Platinum and white gold are two of the most beloved precious metals that are present in fine jewelry. These beautiful, high-end metals reflect luxury and elegance and are perfectly suited to everyday wear as well as bold statement pieces. While platinum and white gold may appear similar at first glance, they possess quite a few differences. Understanding what sets the two metals apart may help inform your decisions when buying or selling fine jewelry.
Chemical and Physical Differences
On the surface, platinum and white gold look very much alike, however, their differences become evident when you consider the science behind the metals. Platinum is a pure element, meaning that it’s never mixed with other types of metal when it’s used to make jewelry. Platinum is also one of the most valuable materials on earth because it is one of the rarest. On the other hand, white gold is an alloy that is derived from combining pure gold with other types of metal, like silver and nickel. The blending of these metals is what gives white gold its “white” coloring and the ratio of pure gold to alloy can vary, resulting in different purity ratings.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Both white gold and platinum come along with their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. How these metals differ plays a key role in how they are used and which a buyer may prefer.
Cost
Platinum is an incredibly rare element which makes it expensive when compared to most other metals. Furthermore, platinum is a pure metal whereas white gold is an alloy which also increases its price. While white gold is more affordable, platinum tends to have a better resale value.
Color
At first glance, platinum and white gold appear similar in color, but upon closer inspection, you are likely to see the difference between the two. Platinum is naturally bright white and will not fade with time. White gold is known for having a slightly yellow tint due to the pure gold component, and usually, white gold pieces are coated in rhodium to achieve a brighter white color.
Durability
Platinum is much harder and more resilient when it comes to wear and tear than white gold. Pure platinum is very dense, which is a sharp contrast to pure gold, white is soft. When alloys are added to gold to create white gold, the metal becomes stronger, but it’s still not nearly as durable as platinum.
Weight
Because platinum is one of the densest precious metals, it is also one of the heaviest. The same piece of jewelry made out of platinum will be heavier than if it were made from white gold. Jewelry made from gold typically appears more elegant and comes with a far lower price tag.
Allergies
Platinum jewelry is considered hypoallergenic because the metal is pure. White gold contains alloys that have the potential to cause an allergic reaction. Many jewelers use white gold alloys that don’t contain allergens like nickel, so hypoallergenic white gold is an option for those with sensitive skin who don’t want to pay for platinum.
Care
White gold is softer than platinum and is more likely to tarnish, and as a result, it usually needs a little bit more care and maintenance. Alternatively, platinum’s durability and density mean it won’t corrode or tarnish and will retain its natural shine without regular polishing or cleaning.
Gold Rush Is Your Trusted Source for Selling Platinum and White Gold for Cash
When you’re ready to sell your platinum or white gold jewelry for cash, you need to look no further than Gold Rush Aurora. Our team of specialists will guide you through each step of the process, answering all of your questions along the way. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality customer service in a comfortable, professional, and discreet atmosphere. Each of our free consultations culminates in a no-obligation, all-cash offer, and we guarantee that we will always offer you the highest possible payout. If you’ve got unworn platinum or white gold fine jewelry collecting dust at home, the Gold Rush Aurora team is standing by, ready to help you secure the best price.
