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What is the difference between platinum and white gold?

Article Number: 2 | Rating: 5/5 from 2 votes | Last Updated: Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 9:00 PM

Platinum (Pt ) is a very rare malleable precious metal that is coveted for its use in jewelry, Industry, and as a monetary instrument.

The word platinum is derived from the Spanish word “platina”. Its earliest ornamental use dates back to pre Columbian times however platinum was not used ornamentally in Europe until the late 1700's. Early platinum work was very difficult to accomplish due to its extreme melting point at of 3215 degrees Fahrenheit.

Gold on the other hand has been used ornamentally since the beginning of recorded history. Ancient statues, coins, and jewelry can be traced back to nearly 6000 years. Gold, (Au) is a precious malleable metal that is the predominant metal used in fine jewelry and is commonly used in Industry, and as a monetary instrument.

What Is White Gold? In order to understand white gold we must first understand “Karat Pure gold is mixed with other metals to create the 10KT, 14KT, and 18KT white gold used in jewelry. To create white gold, pure gold is alloyed with copper, nickel, and zinc, which lends it the white color and add durability needed for jewelry making. After melting the metals together the newly formed white gold maintains a slight yellow cast . To offset the yellow tint, white gold jewelry is plated with a precious white metal rhodium.

Platinum used in Jewelry has a higher content of precious metal, typically 95% pure. For this reason platinum will retain its naturally pure white color indefinitely. Its high level of purity also makes it heavier and considerably more valuable than its counterpart White Gold

Contrary to popular belief platinum is actually softer than white gold and can endure many years of wear without showing the signs of fatigue that white gold jewelry exhibits. It is also significantly more expensive for four primary reasons

Platinum typically trades at a significantly higher price than gold
Platinum used in jewelry weighs approximately 70% more than similar volume of 14kt white gold.
Platinum is 95% fine versus 14kt white gold purity at 58.5%
Platinum melts at 3,215 F compared to gold at 1,948 F making it very difficult to work with.

Platinum Advantages

Platinum maintains its white color indefinitely whereas white gold will need periodic rhodium plating.
Platinum is more resistant to metal fatigue and erosion and will endure a longer life.

White Gold Advantages

White gold jewelry cost significantly less than platinum.
White gold is more resistant to scratching. Wide and angular platinum jewelry shows nicks and scratches more readily than white