Do you like white precious metals? So, you should choose between 2 popular materials: white gold or platinum. They differ in chemical composition and price, but visually, they have the same appearance. We asked 25 people to take two rings in their hands: one of gold and the second of platinum – and tell us what difference they had. No one person could choose which ring he/she liked better. To help you better comprehend the topic, we will talk about the cost, composition, color and care of these metals.
Cost
The main difference between white gold and platinum is price. Platinum is more expensive than gold. The price per gram of platinum and gram of gold is nearly the same, but platinum rings are significantly more expensive than 18K white gold engagement rings.
And there are two reasons for that:
· more platinum is required to manufacture the ring because it is denser.
· platinum has a higher melting temperature; so, it is more difficult for jewelers to work with it.
Platinum engagement rings is $500 more expensive on average. For this money, you can afford a diamond of better characteristics or higher caratage.
Composition
Pure gold is a soft metal; so, it is quickly erased when constantly wearing. Nickel, zinc and copper are added to gold and covered jewelry with rhodium to make it more durable. The strongest gold is of 18K grade, i.e. pure gold contains 75% of the total weight of the metal in jewelry.
Platinum is a hard metal; so, its content in jewelry is 95%-98%. And there are some impurities, such as silver and rhodium, in jewelry. Platinum jewelry is more durable and everlasting and heavier than gold jewelry.
Caring for Jewelry
The color difference between platinum and white gold is imperceptible. Platinum scratches and tarnishes faster than 18K gold. To maintain a perfect appearance, platinum needs to be polished regularly. Golden jewelry should be polished, and rhodium plated approximately once a year.
Pros and Cons of the Metals
Platinum
➕Pros:
+ Hypoallergenic metal;
+ Less common than gold;
+ Considered more prestigious (even a platinum credit card is cooler than VISA Gold);
+ Heavier than gold.
➖Cons:
– More expensive than white gold;
– Scratches and tarnishes faster;
– More often requires cleaning and polishing;
– Difficult to change the ring size without visible traces.
18 karat Gold
➕Pros:
+ Cheaper than platinum;
+ More popular than yellow gold;
+ Durable and scratchproof;
+ Ideal for locks and intricate jewelry;
+ Easy to change the ring size without visible traces.
➖ Cons of white gold:
– Natural yellowish tint;
– Jewelry needs to be rhodium plated once a year;
– Is not hypoallergenic.
Conclusions
The choice of metal for jewelry is a matter of preference. Here, there are no strict rules and there cannot be any. White gold and platinum have the same appearance, but platinum is more expansive. If the price doesn’t matter, platinum is a great choice. However, if your budget is limited, opt for gold and invest more money in a diamond.
