White Gold vs Platinum: Which Is the Better Metal?

Choosing the correct and suitable metal for your jewelry can be difficult. It’s not always easy to identify the difference between metals used in jewelry. Particularly when some of them look and feel the same. For example, at first appearance, it’s difficult to discern the difference between platinum and white gold diamond halo eternity band. But it is important to know them, as each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Did you know? Platinum is more expensive and uncommon than gold, despite the fact that gold is a purer substance.

There is a significant price difference and relatively similar usage between white gold and platinum. This is what makes it more difficult to pick between them. So, let us help you out. This way next time when you go jewelry shopping, you won’t feel any confusion about selecting the correct one, be it a diamond halo eternity band or a glamorous buoyant ring as we’ve laid down all you need to know about the differences between these two cherished metals.

Continue reading to gain confidence in your decision in buying jewelry that suits your budget, your preference, and your style. With this, you will be able to explore various unique diamond bands and other dazzling jewelry items.

Let’s Understand White Gold

Both rich and lustrous, white gold is a very popular metal choice for jewelry making. However, they are not a natural substance like platinum. In fact, white gold was originally developed to replicate the look of platinum by mixing different elements. Pure yellow gold is combined with other white metals like nickel or palladium in order to modify and adjust its color. Since its composition includes yellow gold, it is measured in a similar way, that is in karats. 

The more white gold is mixed with other metals, the more durable it becomes. As a result, 14-karat white gold unique diamond bands are more durable than 18-karat bands. Even though the 18-karat one is classier with higher purity. The 14-karat white gold alloy has 58 percent gold, with additional white metals making up the rest of the band. 

This is significant since alloys not only have a lower price point but their sheen and color can vary slightly depending on the composition.

Some Strengths and Weaknesses

For many people, white gold is preferable. They are more popular than platinum and other similar metals in the jewelry market. Mostly because they are more affordable and have higher durability. Not to mention the most important quality, they are scratch-resistant. All of these characteristics are the result of the mixing of natural alloys. Aside from these, they are obviously beautiful, elegant and pair well with diamonds and other precious gems. 

On the other hand, when rhodium-plated, it requires replacement. This is in order to keep its shine and color. It might cause allergic reactions when paired with nickel.

Let’s Understand Platinum 

Jewelry, laboratory equipment, etc., generally use platinum, which is a naturally occurring pure metal. It has a silvery gray tint and is quite lustrous. When coupled with diamonds or other valuable jewels, it provides a euphoric glitter. As a result, platinum rings look stunning on any finger. Take a diamond halo eternity band, for example, its platinum band will give an impeccable glamorous flair to your ensemble.

It’s a much tougher metal and won’t flex out of shape with time. In fact, this solid metal is about 20% denser than white gold. Although it isn’t scratch-resistant like white gold and requires polishing every few years. 

For strength, most platinum jewelry is augmented with 5% of other metals such as rhodium or palladium. Platinum is more valuable due to its hue, luster, and rarity. It costs five times as much as white gold, even though it has some of the same characteristics.

Some Strengths and Weaknesses

Firstly, they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction as they are hypoallergenic. They are more substantial, long-lasting, and carry a prestigious status within the jewelry metal circle. But of course, they are more expensive and will cause a deep hole in your pocket. It also loses its luster and becomes dull over time, if not polished at appropriate intervals. But even that is not always good as cleaning excoriates the platinum.

Now, let’s dig deep further and see if we can find out if one metal is better than the other.

White Gold V/S Platinum

1. Color of the Metals

To the untrained eye, when freshly polished both white gold and platinum might appear practically similar. At first glance, you probably won’t even notice much of a color difference. Both hold a stunning metallic white or silvery gray color and give off an elegant sheen. Nonetheless, because of the higher purity of white gold, their undertone appears whiter and more vivid. The high brightness is one of the reasons why some people prefer this metal to platinum. Which as mentioned before, loses its already dimmer shine with time.

2. Sustainability of the Metals

Okay, let’s make one thing clear when it comes to sustainability: both of them are bad for the environment. Large volumes of hazardous waste are produced through mining, be it gold or platinum. Because of the scarcity factor, the platinum mining and refining process creates more waste than gold. The whole ordeal doesn’t only create harmful wastes but also causes some serious other environmental impacts. It affects the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we use. Even the deforestation in Amazon can be linked to gold mining.

Now if you are a part of the populace who care about the environment, and let’s be honest, most of you do, then you should definitely make sure that the metal has been derived from ethical mining. Prices of sustainably mined metals will be higher. Save, it will be worth it for a greener, cleaner, and flourishing mother earth. On a positive note, both of these metals are recyclable, so keep heed of that next time you go for a piece of jewelry.

3. Price and Value of the Metals

As aforementioned in the previous passage, platinum is the costlier and the more esteemed metal. The reason again is its rareness. Just to give you an idea, compared to 2,700 tons of gold, only 80 tons of platinum are excavated per year. The other reasons for the higher price are the weight and skills required to work with them. Platinum has a higher melting point than gold, which necessitates additional steps between manufacturing operations. This drives up the price, and it also requires talented, adept jewelers and metal workers to form and design them. Alternatively, white gold makes up for its relatively lower price and shine, which it lacks in status and weight.

4. Maintenance and Care of the Metals

Both the metals are susceptible to wear and tear but to different degrees. White gold strips off twice as quickly as platinum. But platinum develops patina (a type of tarnish) with time. So to make sure that it doesn’t happen, it will require care on a regular basis. The continuous upkeep and the costly nature of platinum make it a better choice for special occasions and not for regular use. White gold, although less durable, its scratch-resistant feature and shine make it a perfect jewelry item to wear and flaunt on an everyday basis. Even when dented, it can be easily fixed by a professional.

Conclusion

With almost an equal number of pros and cons for each metal, it is truly difficult to say if one is superior to another. Needless to say, ultimately what kind of metal you will end up using for your jewelry will depend on your personal taste and preference and not on the fact that one is better than the other. Yet, it is advisable that you do your research before you buy such jewelry items. For example, when buying a diamond halo eternity band for your engagement, if you have a price bracket, then you will have to decide if you want to compromise on the stones or the band. Knowledge about the various aspects and features of white gold and platinum will make that decision much easier.

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