White Gold vs Platinum
White gold and platinum are two of the most popular precious metals used in jewelry making today. Both metals possess a soft white hue and can have many of the same attributes. From their initial melting point to their unique beauty, a comparison of white gold and platinum can help you decide which metal is best for you.
Price:
Platinum is more expensive than white gold. While gold prices fluctuate according to the market, platinum prices remain relatively stable, making it a premium choice for those who seek quality.
Durability:
Platinum is generally more durable than white gold. Platinum features a higher tensile strength and is more resistant to chips and scratches. If placed side-by-side, it’s easy to tell the difference between the two metals. Platinum is heavier than gold and feels more substantial since it’s softer than gold.
Ease of Care:
As metal goes, white gold is easier to care for than platinum because it is more malleable. White gold jewelry can be adjusted, repaired, and reshaped more easily than platinum due to its malleability.
Appearance:
Both white gold and platinum feature a beautiful, malleable white hue that fades minimally over time, with white gold being slightly yellower than platinum. Furthermore, when oxidized, they both feature a darker, more apparent hue. Platinum is shinier than white gold and it has a unique sheen that is different from white gold.
Cleaning:
In order to maintain its shine, both metals require regular cleaning and polishing. White gold is easier to polish than platinum and it does not require as much specialized attention. However, for platinum to keep its sheen and color, an ultrasonic cleaner is used to remove any dirt and tarnish that has accumulated over time.
Alloys:
White gold features an alloy of gold and silver, nickel, manganese, and zinc, which are all mixed together to form the desired hue. Platinum alloy is typically mixed with ruthenium, iridium, and palladium, which is why it is usually more expensive than white gold.
Melting Point:
The melting point of white gold is much lower than that of platinum. This is because white gold is an alloy of several different metals, while platinum is composed mainly of pure elements. Furthermore, the melting point of platinum is much higher than that of gold, at 1,768°F (compared to gold’s 1,063°F).
Overall, both white gold and platinum are beautiful and timeless metals that are used for jewelry worldwide. With their unique properties and characteristics, it’s worth considering both options before purchasing a piece of jewelry to determine which metal is best for your needs. Both have pros and cons, and a comparison of white gold and platinum will help you make an informed decision.
