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Platinum vs. White Gold: Key Differences to Know Before You Choose

In the world of fine jewelry, silvery-white metals are the most popular choice for settings that enhance the brilliance of diamonds and other gemstones. However, there is widespread confusion between "Platinum" and "White Gold." Although they appear similar, they are entirely different metals with distinct properties, prices, and maintenance requirements.

The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, referencing information from international experts and gemological institutes, offers this detailed comparison to help you confidently select your next important piece of jewelry.


Composition & Purity

The most fundamental difference between these two metals lies in their raw material identity.

  • Platinum: Is a naturally white metal element. It is significantly rarer than gold. In jewelry production, platinum is typically mixed with small amounts of other metals from the same group (such as iridium or ruthenium) to increase its strength. It generally boasts a high purity of 95%, indicated by hallmarks like "PT950" or "PLAT." Due to this purity, platinum is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin (Hypoallergenic).

  • White Gold: Is an alloy created by taking pure gold, which is naturally yellow, and mixing it with white metals such as palladium, nickel, or manganese to bleach its color to a slightly yellowish-white. The percentage of pure gold is indicated by its Karat value; for example, 18K white gold contains 75% pure gold. To achieve a bright, mirror-like white finish, the piece is almost always plated with rhodium as a final step.


Key Comparisons

To provide a clearer picture, let's compare the attributes that are most important to buyers.

1. Density: Platinum is much denser than white gold. This means that a piece of jewelry of the same size will be heavier and require more metal to produce, resulting in a higher raw material cost.

2. Durability & Hardness This point often causes confusion, but it can be explained as follows:

  • Platinum: Is more "durable" and "ductile." When scratched, the metal on a platinum piece is merely displaced or moved from its original position; it is not lost. This means the setting does not lose metal over time, making its prongs, which secure the gemstone, extremely secure in the long run. However, platinum scratches more easily, developing a unique, soft finish over time known as a "patina," which many people find desirable. It can always be polished back to a high shine.

  • White Gold: Is "harder" and more resistant to everyday scratches than platinum due to the properties of its alloys. However, when it sustains deep scratches, microscopic bits of the metal can be worn away and lost over time.

3. Color & Luster

  • Platinum: Is naturally a silvery-white color. The color of the metal is its true color and will never fade or change over its lifetime. Its shine is the natural luster of the metal itself.

  • White Gold: Its bright white appearance comes from a thin coating of rhodium, a metal from the platinum group. This plating gradually wears away with use (on average, every 1-3 years), revealing the slightly yellowish true color of the white gold alloy underneath. It requires re-plating to restore its bright white finish.


 

Summary: Which Should You Choose?

Attribute Platinum White Gold
Composition A pure, natural element (95% pure). An alloy (gold + white metals).
Color Naturally white, will not change. White due to rhodium plating, which requires re-plating.
Allergies Hypoallergenic. May cause allergies if alloyed with nickel (note: modern alloys often avoid nickel).
Weight Heavier and denser. Lighter for the same size.
Durability Highly durable; metal is displaced, not lost, when scratched. Harder and more scratch-resistant, but metal can be lost from scratches.
Price Price per gram was lower than gold in 1982. Price per gram is higher than platinum in 2025.
Maintenance Polishing to remove patina. Re-plating with rhodium every 1-3 years.
Resale/Recycling

Some countries lack platinum refining facilities,
causing buy-back prices to be less than half of the metal's value.

Easily melted and refined.

Choose Platinum if you:

  • Prefer a heavier, substantial feel for your jewelry.

  • Want a naturally white metal that does not require color maintenance over the long term.

Choose White Gold if you:

  • Are looking for a more budget-friendly option.

  • Love a bright, mirror-like white shine.

  • Don't mind having the piece occasionally re-plated with rhodium.

  • Want a metal that is easily recycled.

We hope this information proves useful in helping you choose the perfect piece of jewelry that best suits your lifestyle and taste.

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