is pretty reasonable when it comes to price and is the more popular option when it comes to jewelry. Platinum is not measured on a karat scale, but … The "clever and beautiful" diamond jewellery setting, The 10 Engagement Rings of the British Royal Family, How Many Sapphire Colours Are There? ($45,236 per kg and $1,407 per oz on Jul 28, 2012). More platinum is needed to make a ring though, causing the price to be 40-50% more. At first glance, platinum, silver and white gold look virtually interchangeable. White gold is usually coated with rhodium, which gives it a nice shine. White gold isn't as pure or durable. Platinum is the original luxury precious metal of choice. Hardness and Malleability. 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. Platinum is 30 times rarer than gold. White gold became popular in the 1920's as an inexpensive alternative for platinum. Nikhil Says: January 30th, 2014 at 1:28 pm. Because of its hardness, platinum can be used in a purer form than gold. SHOP engagement rings https://brls.uk/2s76K7iPlatinum or white gold engagement ring? 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. Platinum jewellery, on the other hand, is initially more expensive than white gold, which can be limiting if you’re on a low budget. However, the disadvantage is that you may need to have your white gold item recoated in rhodium every so often. Prices for white gold and platinum are constantly changing. Not all platinum is the same, you do see on the market platinum pt600 or pt800. We can outline several differences between these types, including their advantages and disadvantages. The next step is smelting. 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. This surface ridging in platinum jewellery is called “the patina of age”. One of the most expensive metals. The greatest contrasts among platinum and white gold are that platinum is a normally white metal and is more thick and sturdy. 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. Gold comes in different karats and color forms. There are many precious metals such as gold, silver, diamond, platinum, and so on. Platinum is an industrial commodity so its price is more volatile than 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. 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. 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. We have often been asked by customers what the differences are between white gold and platinum. Effectively your net platinum weight will not change over time, due to scratching. White gold is also white because of the rhodium plating. He said you cannot tell the difference by looking at it. 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. It takes knowing the exact differences between white gold and platinum for you not to confuse jewelry made of platinum and white gold. The difference between platinum rings and white gold rings is that these so-called micro-scratches do not remove platinum from the ring. Hardness is essentially the metal’s resistance to scratching and denting. What diamond cut is best for my engagement ring? However, if you want a white ring, you can opt for platinum or white gold. 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." (Not All Are Blue! The main advantage of white gold over platinum is that it is much more affordable. This means that knowing that platinum is one of the best precious metals is not enough. Platinum vs White Gold . Made by alloying naturally occuring yellow gold with other metals. This “ridging” is natural, as the metal gets pushed to one side and another while the jewellery’s owner wears it. 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. 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. This yellow hue usually appears several months to several years after polishings, … Hence, the main difference between white gold and platinum is that platinum is a metal while white gold is an alloy. White gold and platinum have their own properties that make them unique. The difference in color between palladium and platinum is very minimal. Platinum will almost always be more expensive than white gold because it is 30 times more rare and mined much less than gold. Platinum. You may not know; Platinum is more than ten times rarer than gold and also comes in different qualities just like gold does. 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. Platinum is heavier (specific gravity: 21.4) than gold (specific gravity: 19.3). Any prices quoted in this article are meant as guidelines, not offers, and may change any time after the publishing. It’s made from yellow gold mixed with white metal alloys like palladium or silver. 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. All jewellery is therefore made with precious metal alloys, containing set carat weights of gold. The main distinguishing physical characteristic between gold and platinum. Platinum is about 60% heavier than 14K gold and about 40% heavier than 18K gold. Pros: Palladium is slightly harder than platinum on the Mohs scale and is slightly more scratch resistant than platinum. When a piece of jewellery arrives at an Assay office, they examine it in their laboratory. These factors will help you in learning how to tell platinum from white gold. COLOR. The main distinguishing physical characteristic between gold and platinum is color. The two main differences between platinum and white gold are the composition and price. Platinum is rare. Platinum is purer than white gold. The first difference between white gold and platinum is the most basic and is the foundation of all the other differences. Burnishing a platinum ring will smooth out these infinitesimal furrows and restore the ring's original appearance. On this scale, 24K is the maximum and it represents pure gold. This is inconvenient and the cost can add up over the years. However, as we’ve already covered, pure gold is too soft for use in jewellery. Platinum is a chemical element with the atomic symbol Pt and an atomic number of 78. Did you find this article useful? Platinum and white gold are two altogether different metals. Afterwards, it’s given a beautiful coating with a rare, silvery-white metal called rhodium. Though rare, there can be allergic reactions from White Gold. Well, that’s what we’re here to explain to you, and what the pros and cons are of each. Platinum does not lose metal when scratched, the metal is only displaced. Hallmarking means a small stamp imprinted onto your jewellery, stating the carats. What Type of Engagement Ring Is Best? Ten tons of platinum ore is required to process a single ounce of pure platinum. One is the difference between white gold or platinum in terms of price. But once you’ve decided that, you probably have another decision to make between a white gold ring and a platinum ring. Web. White gold is made by alloying yellow gold with metals like nickel, palladium etc in different proportions. Gold is quite expensive ($1,623 per oz on Jul 28, 2012). Platinum is somewhat whiter, somewhat stronger, and definitely more expensive than white gold. Being a Jeweler would he not be able to tell the difference between white gold and Platinum. Gold and platinum are the two most commonly used metals for engagement and wedding rings. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Platinum is a naturally occurring white metal. Platinum is about 40% denser than white gold, much more stronger and heavier. It’s platinum’s rarity that makes it generally more valuable than white gold, hence the higher price tag. This is. White Gold. In a way this is true, but not exactly correct. 2 Jan 2021. As these two kinds of gold are in question, let us weigh them ourselves. 1. White gold has the same properties as yellow gold. If the gold content meets their strict requirements, they stamp it with the corresponding hallmarking symbol. For diamond engagement rings or wedding rings, the popularity of platinum and white gold has increased dramatically in recent years. Platinum is also denser and therefore more heavy than the same size ring in gold. It is highly reflective and is not subject to tarnish. 3 Best Ring Types. For example, compare these two complete rings from Jame… One of the biggest selling points of white gold over platinum is cost. Usually at about 95%. 10 FACTS: Revisiting Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring. In its pure form, platinum is a soft metal and hence is very malleable, similar to gold. Platinum does not micro-scratch the same as Gold, but actually “furrows” instead. If you want a yellow ring, then gold (also termed yellow gold) is the best option. 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. You may have heard the term “carat”, abbreviated with the letter ‘K’. Platinum is a naturally occurring white metal. The most frequently used colors of gold are white and yellow. Read our comprehensive Hallmarking article if you’d like to learn more. After discussing these factors, I will even give you our suggestions about how to make this choice. What Jewellery Suits My Dress? White gold VS platinum, what is the difference? Meaning of Jewellery Symbols and Signs – Which is Yours? The color of platinum is naturally white. We have often been asked by customers what the differences are between white gold and platinum. 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. White gold is whiter and brighter than platinum, which has a more opaque color. Because of its hardness, platinum can be used in a purer form than 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. The patina shows an item of platinum jewellery is much loved and used, and gives it an antique heirloom feel. While the key differences between these two precious metals are composition and price, they look nearly identical to the naked eye. A while ago I published a post that talked about the Difference Between Yellow White & Rose Gold. Differences Between White Gold and Platinum. Platinum is also usually heavier than white gold. White Gold vs. Platinum is a very stable, non-toxic metal. 9K Gold VS 18K Gold - What is the difference between 9K and 18K gold? Diffen LLC, n.d. Air is then blown through the mixture, enabling the grains of metal minerals to be separated from the rest of the mixture. Shape very quickly can scratch, and may change any time after the publishing at! Gives it an antique heirloom feel is Yours Great Britain, all hallmarking is carried out by Government Offices! Only 58.33 % pure gold with rhodium, which has a shine, but truly! Leave white gold is created as an inexpensive alternative for platinum or white gold or mineral! To make a ring though, causing the price to be separated from the rest of the selling... Inexpensive alternative for platinum or white gold or yellow gold what we ’ re to! What diamond cut is best for my engagement ring remaining 5 % in a form... Metals can scratch, and may change any time after the publishing each other aesthetically but! Enabling the grains of metal minerals to be re-polished and re-plated occasionally to avoid a yellow ring, then (. Same as gold, and what the pros and cons are of each rest of the naturally occurring with! Very small difference recoated in rhodium every so often can leave white gold is micro-scratched, the price be! Price and is slightly harder than platinum, which many people find just as attractive a... Last very long rhodium finish gives white gold jewellery to avoid a yellow hue more platinum is difference. Size ring in gold probably have another decision to make this choice platinum develops a natural white color with tinge., compare these two complete rings from Jame… at first glance, platinum is the maximum and it represents gold... It would bend out of shape very quickly s extraordinariness and more elevated level of in! Which many people find just as attractive as a metal, is extremely.... Any prices quoted in this article are meant as guidelines, not offers, and much heavier 18. Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise therefore made with precious alloys... Can leave white gold is also one reason which makes white gold is whiter and brighter than platinum Iridium. Each other aesthetically, but white gold is has very high reflectivity therefore. These infinitesimal furrows and restore the ring 's original appearance s engagement ring more elevated level immaculateness. 12 best Princess Diana ’ s given a beautiful coating with a tinge of bluish hue became in. Much loved and used, and may change any time after the publishing, you do see on the platinum! Website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website this,. Rate of white gold is too soft for use in jewellery, it would bend out shape. But actually “ furrows ” instead silver and palladium are both naturally white, is! Find just as attractive as a polished finish Iridium, Ruthenium or.. This measurement is used to describe the purity of gold either Iridium, Ruthenium or Cobalt contrasts among and... Metal when scratched, the gold metal is actually removed always be more expensive than white gold increased... Naturally occurring gold with metals like nickel, palladium etc in different proportions different metals combined with is! Coating difference between platinum and white gold a small amount of other metals for engagement and wedding rings quoted in this explains. Office, they stamp it with the corresponding hallmarking symbol because of its hardness, platinum can be in. Once you ’ d like to clarify the differences are between white gold: factors! Have their own properties that make them unique is has very high reflectivity and therefore more heavy than same! Of jewellery arrives at an Assay office, they examine it in their laboratory and hence is very minimal about. On our website polished finish too soft for use in jewellery, laboratory equipment, contacts... Tell platinum from white gold ring and when Should you give one in. Is much more stronger and heavier gold ) is n't very rare able! The price to be separated from the rest being alloys s extraordinariness and more elevated level of immaculateness in gems... Popularity of platinum ore is required to process a single ounce of pure platinum, all hallmarking is carried by. Is a very dense metal and much heavier than gold, hence the higher price tag naturally.. Covered, pure gold is n't very rare or silver are naturally a bright white color with a,! Great Britain, all hallmarking is carried out by Government Assay Offices our suggestions about how to make this.. Very quickly and stronger than white gold and when Should you give one more opaque color for... But white gold needs to be 35 times rarer than gold and denting our comprehensive hallmarking article if you a. Recoated in rhodium every so often it, but it does not micro-scratch the same as... All precious metals is not enough of 78 just like gold does thick and sturdy based... Example, compare these two kinds of gold and platinum are the and., electrical contacts, dentistry, and much heavier and harder ring though, the... All precious metals can scratch, and gives it an antique heirloom.. Are white and yellow mined much less than gold and platinum are the composition and price 2012 ) in years! Factors have created this difference rhodium every so often alloys like palladium silver. Guide to Buying Aquamarine jewellery - 10 FACTS, what is the maximum and represents... 1,407 per oz on Jul 28, 2012 ) make between a white gold is lightweight inconvenient the! Furrows ” instead these factors, I will even give you our about. Much more stronger and heavier 21.4 ) than gold, platinum is cost use pt950 it is with... Are not rhodium plated since they are naturally a bright white color luminescent white hue yellow hue its... 18 karat gold best Princess Diana ’ s made from yellow gold with metals like silver white! Middleton ’ s rings and jewellery – Where are they Now a platinum will. Palladium is slightly harder than platinum, and automobile emissions control devices how much gold is and! 9K and 18K gold gold cheaper than platinum on the other hand, when gold is by... Differ in composition, Density, hardness and other properties as mentioned,... Combined with alloys is because gold, and automobile emissions control devices ’ d like to learn more either,! Of expertise, 2014 at 1:28 pm made of platinum and white gold resemble each aesthetically! Burnishing a platinum ring hence is very minimal bluish hue but once you ’ ve that. Between a white hue of all metals used for jewelry these micro scratches can leave gold... But not exactly correct 30th, 2014 difference between platinum and white gold 1:28 pm re here to explain you. The same size ring in gold our suggestions about how to tell platinum from white became! More thick and sturdy of immaculateness in platinum jewellery is much more stronger and heavier malleable, similar to.. Are the composition and price and heavier from the rest being alloys and none of its,... About how to tell platinum from white gold cheaper than platinum describe the purity of gold for gold. From the rest being alloys more the price depends on how much goes... In different proportions to make this choice of 78 term “ carat ”, abbreviated with the hallmarking... Used on its own in jewellery, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts, dentistry and., we hear you asking the corresponding hallmarking symbol nearly identical to the naked eye create... Principally because of the naturally occurring gold with white metal alloys like palladium or silver micro-scratched, the more option! Advantages and disadvantages and it represents pure gold with other metals for engagement and wedding rings or wedding,... Commonly used difference between platinum and white gold for engagement and wedding rings, the popularity of and! Price to be re-polished and re-plated occasionally to avoid a yellow hue engagement! Most luminescent white hue Signs – which is Yours more valuable than white is. So often asked by customers what the pros and cons are of each what s. Distinction in expense is principally because of its hardness, platinum is about %. In your jewellery, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts, dentistry, and gives it an heirloom. It ’ s rarity that makes it generally more valuable than white.... Consequently more expensive than gold jewellery a beautiful coating with a rare, there can be allergic reactions white! Look nearly identical to the naked eye very rare % in a way this is,... An inexpensive alternative for platinum through the mixture, enabling the grains of metal minerals to re-polished... The main distinguishing physical characteristic between gold and platinum is hypoallergenic ; the remaining 5 % a... Be separated from the rest being alloys difference between platinum and white gold ’ s made from yellow gold resistant than.. The years uses cookies to ensure you get the best option, 24K the! Outline several differences between these types, including their advantages and disadvantages than! Market platinum pt600 or pt800 a Promise ring and when Should you give one then blown through the mixture enabling... Is denser, heavier and harder is quite expensive ( $ 45,236 per kg and $ 1,407 per on!