white gold vs. platinum
What is the difference? Does one scratch easier?
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white gold vs. platinum
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
White Gold
White gold is an alloy of gold and white metals. White metals such as silver, nickel, palladium and platinum change the color of gold to a white color.
The properties of the white gold will vary depending upon which metals were mixed and the proportions used. Therefore, white gold alloys can be custom made for specific purposes, for example, alloys using nickel are very hard and strong and can be used for rings and pins. White alloys using palladium are softer and more pliable and can be used for settings to hold gemstones.
White gold is not strictly speaking white, it is a grey steel-like color which is treated to make the article look white. The treatment used is an electroplate of another metal called rhodium. Rhodium plating makes the finished white gold article look white, but unfortunately is wears off and the plating should be replaced approximately once a year.
Platinum
Platinum on the other hand is a white metal. Platinum is used as an almost pure metal, approximately 95% pure, whereas white gold is only 75% pure in 18ct and only 58.5% pure in 14ct.
Being a naturally white metal, platinum does not need the rhodium treatment, because it starts off white and will always stay white.
Platinum is more dense (heavier) than gold. You can feel a noticeable difference in weight between the same article made in platinum and gold.
Platinum’s best property as far as jewelry is concerned is its abrasive resistance. Platinum rings and in particular platinum claws will still be in great condition many years after the equivalent gold article is worn away. This is quite amazing when you consider that platinum is relatively soft and bends more easily than gold.
Summary of Platinum’s properties
· natural white color
· looks better than white gold when it is old and scratched
· feels heavier than gold
· will wear better and last longer than gold
· is very expensive
Summary of white gold’s properties
· stronger than platinum
· more rigid than platinum
· half the price of platinum
White gold is an alloy of gold and white metals. White metals such as silver, nickel, palladium and platinum change the color of gold to a white color.
The properties of the white gold will vary depending upon which metals were mixed and the proportions used. Therefore, white gold alloys can be custom made for specific purposes, for example, alloys using nickel are very hard and strong and can be used for rings and pins. White alloys using palladium are softer and more pliable and can be used for settings to hold gemstones.
White gold is not strictly speaking white, it is a grey steel-like color which is treated to make the article look white. The treatment used is an electroplate of another metal called rhodium. Rhodium plating makes the finished white gold article look white, but unfortunately is wears off and the plating should be replaced approximately once a year.
Platinum
Platinum on the other hand is a white metal. Platinum is used as an almost pure metal, approximately 95% pure, whereas white gold is only 75% pure in 18ct and only 58.5% pure in 14ct.
Being a naturally white metal, platinum does not need the rhodium treatment, because it starts off white and will always stay white.
Platinum is more dense (heavier) than gold. You can feel a noticeable difference in weight between the same article made in platinum and gold.
Platinum’s best property as far as jewelry is concerned is its abrasive resistance. Platinum rings and in particular platinum claws will still be in great condition many years after the equivalent gold article is worn away. This is quite amazing when you consider that platinum is relatively soft and bends more easily than gold.
Summary of Platinum’s properties
· natural white color
· looks better than white gold when it is old and scratched
· feels heavier than gold
· will wear better and last longer than gold
· is very expensive
Summary of white gold’s properties
· stronger than platinum
· more rigid than platinum
· half the price of platinum
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
that was a great answer. . . . i was gonna answer but you already covered everything! lol
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
great answer.
I do have a comment about the weight differences. We tried my exact same setting in platinum and it's twice as heavy as the white gold. I think gram for gram that platinum just weighs a lot more.
I do have a comment about the weight differences. We tried my exact same setting in platinum and it's twice as heavy as the white gold. I think gram for gram that platinum just weighs a lot more.
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
Thanks! It seems like platinum is the way to go then. I don't want my wedding ring to be discolored.
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
Discoloration is but one reason to choose platinum over gold. But consider the safety of your stone. Gold is a more malleable metal than platinum. In other words, as stong as gold is, it is considerably softer than platinum. For those who have spent thousands on a diamond, it may be worth the investment to secure it by using a stronger metal - over time, gold wears down.
When we were in contemplation of ring shopping, I suggested to FH that he could get a white gold setting but to make sure that the prongs were platinum. This way he could save some money somewhere and we could always change the setting in the future. He opted for platinum though. I love this guy!![]()
When we were in contemplation of ring shopping, I suggested to FH that he could get a white gold setting but to make sure that the prongs were platinum. This way he could save some money somewhere and we could always change the setting in the future. He opted for platinum though. I love this guy!
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
My FI opted for platinum too. I would have been happy with white gold but he made the decision to do platinum. I have heard if you are having a very ornate setting...pave setting for example it should be done in platinum because its stronger
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
Posted by beautyq115
My FI opted for platinum too. I would have been happy with white gold but he made the decision to do platinum. I have heard if you are having a very ornate setting...pave setting for example it should be done in platinum because its stronger
me too... FI decided the same thing for the same reasons...
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
Posted by Goldi1021
Gold is a more malleable metal than platinum. In other words, as stong as gold is, it is considerably softer than platinum.
That's actually the exact opposite of the truth. Platinum is, by far, more malleable than gold.
Platinum is a purer metal and a heavier one; that's why many of us are confused. It's denser (weighs more), but its purity leaves it softer than gold because gold is mixed with other metals (that's why jewelry isn't made of 24kt gold).
Most jewelers will actually suggest that if you opt for a platinum setting, you have the prongs made in white gold because it's much stronger.
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
Posted by NYtherapist
Posted by Goldi1021
Gold is a more malleable metal than platinum. In other words, as stong as gold is, it is considerably softer than platinum.
That's actually the exact opposite of the truth. Platinum is, by far, more malleable than gold.
Platinum is a purer metal and a heavier one; that's why many of us are confused. It's denser (weighs more), but its purity leaves it softer than gold because gold is mixed with other metals (that's why jewelry isn't made of 24kt gold).
Most jewelers will actually suggest that if you opt for a platinum setting, you have the prongs made in white gold because it's much stronger.
That's exactly what I was going to say...
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
Great response!! But, just to add...
I originally wanted platinum for my e-ring...then FH looked into it. He was told the platinum wouldnt be able to hold the setting and the chance of my center stone falling out was great. So, needless to say FH went with white gold![]()
I originally wanted platinum for my e-ring...then FH looked into it. He was told the platinum wouldnt be able to hold the setting and the chance of my center stone falling out was great. So, needless to say FH went with white gold
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Wow..I have a learned alot from this post. I always wondered what the difference was..now I have a question since my ring is platinum and I have a concern..
someone made a comment to me tha platinum 'fades' is this true?
someone made a comment to me tha platinum 'fades' is this true?
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
Milla, I think what the person meant is that platinum loses some of its shine after years. It doesn't 'fade.' I wouldn't worry :)
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
I would choose platinum over white gold b/c I have both types of rings and prefer the look of my platinum engagement ring. My fiance gave me a white gold band for our 3rd year anniversary as a couple years ago and now it looks a bit dull...probably have to get it shined/polished...I've had my engagement ring since 1/04 and it still looks very bright and clean. If you have scratches from normal wear and tear, you just have to get the ring polished and it'll be good as new! Of course, it's not recommended that you have it polished too often.
By the way, I noticed that we both have the same user id - Summerbride :) I'm really not trying to steal your thunder![]()
It was the first username that came to mind ![]()
By the way, I noticed that we both have the same user id - Summerbride :) I'm really not trying to steal your thunder
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
Posted by SummerBride2005
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By the way, I noticed that we both have the same user id - Summerbride :) I'm really not trying to steal your thunderIt was the first username that came to mind
![]()
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
My FH went with platinum for all the reasons listed in the beginning of this chat. He also thought I wanted it...but to me..I would have taken ALMOST anything!!! ![]()
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Ok I was wrong but then someone wasn't being honest with me.
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
I really think it is what you prefer. They both have their pluses and minuses. Every year or so if you want to re-rhodium white gold, you can butyou don't have to. My mom's engagement ring is 33 years old it's white gold and it looks great to me.
If you want platinum to maintain its sheen and appearance it can also be pretty costly. Although it will stay 'white' it does become dull.
Also, there is at least a $1000 difference between a platinum setting and white gold or yellow gold setting, but, I think that has much to do with the issue of supply and demand rather than its purity as a metal. Years ago when Fh and I were looking at rings for fun the platinum rings setting were not as expensive as they are now. They were always more than the gold, but not as much as they are now.
Truth be told, most people cannot tell the difference between the two. So, if you don't really have a preference, I would say save your money. But, if you do, then go with whichever one you prefer.
If you want platinum to maintain its sheen and appearance it can also be pretty costly. Although it will stay 'white' it does become dull.
Also, there is at least a $1000 difference between a platinum setting and white gold or yellow gold setting, but, I think that has much to do with the issue of supply and demand rather than its purity as a metal. Years ago when Fh and I were looking at rings for fun the platinum rings setting were not as expensive as they are now. They were always more than the gold, but not as much as they are now.
Truth be told, most people cannot tell the difference between the two. So, if you don't really have a preference, I would say save your money. But, if you do, then go with whichever one you prefer.
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
DH and I decided on white gold. My Mothers is platinum and as many times as I have polished for her, it doesn't shine like mine.
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Re: white gold vs. platinum
Posted by Stefanie
Posted by NYtherapist
Posted by Goldi1021
Gold is a more malleable metal than platinum. In other words, as stong as gold is, it is considerably softer than platinum.
That's actually the exact opposite of the truth. Platinum is, by far, more malleable than gold.
Platinum is a purer metal and a heavier one; that's why many of us are confused. It's denser (weighs more), but its purity leaves it softer than gold because gold is mixed with other metals (that's why jewelry isn't made of 24kt gold).
Most jewelers will actually suggest that if you opt for a platinum setting, you have the prongs made in white gold because it's much stronger.
That's exactly what I was going to say...![]()
I actually have to strongly disagree! SDR's (solitaire diamond rings) and stones in general at set in platinum even when the ring is made of gold. I'm not sure what independent jewelers are doing, but places like Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef, etc. all set their stones in platinum. It is a lot safer for the stones and makes stones (especially white ones) shine.
If you do go with white gold, do not worry about 'discoloration', yes, it's inevitable but a quick re-dipping (or re-plating) in rhodium will fix it and you won't need to do so that often. I have an almost 9 year old ring that is just now starting to turn yellowish/brown around the crown.
Good luck!
EFS
