Differences between Platinum and White Gold
Contents
Platinum vs. White Gold[edit]
Platinum and white gold are popular choices for jewelry, particularly for engagement and wedding rings, due to their silvery-white appearance.[1] Despite their similar look, they are distinct metals with different properties.[2] Platinum is a naturally white metal, while white gold is an alloy created by mixing yellow gold with white metals and often coating it with rhodium.[3] These differences in composition affect their durability, cost, and maintenance requirements.[4]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Platinum | White Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Typically 95% pure platinum mixed with other alloys like ruthenium or iridium.[5] | An alloy of pure yellow gold mixed with white metals such as palladium, silver, or nickel.[4] |
| Color | A naturally white metal with a grayish undertone that does not fade.[4][5] | Yellowish in its natural state, it is typically plated with rhodium for a bright white finish.[5] |
| Durability | A dense and strong metal that is resistant to bending.[1] Though it scratches, the metal is displaced rather than lost. | Less dense than platinum, it is more susceptible to wear over time. Scratches can result in the loss of metal. |
| Maintenance | Requires occasional polishing to maintain its shine. It develops a natural patina over time which can be kept or polished away.[4] | The rhodium plating wears off over time, requiring replating every one to three years to maintain its white color.[4] |
| Hypoallergenic Properties | Considered hypoallergenic due to its high purity, making it a suitable choice for sensitive skin. | May cause allergic reactions in individuals with sensitivities to nickel, which is sometimes used in the alloy. |
| Weight | Significantly denser and heavier than white gold.[1] | Lighter in weight compared to platinum.[2] |
| Cost | Generally more expensive than white gold due to its rarity and higher density, requiring more metal to create a piece. | A more affordable option upfront. However, long-term costs may increase due to the need for replating. |
Durability and Wear[edit]
Both platinum and white gold are durable metals suitable for everyday wear.[5] Platinum's density makes it very resistant to wear and less likely to bend out of shape, offering secure settings for gemstones.[1] When platinum is scratched, the metal is typically displaced, creating a patina finish over time, rather than being lost.
White gold's hardness comes from the metals it is alloyed with.[2] While it is strong, it is more prone to scratching than platinum, and when it is scratched, a minuscule amount of the metal can be lost. The rhodium plating on white gold also wears away over time, which can reveal the slightly yellowish tint of the underlying metal.[1]
Color and Maintenance[edit]
Platinum's color is naturally white and does not require plating. Over time, it will develop a satin-like finish known as a patina. Some people appreciate this unique aging process, while others may choose to have their jewelry polished to restore its original luster.[3]
White gold's bright white appearance is primarily due to its rhodium plating. As this thin layer wears off, the jewelry may appear slightly yellow.[1] To maintain its color, white gold typically needs to be replated by a jeweler every one to three years, depending on wear.[4]
Hypoallergenic Considerations[edit]
Due to its purity, platinum is considered a hypoallergenic metal and is a common choice for individuals with sensitive skin or metal allergies.[4] White gold, on the other hand, can sometimes contain nickel in its alloy. Nickel is a common allergen that can cause skin irritation for some people. White gold alloys made with palladium instead of nickel are available as a hypoallergenic alternative.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "markmansdiamonds.com". Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "taylorandhart.com". Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "bluenile.com". Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 "brilliantearth.com". Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "everspark.com.au". Retrieved January 12, 2026.
