Platinum is now the more affordable choice, and comes with a lot of benefits. Historically, it has always been the most expensive out of all the white metals used in jewellery, but now white gold comes at the highest premium. In terms of durability, platinum also is a great choice.
Platinum is easier to maintain over time than white gold. Platinum is also the most hypoallergenic of all metals, because of its purity. Platinum is made of 95% pure platinum, where white gold is made out of 75% pure gold, and 25% other metals.
Elizabeth shares, “Platinum is roughly 40-50% more expensive than white gold because more platinum is required to make a piece due to its density. It is rarer than gold, which also contributes to its high price tag."
Although not as dense as Platinum, White Gold is intrinsically strong and fine details have more rigidity. If a design features hand engraving, mill grain or square edges, these details will be retained by White Gold better than Platinum. The downside of White Gold is that it is more susceptible to wearing away.
The more pure gold used in an alloy, the yellower it appears. 18k white gold, which is 75% pure, appears less white than 14k white gold, which is only 58.3% pure. Platinum alloys appear whiter vs. white gold alloys, because they contain only white metals.
The only disadvantages to platinum are the higher cost and heavier weight. For example, platinum is a great metal for necklaces, bracelets and rings but not earrings, because the heavy weight may pull down more on your ears and cause discomfort.
Can you wear platinum in the shower? A similar scenario to gold, you should refrain from wearing your platinum jewelry in the shower as it will reduce its shine and luster. Water itself will not harm the platinum, but it well affect the overall look of it down the road.
White gold doesn't rust, tarnish or corrode. White gold is much more malleable than platinum, so it's easier to work into fine, intricate designs. It's also (slightly) less expensive than platinum and is ideal for those who want the look of platinum with the heritage and tradition associated with gold.
To be considered platinum, a piece must contain 95% or more of the metal, making it one of the purest precious metals you can buy. Over time, platinum will fade in a different way. It won't turn yellow, like yellow gold; but, it will begin to lose its shiny finish and build a natural patina (more on this in a bit).
The hardness of Platinum vs White Gold
Platinum is less hard than 18ct White Gold. Platinum picks up scratches more easily. It is however less malleable, making it ideal for setting diamonds. The more rigid nature of Platinum makes it a more secure setting for gemstones.
RHODIUM: TOP MOST VALUABLE METAL
Rhodium is the most valuable metal and exists within the platinum group of metals.
This gleaming precious metal scratches over time despite Platinum's cost and luxurious reputation. Like most other metals, small scratches appear from the first day of wearing an item of jewellery. The high polish of Platinum dulls to a natural semi-worn appearance.
does platinum tarnish? No. Platinum will not change color or fade over time, unlike some other metals. It's naturally white and remains that way.
Even platinum which is naturally a heavier and harder metal than gold will be prone to scratches and scuffs.
Because of its rarity, platinum is valuable and will hold its value as the years pass. We now know that platinum is a naturally white metal. Because of its pure white color that won't change over time, you never have to worry about any unwanted color reflecting into the diamond.
Hallmarked 18 carat white gold has a fineness of 750 parts and 25% of other alloys. For purity of metal, Platinum therefore has a 90/95% fineness compared to 75% fineness of white gold.
Chlorine can damage and discolor metals (like gold and platinum) and can slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones.
ADVANTAGES OF PLATINUM
Platinum is extremely durable and strong making it ideal for jewellery that's worn on a daily basis. It's highly resistant to stress and withstands both extreme heat and extreme cold, which means platinum jewellery will retain its good looks better than any other metal.
On the other hand, platinum is a strong, durable metal that is less likely to be damaged by water. Another factor to consider is the setting of the diamond. A prong setting, for example, leaves the diamond more exposed and vulnerable to damage from water.
Most people have cool skin, including people with dark skin and tan skin. If you have determined that you have a cool skin tone, you'll look best wearing pieces crafted of platinum and white gold.
Cool skin looks the best with metals that are bright and silvery, like platinum and white gold. The icy tone of these metals will complement the blue undertones of your skin, and can have a lovely brightening effect on your complexion.
As soft metals, white gold and silver are similar in that jewelers need to mix them with other metal alloys so they are durable enough to undergo daily wear.
Platinum is another fairly safe metal. It doesn't react at all with the chemicals in hand sanitizer, although it's still best to avoid it and keep up with regular cleaning to avoid any residue that will dull the shine. White gold, on the other hand, is more likely to be damaged by hand sanitizer.
If your jewelry is made completely from platinum or palladium, you have nothing to fear from chlorine. But a word of caution! Make sure your jewelry is completely made from platinum or palladium. If it contains any silver or karat gold, you must take it off or risk damage.
But platinum can bend, too. It's not indestructible. Another reason you should avoid wearing your engagement ring to bed is that blankets, sheets, and hair can snag on your ring, which can pull and loosen prongs. Of course, wearing your ring to bed a few times likely won't cause a ton of damage.