What is the difference between white gold and platinum?

D hite gold and platinum are very similar at first glance, but they differ in several ways. How do you recognise the difference? According to the five C's: Composition, Colour, Cost, Care and Culture.

1. Composition

What is the difference between the composition of white gold and platinum?

The majority of white gold diamond jewellery belongs to the 18 carat category, which consists of 75% pure gold. To obtain the colour, pure gold (which is naturally yellow) is mixed with silver and palladium. Finally, white gold jewellery is rhodium-plated, which gives the jewellery its radiant silvery colour.
Pure gold is too soft and therefore not suitable for making jewellery. This is why we always speak of a gold alloy, a combination of gold and other metals.

Platinum jewellery, on the other hand, consists of almost pure platinum. It is usually made from 95 % pure platinum in combination with 5 % other metals. Due to its density, platinum jewellery weighs around 34 % more than gold jewellery. If you are looking for large earrings, for example, we recommend white gold, as heavy earrings can feel a little uncomfortable for some people.

In terms of allergies, both are about equally suitable. Platinum is known to be both hypoallergenic and very durable. Our 18-carat gold jewellery is an excellent hypoallergenic alternative to platinum.

2.Colour

What colour does white gold and platinum have?

At first glance, white gold and platinum jewellery appear to be the same colour and are difficult to tell apart. However, a trained eye can recognise the difference. A piece of jewellery made of white gold can be recognised by its pronounced silver shimmer, while the colour of platinum tends more towards a metallic grey. For the untrained eye, it is difficult or even impossible to tell the difference.

Due to the difference in colour between platinum and white gold, a combination of these two precious metals is not recommended. The following therefore applies to wedding rings: If the engagement ring is made of white gold, choose a wedding ring made of white gold too!

3. Cost

What is the cost difference between white gold and platinum?

Platinum jewellery is generally more expensive than white gold jewellery for several reasons. Although pure gold is more expensive than pure platinum, less gold is needed to produce the same piece of jewellery. The platinum alloy contains 95% pure platinum, whereas white gold contains only 75% pure gold.

Ein weiterer Grund dafür ist, dass Platin viel seltener ist. Jedes Jahr wird weniger Platinerz abgebaut als Golderz. Es handelt sich um knapp 200 Tonnen gegenüber jeweils 1500 Tonnen Golderz.

In addition, platinum in its pure form is much harder than pure gold, which makes it more difficult to work with and increases the labour costs of the piece of jewellery.

4. Care

How do I care for gold or platinum jewellery?

As white gold jewellery consists of 75% pure gold and therefore yellow components, it can have a yellowish undertone after a few years. This happens when the rhodium plating wears off. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to have the jewellery rhodium-plated again.

Depending on use, a rhodium coating can remain perfect for several years or even decades. With rings, the coating will usually wear off on the underside first. A platinum ring, on the other hand, will retain its grey colour for a lifetime.

As far as wear is concerned, the two metals are different. As 18 carat gold is softer than platinum, it loses some of its metal when scratched, whereas a scratch on platinum tends to "shift" the metal. Platinum is more resistant to scratches and external influences.

Cleaning white gold or platinum jewellery yourself is easy, as you have the right cleaning agents at home.
We recommend cleaning platinum and gold jewellery regularly yourself by gently washing the jewellery in a mixture of lukewarm water and a mild cleaning soap or soaking it if it is very dirty. It is recommended to have your platinum and white gold jewellery professionally cleaned over time by a jeweller and to have the mountings checked in the case of diamonds.

5. Culture

What is the symbolism of platinum and white gold?

Gold has long been the most traditional precious metal for engagement and wedding rings and symbolises the eternal love and devotion between partners. Gold is also often associated with royalty and the divine. However, platinum seems to be becoming the new symbol of prestige and wealth. Many an artist has been awarded platinum and those with a platinum credit card enjoy more privileges and benefits than the holder of a gold credit card.