Although white gold and platinum might look alike, they are both unique metals with distinct characteristics. If you’re thinking of investing in jewelry or want to purchase a brooch or a ring for your wedding or anniversary, you need to know the main distinction between these two valuable precious metals.

White gold rings

Platinum ring

1. Color

Even though the colors of platinum and white gold are similar for the untrained eye, they are not exactly the same.  To put it simply, platinum comes in a natural grayish color, while white gold has a silvery shade. It is necessary to mention that the silvery tone of white gold is obtained by mixing yellow gold with a white metal – usually silver, nickel, manganese, palladium or all – and by applying a rhodium coating for a shinier finish. Therefore, over the years you might have to reapply the rhodium coating on your white gold jewelry to maintain its color. Platinum also requires a re-shine over time, as the finish becomes dull to a natural patina.

2. Care

Re-dipping a white gold jewelry once every few year might seem like a hassle, but in reality the process is inexpensive – some jewelers even offer it for free – and straightforward. To maintain its impeccable white shine, platinum jewelry requires a professional’s touch and hence, it is more expensive. Nonetheless, restoring a platinum ring to its original luster might not be necessary if it includes a diamond since the patina makes the precious stone appear even brighter by contrast.

3. Composition

If it doesn’t incorporate at least 90% of the precious metal in its alloy, then the jewelry cannot be classified as platinum. Because it is stronger and heavier, platinum might not be the ideal choice for large jewelry in general. Platinum jewelry is also recommended for people who are allergic to nickel, one of the common metals included in white gold alloy.

Most white gold jewelry and especially rings are available in 14k and 18k versions. While it is true that the higher the karat the larger the percentage of pure gold, keep in mind that more gold also means less-durable jewelry.

4. Cost

The cost is without a doubt the main advantage of white gold over platinum. The price variation can be explained by the rarity of the platinum, estimated at 160 tons mined per year as opposed to 1,500 tons gold mined annually. The cost difference can also be explained by the composition of the metals, meaning that platinum is denser, so the same jewel will typically weight more in platinum than in gold. The bottom line is that you can save a lot of cash by choosing white gold jewelry, money that you could use for upgrading the centerpiece stone for instance.

5. Cultural value

If you’re planning to resell jewelry, then white gold is certainly more versatile. As a metal, gold doesn’t tarnish and this is perhaps one of the main reasons it’s the first choice for wedding and engagement rings. On the other hand, by looking closer to popular culture, it is safe to assume that platinum is slowly becoming the new symbol of wealth and prestige.