Please clarify? Is white gold same as platinum?
I used to think platinum and white gold were the same. Both are shiny, silvery, and elegant. But once I started shopping for jewellery, I got to know they’re quite different. The difference is not just in price but in composition, durability, and maintenance.
Platinum is a naturally white metal, popular for its purity and strength. White gold, on the other hand, is actually yellow gold, combining with white metals like palladium or nickel to give it a similar silvery look.
To make it even brighter, jewellers usually coat it with rhodium, which gives white gold its reflective finish.
Here’s what I learned when comparing them side by side:
- Composition: Platinum is 95% pure metal. White gold is usually 75% gold (18K) mixed with alloys.
- Durability: Platinum is denser and more durable, making it ideal for daily wear. White gold can scratch more easily and may need re-coating over time.
- Colour: Platinum stays white forever. White gold slowly reveals a yellow tint as the rhodium wears off.
- Price: Platinum costs more because of its rarity and weight, while white gold offers a similar look at a lower price.
- Maintenance: Platinum needs minimal maintenance, while white gold needs reapplication of rhodium coating to retain its shine.
In short, if you prefer something timeless and low-maintenance, then go for platinum. But if you’re after an affordable and equally elegant alternative, white gold is a solid choice. They may look alike at first glance, but once you know the details, the difference becomes crystal clear.
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